It has only been 9 days since President Obama left office and a new administration took over in his place. Since then, Trump has signed a number of executive orders including but not limited to: an order starting the process to create a wall on the US-Mexico border, an order seeking the “prompt repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” and, probably the most egregious, an order banning people from 7-countries and Syrian refugees from entering the United States.

While this has been disheartening and anxiety-inducing, this is not the time for inaction. It is in times like these that we must mobilize in resistance against the institutions and actors who seek to oppress the most marginalized among us and deny basic civil rights to those in need.

Here are five ways you can do something right now to fight back against the tyrannical policies coming from the White House:

1. Donate to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) as they fight against Trump’s Immigration Ban.

The ACLU announced yesterday that it will be challenging Trump’s “Muslim Ban” through a formal case. While they cannot affect the long-term impacts of the order, they are working specifically to protect and advocate for the people who have been stranded at airports across the country and the world as they try to re-enter the United States legally. These travellers have been illegally detained by airport and local police forces sparking protests from Los Angeles to New York. If you can, donate to their cause today.

You should also donate and support groups like the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). They have a number of articles on their blog about this current fight for just immigration. Consider sharing their work and pushing forward their goals through greater visibility.

These sorts of organizations are directly engaged with the those who are directly impacted by these racist policies. Give them your support.

2. Read up on the issues and educate your family and friends.

There are a number of resources to learn more about what is at stake here. Here, we have covered exactly why immigration reform and justice is actually a Black issue too (contrary to popular opinion). We also have articles discussing how this country’s long history of unjust immigration policing and the denial of rights to those who seek entry into this country has deep impacts on communities of color.

You can also learn about ways that organizations against unjust deportations and immigration control are fighting back at #Not1More, a site dedicated to ending deportations.

But, don’t just read about it. Share it. Far too many people are unknowledgeable when it comes to political issues especially those which don’t seem to directly impact them. This is not a time to be passive or introspective. Get the word out. It is a matter of life and death.

3. Call your local government officials.

There are many ways to get in contact with your local and national leaders. You can call into the national switchboard to contact your leader directly at 202-224-3121. You can also contact your congressional team on Facebook or Twitter. Most lines are busy but keep calling until someone answers.

Each voice matters. The more of us who speak up and out about the implications of these policies, the more our representatives will have to listen.

4. Join local organizers in their direct actions.

There are a number of organizations that are fighting for justice in communities of color, queer communities, and poor communities. All of these communities are impacted (and targeted) by the executive orders Trump has signed thus far.

Namely, BYP 100, Black Lives Matter, and Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD) work tirelessly to ensure the rights and freedom of marginalized people. These groups differ from city to city and state to state. Look up their planned demonstrations and actions to see how you can get involved.

5.  Sign petitions that call for the immediate end to these racist policies.

MoveOn.org has a number of petitions posted which call for an immediate end to the unjust treatment of marginalized people in the US. The petition calling for an end to the “Muslim Ban” has just over 260,000 signatures and needs thousands more.

According to the petition:

“Targeting people based on their religion is wrong and unconstitutional. Shutting the doors on some of the most vulnerable people in the world—refugees seeking safety—shows a moral bankruptcy that is shocking even for Donald Trump. We demand that you go on record and resoundingly reject Trump’s Muslim ban.”

 

Don’t talk about it. Be about it. We all have work to do to make this a more just world. Have you done your part?

 

Photo via Wiki Commons