Since Donald Trump became president, people around the world have publicly expressed concerns about his ability to effectively govern. In response, protestors are inventing creative new ways to peacefully resist Trump — and these productive acts of resistance are quickly becoming the bedrock of life in these uncertain and frightening times.
Peaceful protest is a hallmark of American democracy — it's protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — and over the past several month, people have been exercising their right to peacefully protest with a will. Since Trump became president-elect Nov. 8, protestors in cities across the country (and around the world) have vocally opposed his policies. In the mere 10 days Trump has actually been president, almost 3 million people gathered at more than 600 marches to express outrage over Trump's attacks on women, climate change, people of color, the LGBTQIA community, people with disabilities, and immigrants.
Another example: When Trump implemented executive order temporarily placing severe restrictions and bans on immigration last Friday, people turned up at airports globally to resist the policy. The ACLU worked tirelessly to get a temporary stay on Trump's ban to help people who were effectively waiting in limbo be able to enter the country.
Others are peacefully protesting in more non-traditional ways, too. Here are nine of them — which, hopefully, might offer some inspiration for how you can peacefully resist Trump's presidency, too.
1Getting Innovative Online
This is kind of genius: Someone bought the domain name alternativefacts.com and redirected it to an article on Psychology Today about gaslighting, which defines the practice as a tactic of behavior in which a person or entity, in order to gain more power, makes a victim question their reality. Since it's been widely observed that Trump may basically be gaslighting America, the redirect is fitting.
2Going Rogue On Twitter
Unofficial Twitter accounts allegedly run by employees of the National Park Service have sprung up left and right in the past week, possibly in response to two different but connected events: One, the Department of Interior was instructed briefly to suspend all Twitter activity following a tweet from the National Park Services Twitter account about the size of the 2017 inauguration crowd; and two, the new administration at best doesn't care about climate change and at worst doesn't believe in it.
We don't have any confirmation that these accounts are run by National Park Service employees; all the same, though, it's a notable act of peaceful resistance. They've been tweeting out facts about climate change, among other things, reminding us that it is both real and an issue of major concern. Follow @NoAltWorld for the latest from the accidental leaders of the Trump resistance, and head here for a list of known "alt National Park" accounts.
3Flipping the Script
WeAreMitu, a self-described home away from home for Latinx people in the U.S., has created this video that shows the absurdity of the Global Gag Rule, which Trump reinstated during his first week. The hilarious video depicts a group of women lawmakers proposing laws to restrict men's reproductive rights. The opening of the video states, "One of the most important jobs we have as elected officials is to make sure men are making the right decisions for themselves." Proposed rules include prohibiting ejaculation of sperm except for the the purpose of creating human life. Good comedy always has something to say — and this one makes quite a statement.
4Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
I did not have health insurance for most of my 20s, and without Planned Parenthood, I would not have received any OB-GYN care. Now is the time to take inventory of the organizations that are working to make a difference to protect the rights Trump is trying to restrict, and donate to them. Even if you're mostly broke, even just giving $5 can make a difference. If you need any proof that every little bit counts, the ACLU raised fives times more money this past weekend than it did in all of 2016. That's what happens when we all pitch in.
5Writing or Callling Your Representatives
Remember, your state representatives and senators were elected to represent your interests. Write or call them. Many people are having post card parties, which is essentially a group of people getting together to write their concerns on post cards and mail them to government officials.
And if you can only do one of those things, pick up the phone. It's the most effective way to get your voice heard.
6Boycotting Trump Products
Donald Trump may be President of the United States, but that doesn't mean you have to support him or his businesses. Trump is financially invested in dozens of companies and corporations. If you don't want to spend your dollars at these companies, there's an app to help you. The Democratic Coalition Against Trump lists business that have ties to Trump in case you want to vote with your wallet.
7Running for Office
You have the power to change things by running for office. A new organization called Run for Something is recruiting and supporting talented, passionate millennials to advocate for progressive values now, and for the next 30 years, with the ultimate goal of building a progressive bench.
8Volunteering
Do you have skills that could help the resistance? Volunteer. Call organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, or even smaller local groups in your community that are making a difference, and ask if they need help.
9Showing Up
In the 10 days since Trump has become president, thousands of protests have sprung up across the country to oppose things like the refugee ban, and to request things, like Trump's tax returns. Find a protest near you, and show up. Every voice counts.
