How To Keep The Women's Strike's Momentum Going

International Women's Day and the women's strike on Mar. 8 were absolute successes after months of energy-building efforts. So now, a day later, there's a distinct buzz in the air. We're all still riding high on the epic vibes from Mar. 8. While we were able to put so much of our energy to good use during the strike, we're not tapped out. We feel motivated now more than ever to make changes and continue to keep the momentum building until it actually elicits change.

And with such noble intentions, it's frustrating to not see a clear path to march along. A lot of you are probably wondering when the next march is, or when the next strike is happening, or what you can do to feel like you're still a part of it all. And the good news it that there's lots to do, the work has only just begun. And while mass movements are great for getting people riled up and in the right mindset, there are much smaller scale things you can get involved in, that have equal power to make change.

Here are a few things you might want to consider getting involved with going forward. Just because these types of actions aren't as loud in volume as a march, doesn't mean they're not as powerful or effective.

Find A Local Action Club

For me, in my community, it's the Women's March Action Club NYC. At each meeting there's an update on what each of the New York State and federal representatives are working on and fighting for from our representative committee. They talk about important news and updates on hot topics from our communications committee, including progress reports on recruiting new members, diversifying the group, and branching out to other clubs from our community outreach committee.

Go To A Women's Mixer

In each city, monthly mixers are popping up at bars where members invite their friends to come and meet people and hang and get to know each other and support a local businesses together. It's a great way to make friends and build momentum.

Join A Sub-Committee

Consider joining a sub-committee that speaks to your personal priorities and participate in bi-weekly meetings to actually facilitate action and help keep communities informed. The more you learn about your political and social interests, the better resource you become for others.

Reach Out To Opposing Causes

Reach out to other activist groups that you don't share views with. Maybe they don't fit your particular demographic, and ask if you can sit in on some of their meetings because you're looking to learn. The best thing we can do for ourselves and our communities is learn. And encourage others to be open-minded, too.

Volunteer At Women's Shelters

Offer your help whenever you can. There's always a shelter or cause that could use your help. If you have time after work or on the weekends, fill it up with volunteering work.

Don't Forget the LGBTQ Centers

These centers are growing and need your support and help. Get your friends together and volunteer together, share your experience on social media and encourage other people to participate too.

Read The News

Vigorously, and often. You're doing yourself and your community service by training your eye to differentiate between fluff and fact. Make sure you read multiple news sources for each story. And before you ever share anything online, make sure that it's coming from a real news source, that it has sources linked out and that the publication has a reputation that you're comfortable with. You don't want to contribute to the fake news that's already polluting our feeds.