If you’re at all concerned about the environment, it should go without saying that you’re probably unhappy about a Donald Trump presidency. Even before being sworn into office, it’s clear he wants to promote the interests of fossil fuel companies and couldn’t care less about climate change. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent him from taking office now that the election is over, that doesn’t mean you have to quietly accept his inauguration. If you’re angry about the beginning of Trump’s term, here are five events you can attend this week to share your feelings.
January 19: Reclaim Our Schools Day of Action
Had enough of Trump’s assault on teachers and public schools? So have the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, which have teamed up to form a new group called the National Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools. On the 19th, they’re staging a national day of action to defend our education system from Trump and his anti-education cabinet picks. They’re planning to stage actions in cities around the country. Visit the Reclaim Our Schools website to sign up and find out about protests in your area.
January 19: Busboys and Poets Peace Ball
Maybe a straight-up protest isn’t your style – maybe you’d rather look back at the many successes of the Obama years and appreciate how far we’ve come. If that sounds like your scene, then you’re going to love the Busboys and Poets Peace Ball scheduled at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Celebrities, authors, and political organizers including Solange, Alice Walker, Amy Goodman, and Alicia Garza will be in attendance, so if you’ll be in the area, it might be worth hunting for a ticket.
January 20: #InaugurateTheResistance
Another event for those of you in D.C. to consider is the inauguration day mass protest at Freedom Plaza, held by the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition starting at 7 am. There are also a number of other groups speaking out on the 20th, including the Occupy Movement and the Democratic Socialists of America. You could also join #DisruptJ20, a group dedicated to disrupting the day’s ceremonies through peaceful civil disobedience. While you’re at it, be sure to check in with the DCMJ lobbying group, which is celebrating the legalization of marijuana in DC by handing out free joints.
January 20: Student Walkouts
If you’re a college student, check to find out if any groups on your campus are staging a walkout on inauguration day. (If not, there’s still a few days to organize one yourself!) Some of the major groups organizing the protests are Socialist Students and Students for a Democratic society. Visit their websites for more information and see if your city is participating in their events.
January 21: Women’s March
You don’t have to be in Washington to participate in this one, although the original Women’s March will be taking place there. With up to 200,000 people potentially attending, this is poised to be a massive event that will make headlines across the country. Sister marches are also planned in 386 cities across the US and worldwide, so chances are good there is one in your area if you’d like to make a show of solidarity.
And don’t worry if you’re not a woman – despite the name, the event is welcoming of all gender identities. The goal of the march is to make a statement of support for women’s rights, which are already under assault by conservative politicians hoping to capitalize on Trump’s win. Simply put, if you believe women’s right are human rights, you’re welcome at the DC march or any of its sister events.
No matter how you choose to make your voice heard, remember to stay alert and watch out for potential conflict with the police. This Lifehacker guide written during the Occupy protests is still relevant and has some valuable pointers on how to protest safely and legally. If you’re concerned your civil rights could be violated, study this helpful ACLU guide in advance. Be prepared, and stay safe.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons (1, 2)
