I’m a relatively visible figure in my community – at least enough that my Facebook posts show up fairly often in others’ feeds – and I felt I should do something with that. So I’ve been trying to collate concrete “next steps” for everyone who was dismayed with the results of last night’s election.

I’m not an expert in much of this, but this is my attempt to synthesize as much information as possible and make a difference.

ENCRYPTION
Do not eschew this. If you’ve ever worked in any form of activism, you know that the surveillance state is real, pervasive, and proactive. Here are some alternatives to use:

  • Signal/WhatsApp – messengers that have top-of-the-line encryption built in..
  • iMessage/FaceTime – iOS only, but encrypted.
  • Facebook Messenger Secret Conversations – FB has implemented encryption, but my usage of it has been wonky; only works on the Messenger app, not the desktop version.
  • SpiderOak’s Semaphor – Slack, but encrypted.
  • Google Docs alternative: no good ones yet; Box and Tresorit seem like it for now.
  • FireChat – mesh-based chat app that works without the Internet
  • Tor – browser alternative to Chrome and Firefox that leaves no footprints.
  • DuckDuckGo – alternative to Google that doesn’t track your movements.
  • Donating to the EFF is helpful.
  • Reading Bruce Schneier can’t hurt.

 

JOURNALISM

Stop reblogging bullshit sites like Occupy Democrats. Instead, donate and/or subscribe to organizations like:

 

ACTIVISM

DONATE/VOLUNTEER
A couple of the organizations you might want to support/volunteer with (most often suggested at the top):

  • ACLU
  • EFF
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Glide (feed the hungry)
  • Americorps
  • Border Angels (immigration reform)
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (afterschool activities)
  • Campaign Zero (anti-police brutality)
  • The Center for Reproductive Rights
  • The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
  • EarthJustice
  • The Mazzoni Center (LGBTQ care in Philadelphia)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America
  • The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
  • The NAACP Legal Defense Fund
  • The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
  • The National Immigration Law Center
  • The National Immigration Forum
  • National Organization for Women (NOW)
  • The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault
  • NextGen Climate Action
  • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
  • Running Start (educating young women about politics)
  • She Should Run (women in leadership)
  • The Sierra Club
  • The Southern Poverty Law Center (anti-hate groups)
  • The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (non-cisgender legal support)
  • The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

 

SELF-CARE

  • If you or anyone you know are thinking of self harm, the suicide prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
  • Unplug from the internet and be outside a bit.
  • Be with friends. Call someone you love. Reconnect.
  • Minimize your intake of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, sugar, etc. Prioritize your health.
  • If you’re a woman who has sex with men, consider scheduling an IUD.