【I Am a Plaything】

After Donald Trump's election,I Am a Plaything many are feeling hopeless and helpless as they grapple with the reality of having a leader who has consistently championed regressive ideals that threaten social progress.

In the face of Trump's impending leadership, coming together to stand for equality and justice is essential for anyone who's passionate about social change. But it can be hard to know where to start.

Consider these tactics a jumping-off point for social action after the election. Here are four positive things you can do to enact real change as we reckon with the reality of Trump's America.

1. Take allyship seriously

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Whether supporting specific groups who have been targeted by Trump's brash campaign rhetoric or investing in an Earth deeply threatened by the realities of climate change, upping your allyship after Trump's election is vital. These are just a few of the ways you can renew your investment to core communities and issues in the days following Trump's win:

Check-in with your own network

Take time to reach out to your friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances -- especially those who are women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ or Muslim. A simple "How are you doing?" is a good way to open up a conversation for as much or little as a person wants to share.

Donate to organizations making a difference

There are countless organizations working every day to support social progress. Feel empowered to give to your favorite organizations, funding work that makes a positive difference in the world. You can find a list of various national organizations supporting marginalized communities here, and regional organizations here. Organizations like 350.org and Greenpeace are aggressively tackling climate change in innovative and essential ways.

Volunteer in your own community

To make a tangible difference, take an active role in supporting local organizations serving your neighbors. Check out opportunities to make an impact by doing some community research. LGBTQ community centers, women's shelters and community groups for people of color are good places to start.

Become a crisis volunteer

Several crisis hotlines have been reporting a spike in calls since Trump's election, with organizations like Crisis Text Line and The Trevor Project receiving double the amount of texters and callers as usual. Consider donating your time to a local or national crisis line to reach those trying to cope with a future that can be uncertain and scary.

2. Listen to those most impacted

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Taking time to hear the perspectives of those most impacted is the first step to knowing what needs to be done to ensure all people feel welcomed in the U.S. In the aftermath of the election, marginalized communities are voicing their needs in several ways -- and we all have an obligation to listen.

Have essential conversations with those close to you

Connecting with people from various communities to talk about the depth of their individual concerns is vital to realizing the scope of upset -- and potential roads to action. But, before beginning these tough -- and sometimes scary -- conversations, be sure to ask if those close to you have the desire and energy to engage. Reckoning with the future takes a lot of labor -- especially for those with a lot to lose.

Read up on history

For communities on the fringes, reckoning with inequality isn't something new. Take time to expand your knowledge on the history of marginalization in the U.S., and what still needs to be done. There are countless books on black lives and feminism that deserve attention — especially now.

Keep up with a spectrum of voices on social media.

If you aren't seeing marginalized communities speaking up about their fear and frustration on social media, chances are your feed isn't reflecting the diversity of the world. Take time to seek out several voices from several communities -- like environmentalists, immigrant rights' activists and feminists -- to get a broader view of the issues.

Amplify marginalized voices

As you compile the opinions and concerns of various communities, begin to lift them up. Use social media to retweet the opinions of those who stand to lose the most from Trump's presidency. Share articles and vlogs coming from the perspectives of these individuals. Bring their perspectives into the conversations you are having in real life about what Trump's America truly means.

3. Take care of yourself

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With the uncertainty of this election looming, acts of self-care become vital. Putting dedicated attention on your needs, emotions and mental health during a contentious time is essential to your overall well-being. Simple acts of care can have a tremendous impact in making the future seem more manageable.

Maybe get off Twitter now and then

Social media can be a powerful tool to connect with others who are hurting, creating a valuable sense of community. But it can also get overwhelming to be constantly bombarded with fears and sadness when your emotions are already on high. Keep tabs on how social media is impacting you -- and don't hesitate to unplug when you need a break.

Don't feel like you can't grieve

For many marginalized people, Trump's success feels like trauma. And, many argue, it is. In staring down such mass fear, it is normal -- even expected -- to need to grieve. Reject any feelings or suggestions that grief is an unreasonable emotion to have right now, and take time to work through your feelings.

Reach out if you need support beyond yourself

If it feels like coping on your own is next to impossible, then it might be time to rely on professionals. While community networks can provide crucial support, mental health organizations and counselors can be invaluable to the process of self-care. Go to them unapologetically with your feelings of fear, doubt, anger and sadness. For more information on those waiting to help, visit here.

4. Start planning for the future

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As each day passes after the election, we come closer to living in Trump's vision of America. His leadership will be a constant over the next four years, making even thinking of the future incredibly difficult for those who are invested in social change. But taking the energy now to plan for the future will make Trump's America a touch more livable when his presidency begins.

Know what's at stake

Part of projecting what the next four years may entail involves becoming deeply familiar with Trump's policies and opinions. Though many argue the president-elect hasn't actually outlined much of his projected plans, we all have an obligation to do our homework to know what major risks and threats we may face in the next four years.

Attend a protest

Protests have been organized in major cities around the country to oppose Trump's election. Consider engaging in them to assert your feelings of displeasure with the president-elect's win. Take to the streets or the state house to play a role in catalyzing a national conversation about mass outrage, but also to connect with others to start mobilizing for the future.

Don't you dare quiet down

Trump's election is new, and so is an immediate reaction of concern and action. But, with any galvanizing event, there is fear that urgency may eventually die down. Make a commitment to stay engaged throughout Trump's presidency by refusing to stay silent.