This election is one of the most significant events in recent history, as Donald J. Trump was elected to be the 47th President of the United States.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, history was made, but it was not the history of a first woman president. Instead, it was the history of the first convicted criminal elected to the Oval Office, voted in by over 71 million Americans. Trump's blunt-style campaign spoke to many Americans' unhappiness with the political status quo and the post pandemic economy. After leading in key swing states — North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — and making significant gains in traditionally blue states, Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote.
Trump, a man who has threatened journalists and the protections granted by the First Amendment; he vowed to carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants, reverse climate regulations, criminalize gender non-conformity and roll back LGBTQIA+ federal protections, played a pivotal role in overturning Roe V. Wade and promised to prosecute his political enemies; will now enjoy absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for all official acts following the Trump v. The Supreme Court of the United States decision.
A red current swept over battleground states for Congress as well, leading the Republican Party to win the majority in the senate. As of Nov. 7th they are leading the House of Representatives race, leaving community organizations as the best avenue for change. The following national and local organizations are some of many that Berkeley High School students and staff can use to move from feelings of powerlessness to action.
Reproductive Freedom For All, and Center for Reproductive Rights are two national reproductive health advocacy organizations BHS students and staff can get involved in. The Do No Harm Coalition and Critical Resistance are two local social justice organizations focused on “building people power” that students can further research to learn how to take action. A full list of California and National Social Justice & Equity Organizations can be found at https://mrc.ucsf.edu/california-and-national-social-justice-equity-organizations.
With Trump's vow to reverse climate regulations and defund the Environmental Protection Agency, BHS students can advocate through the local organizations Youth Vs Apocalypse, 350 East Bay, or any Bay Area climate organization listed here: https://www.bayareaclimateactionmap.org/profiles-all/.
The unhoused and low income population will almost certainly be strongly impacted by this election, and BHS students and staff can work to support these communities through the upcoming holiday meal hosted at BHS on Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2024 through the Alameda County Community Food Bank, or through any organizations found at https://projects.sfchronicle.com/sf-homeless/how-to-help/.
While mobilization is critical, equally as important is taking care of your emotional and mental wellbeing. We all have the right to feel upset, angry, or worried about the implications of another Trump administration. If any BHS students are struggling with intense emotions or their mental health, the BHS health center can be found in room H-105 or contacted with the number (510)-644-6965. The BHS wellness center is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.everyday, and students can access free mental health services and make an appointment at the BHS health center at https://cityofberkeley.jotform.com/203430685833052.
It feels so easy at this moment to hang our heads; to bathe in the anger, anxiety, and terror. But we unfortunately do not have that luxury. Now is the time we must organize; now is the time we must protect our community and those under threat. As Vice President Kamala Harris said in her concession speech, “Do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice.”