Well, if there’s one thing that was guaranteed this election, it's that it would go down in history.

For many readers, a second Trump presidency could potentially mark the beginning of a dictatorship and the loss of protections for women, people of color, immigrants, and other marginalized communities in the U.S.

And with so many unknowns for the next four years it's understandable why so much fear and anxiety has been amplified. However, I'd like to take a moment to remind readers to not allow their fears to consume them. It's not just unhealthy, but it also won't change the course for the future(s) you fear!

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On Election Night and the day after, I witnessed a multitude of YouTube videos and social media posts about how doomed our country is going to be. In less than 24 hours, there was blame toward third-party voters and those who didn't vote, posts announcing grievances with Trump supporters (and rebelling against the idea of remaining friends with them), advice for post-election anxiety, and a few IG notes by my friends who might be packing their bags and heading to Canada. But do you wanna know what I saw in absolutely none of these posts?

Any concept of a plan to make things better!

Throughout this onslaught of negativity, many people have given into a Doomsday mentality. Instead of taking advantage of the fact that Biden hasn’t left office and making a plan of action, many people have resigned themselves to wallow in their negative emotions. Although 24 hours is a reasonable timeframe to feel upset, the problem arises when your immediate thoughts turn to fleeing the country or prepping for an apocalyptic future.

Unfortunately, that is something far beyond wallowing and leans more toward fear, stress, and/or anxiety. If the election is taking a negative toll on your mental health, I'd advise seeking mental health resources and talking to loved ones. Additionally, consider taking some time off social media….people have gotten terribly rude after the election results on all ends of the political spectrum.

It's okay to not be feeling well, especially after an election with such high stakes. However, doom-scrolling and letting your negative emotions fester isn't going to solve this problem. We may not like it, but action is the only solution!

And no, your ability to take action doesn't end once the polls have closed. In fact, there are many ways you can (and should) make your voice heard year-round!

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So what can you do?

If you'd like to start getting involved in politics, the best place to start would be at a local level. Many cities and towns have their own meetings that allow citizens to attend to discuss any concerns they have or possible future projects. While registration rules may vary per state, high schoolers are allowed to attend city council meetings in the U.S. Even if you don't have an immediate concern or cause you wish to advocate for, it's always good to go so you know what's happening in your local politics. I'd also recommend looking into any local newspapers your city or town may have. You'll not only be up-to-date on any developments in your local government, but you'll also be supporting local journalism (it is a dying medium unfortunately, but that will be discussed in a later article).

Additionally, don't be afraid to reach out to your local government, they are there to serve you! Call or email your mayor, state senator, governor, or anyone else you'd like to direct your concerns or thoughts to! Seriously, you'd be surprised how much reaching out can make an impact, especially if you get enough people to do so. If you'd like to reach out to people, consider finding local organizations or simply talk with friends and neighbors about any ideas you'd like to see implemented in your local government.

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If you'd like to be more involved with national politics, however, there are ways to do that as well! Considering that one of this election's primary concerns was a possible dictatorship, the best course of action would be to ensure that checks and balances would be upheld in our government (which is something we needed to work on LONG before Trump).

Luckily, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers a variety of ways to get involved with the protection of our democracy. According to their Instagram, the organization has a track record of fighting back against Trump’s policies by organizing petitions and bringing multiple lawsuits to Trump during his first term regarding issues like the Muslim Ban, Travel Ban, and more. To learn more and get involved, follow their Instagram @aclu_nationwide or go to their website. If you click on the “Take Action” section, you can find a variety of petitions to sign as well! However, you should check the site's rules to see if you're old enough to sign and/or find petitions you can sign with parental consent on the platform. You can also always forward petitions to older friends and family members though! You can also donate if you have the financial means to do so!

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I know everything may seem grim, but we need to remember that the future's not set in stone. After all, if there is anything this election has proven it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed, the good and the bad. We may have another Trump presidency ahead of us, but it doesn’t have to spell doom if we take action.

Remember, the Declaration of Independence states that all Americans have the right to Life, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Happiness! If we feel as though our politicians and their allies aren’t giving us that we have the right to say so!

Also, if you know of any other organizations or ways to get involved, post them in the comments! If this article inspired any of you, I can make a follow-up so you can start taking action.