These first few weeks of the Trump Administration have been brutal.

The savage pace with which our democratic institutions are being attacked and dismantled, with the acquiescence of Republicans, who control both houses of Congress, is shocking. It’s easy to feel despondent and slide into disengagement, but that's exactly what we can't afford right now.

As we deal with the fallout from a second Trump term, we are going to need the broadest possible coalition of people who value democracy to step up and work together. This will involve organizing or attending protest rallies and combating misinformation, and may encourage us to build new partnerships. Just keep in mind, each of us must follow/take our own path. We can’t do everything, but we can each do something. Let’s think about what we are good at and do that.

It is also critical that we mobilize and advocate at the local and state levels, where our advocacy can be powerful. Advocacy isn't just an option—it's a responsibility we all share to ensure that our voices are heard, our values are represented, and our communities are protected. I encourage you to join us for this important day of action. Together, we can ensure that democracy remains a force for good in the lives of Marylanders facing these challenges. Register HERE.

Here are just a few ways you can take action:

Join a group engaged in the resistance. There are many groups doing important work that you can actively engage in, including WDC. Look for an issue that you are passionate about and find out who is working on it. Whether it’s a political group, a nonprofit, or a civic association, find your calling and put your shoulder to that wheel. Here are just a few examples: Our local allies include political organizations like DoTheMostGood or Silver Spring Progressive Action. And nonprofits like the Manna Food Center or Tommy’s Pantry are vital to meeting the daily needs of our vulnerable neighbors. Nationally, organizations like the ACLU, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the Brennan Center are among many doing critical work in defense of our threatened democracy.

Be supportive. Many people are facing really difficult times and are fearful of what the future holds. Let’s make sure to support our friends, families, and neighbors. It could be as simple as checking in to see how someone is doing emotionally or providing information and resources to families that suddenly find themselves uprooted and unemployed. Offering to babysit someone’s kids or driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment would likely be greatly appreciated. Do things that are sustainable. Find one person or one family to support, and that might even be your own family.

Stay informed. I know that for me, since November, it has been difficult to watch the news. So, I read a variety of publications online like the New York Times, Bloomberg, or Politico, instead. I also recommend several writers on Substack like Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, Simon Rosenberg, and Jennifer Rubin on The Contrarian. As hard as it is to watch what’s going on in the federal government, we must keep abreast of what is happening and the real impact it is having on people’s lives. We also need to make sure we are informing others.

Take care of yourself. We are all under a great deal of stress, so it is important to take time for self-care. This is not a sprint, but a marathon. We need to be healthy to continue the work we are doing.