After election, a surge in the desire to 'do something'

The presidential election has led some dismayed by the result to put aside a sense of complacency and take action.
By Jessica Mendoza, Staff writer November 23, 2016
Christian Science Monitor

The election had barely been called for Donald Trump when Jenn Welch and Emily Winter decided they had to take action.

In an exchange over Facebook messenger late on Election Night, the two New York City comedians thought up ways they could champion the progress they worried would be lost under the new administration. By Thursday they had a plan: to stage a three-night comedy benefit on inauguration weekend as a form of community activism.

The project – which they dubbed “What A Joke” – would send all proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union. It also gave both women a sense they were taking meaningful steps towards dealing with the shock within themselves and their community.

“You’re donating money, but you’re also able to find relief and joy,” Ms. Welch says. “You have an audience coming out, choosing to sit together and experience something as a community, laugh together as a community. To me that is the most important part.”

As thousands of people took to the streets following the election in response to Mr. Trump’s surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, scores of other Americans began articulating their feelings in a different way.

•••••

As thousands of people took to the streets following the election in response to Mr. Trump’s surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, scores of other Americans began articulating their feelings in a different way.

Some, like Welch and Ms. Winter, organized campaigns that raised funds for advocacy groups. Others started calling their elected representatives or signing petitions. Still others took more personal routes – like going vegetarian to protest the president-elect’s policies on climate change.

•••••