Resistance to Trump Abounds, And It's Not Going Anywhere
Local activists carry momentum forward
Today I am on a cloud, so lifted by the message that American voters sent out with their resounding rejection of Republican politics. What a moment of relief and hope!
For me, it feels like great possibility is in the air, and I want this mood to carry on as long as possible.
So in that spirit, here’s a brief rundown of ongoing efforts led by everyday Americans that champion compassion, justice, and sustainability.
Local residents supporting local farmworkers
A Northern California organization called Hijas del Campo is extending their reach on how they are helping farmworkers. The organization, which was originally set up in 2020 as a way to help essential farm workers through the pandemic, is now offering legal help to immigrants in peril during this Trump administration.
Last month, the organization hosted a farm-to-table fundraising dinner that quickly sold out, and brought together community members who wanted to learn more about how to show up for their farm working neighbors.
Next up, they are sponsoring a Christmas toy drive for families of farmworkers, which everyone is welcome to contribute to. Donations for their general funds are also ongoing. Learn more here and here, respectively.
An aunt and uncle on a mission to protect kids from gun violence
Kelly and Noah Dorrance lost their 9-year-old niece in 2023’s Nashville Covenant school shooting. As new owners of a vineyard, they pivoted the focus of their business to center on supporting gun reform in the US. For the past three years, they have hosted a music festival where all the proceeds go to Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
The Dorrance’s also created an alliance called Wine Country Unites that holds an event one day each fall to raise funds for Giffords through local wine sales. This year’s October 25th event just wrapped up, and featured music, community, and, of course, a big focus on gun violence reform.
When talking about why they do what they do, Noah Dorrance explained:
“It can be hard to create energy around that because people tend to retreat on that topic. It’s really important that we have moments of celebration of life that bring people together.” -Noah Dorrance
You can join their community of practice by donating and following the organization here.
Organization leading conversations about farmer and community survival
American Farmland Trust is getting the word out about the vital importance of supporting farmers and their relationships with the communities that surround them.
In October alone, the organization has been featured on news stations, hosted a moderated conversation during NPR’s climate week, attended a rural planning session in Virginia, hosted networking events for farm-to-school stakeholders, and published a new planning guide for farmers.
As federal support wanes, this organization is loudly stepping up to fill the void with innovative climate- and people-centered resources. You can find out more here.
Floridians showing up for the environment
Local nonprofit organization Clean Miami Beach is working to engage locals and clean up Florida’s beaches.
This week, as part of Blue Impact Week in Miami, the group is holding multiple clean ups, including one this afternoon. They are also bringing together a team for the Give Miami 5K Run, which donates 100% of registration fees to a nonprofit of each runner’s choosing.
You can learn more here.
Floridians from this organization and many other environmental and community groups are still loud, still speaking up to fight Alligator Alcatraz and protect the Everglades. Their peaceful demonstration on November 26th spoke to the diversity of people who will fight to defend local rights to the land.
We’re going to be okay.
All evidence tells us that our American community is, in fact, holding strong. We are building momentum that won’t easily be stopped. And I am so grateful for it!
I’d love to hear about how people are coming together in your neck of the woods. Thank you all for reading, and take care today!
With love and hope for the future,
Stephanie
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Imagine that!
With love and hope for the future, indeed! Thank you for these heart warming updates.