See that glow in the water? Those are dinoflagellates. They’re typically microscopic marine plankton, and they emit a blue-green light called bioluminescence. I’ve been to the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, one of the most famous dinoflagellate colonies on the planet. Seeing these tiny creature light up the water at night together was one of the most beautiful experiences in my life.

Over the next four years, many of us are going to feel we’re alone. That our solitary voices don’t matter. It’ll be easy and even understandable to give into the temptation to remain silent. To think the effort you make can’t possibly make a difference anyway. Look at that light though. And remember that collectively we do add up to help illuminate the darkness. So don’t give up. And don’t be afraid to speak up, to interrupt even, to make your case.

So together we will continue to make a difference, to make our ideas and our beliefs known even as we embark upon what may well be the most disastrous Presidency of our lifetimes.