If there’s anything that will ensure the next four years aren’t a total disaster – and that Trump serves just one term – it’s collective action.

In that vein, this list attempts to set out two things: some basic ways to protect yourself as Trump takes office, and ideas for challenging his agenda, in your own backyard and on the national stage.

It’s incomplete, of course. But if you learn just one lesson, let it be this: take precautions, but don’t forget to take action too.



Protest against the inauguration

Organizers have issued a call for people to converge on inauguration day (J20) to “delegitimize Trump and all he represents”. You could be one of them! For more information, check out disruptj20.org.

Can’t make it to the capital? Join a demonstration happening in your city. On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people will converge for the Women’s March, unified by a broad set of principles. You could even strike.

Take action beyond J20, too

Resist Here – an effort backed by the Working Families party – invites anyone anywhere to put pressure on their elected officials to reject Trump’s agenda, complete with resources and step-by-step guides for those new to organizing.

Donald Trump inauguration: 'America first and only America first' – president's first speech live Read more

Support people working with groups under attack



Whether you’re an immigrant yourself or looking to support communities that might come under threat as a result of Trump’s policies, Cosecha might be a good place to start. Just after the election, its organizers put out an open call for people to turn everything from college campuses to churches to cities into sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants. You can pressure the institutions you’re part of to do the same, and may also want to attend a bystander intervention training in your area.

Join up

If you’re in a union, get more involved in it. If your workplace isn’t organized, organize it! If you’re black, you could join up with Black Lives Matter network chapter near you, or BYP100. If you’re a Latino or Latina, you might get involved with Mijente. If you’re Jewish you could join #IfNotNow. If you’re a Bernie Sanders fan, maybe join the Democratic Socialists of America. Whatever group makes the most sense for you. There’s no point in being angry about Trump on your own.

If you have the means, give to the grassroots

Because grassroots groups will never be as well funded as Trump’s cabinet picks, donating to any of those listed above wouldn’t hurt either – even if it’s just a few dollars. And the water protecters at Standing Rock could always use funds and supplies.

Want some other suggestions? Try MPower Change, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Fight For The Future, Put People First, No More Deaths, the Movement for Black Lives, Southerners on New Ground, the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance.

Get legal help

If you are undocumented or have concerns about your legal status, this directory can help you find services available in your state.

If you’re able to get pregnant but don’t want to right now, get an IUD

In short order, reproductive rights could come under assault. You should consult your healthcare provider to determine which contraceptive method is best for you. One nice thing about IUDs, though, is that they can last for up to 12 years, meaning they will weather Trump’s administration and then some. (While you’re there you can get STI testing or take advantage of the other sliding scale health services Planned Parenthood and other sexual health providers offer.)

Bolster your data security

The Electronic Freedom Foundation has a great guide here, as do the Intercept and HackBlossom. Here’s one more. Read them over, and do what you need to to keep yourself safe.

Support independent media

As mainstream outlets become increasingly corporatized, keeping independent publishers afloat will be critical – especially if press freedoms start to come under attack. Donating to public radio and television is always a good call, as is supporting smaller outfits like Democracy Now!, In These Times and Dissent. (And of course, you can become a member of the Guardian for less than $7 a month.)

Read up on how resistance has worked in the past

The works of Charles Payne and Frances Fox Piven might be good starting points, as is – for a more recent example – the Ferguson Syllabus.

Look abroad

Autocrats are nothing new on the global stage. Countries all over the world are undergoing their own far-right and anti-democratic resurgences, from Turkey to Brazil to Poland to France, and can offer lessons for those looking to take on Trump. If you can, get a passport too. Just in case.

Learn from the Tea Party

If you’re mad about Trump, you may not be a fan of the Tea Party. But there are vital lessons to take from the movement. Four former congressional staffers – all of whom were on staff while the Tea Party was dishing out fresh hell to Obama and Congressional Republicans alike – have compiled a no-frills guide on how to apply their strategies to resisting Trump’s agenda. Read it and get started.

Get local

Our Revolution – the official outgrowth of the Bernie Sanders campaign – is backing a slate of progressive challengers around the country, and may be a helpful guide if you want politicians to support in your own backyard. Better yet, run for office yourself. It’s easier than you might think.

And lastly: don’t panic. Rebellions are built on hope