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For some Atlantans who supported Hillary Clinton or a third-party candidate, the days since Nov. 8 have been filled with some angst, bad news, and the occasional gut punch. The rhetoric used during Donald Trump’s campaign, questions over what policies he will actually attempt once in office, his potential cabinet, and questions over how he will govern left a sizable number of people with unease. Some others maybe feel a hint of depression.It’s a natural reaction after an election as bitter and divisive as this most recent one to want to tune out. But this election has reminded us that people must stand up, not give up. And that a safeguard against bad ideas from the federal level are good ideas, and good leaders, closer to home. The day after the election, Mayor Kasim Reed said that “local leadership matters now more than ever.” He was right. Local matters. And it needs people.The second Trump was declared the victor, the race for Atlanta mayor officially began. Next November, Atlanta voters will decide who governs the city for the next four years. More than 12 men and women have already stepped up to run for this position, and a few more are expected to join the fray. Whoever is selected will oversee decisions on affordable housing, transportation spending, policing, and more. Their administration will also work with the federal government on many of these issues.On the same ballot, voters will determine a shuffling of the Atlanta City Council, which sets policy. Considering many incumbents are running for higher office or a different position on the dais, multiple candidates will be competing for open seats. It’s Atlantans’ responsibility to vet these candidates and to support the ones they feel are best for the job. The people who fill those vacant posts — or serve another term at City Hall — must be the right people for the job.Before then, however, is the Georgia General Assembly, the annual gathering of state representatives and senators to discuss statewide issues. Women’s health, immigration, environmental issues, criminal justice reform, transportation — these issues and much much more get decided at the Gold Dome. The GOP-controlled Legislature will convene in January when a Republican president and Congress take office. The Gold Dome will demand close monitoring and public scrutiny. Speak out. If the local, state, or federal government proposes a plan that goes against your principles, or is just poor policy, call elected officials and legislative leaders. Social media is great for organizing, but it’s probably not going to get their attention. Call. Use your voice. That’s what the other side is doing.Face your government. Go to the Georgia General Assembly and tell elected officials your views. Take MARTA to City Hall and tell City Council about issues affecting your neighborhood and city. Go to your neighborhood association and Neighborhood Planning Unit, meet your neighbors, and organize. Build coalitions on the community level and strengthen the place you call home. You would be surprised how few people attend local meetings yet how much of an impact they can make.If you value journalism that holds people and institutions accountable, buy an online or print subscription to quality news outlets. The
Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the state’s most robust investigative division; it can only improve with more funding. Atlanta’s public radio stations, longform publications such as
Atlanta magazine, and standalone news operations like Decaturish and Atlanta Unfiltered deserve support. Keep picking up
Creative Loafing, visiting us online, telling us to monitor government, and pointing us to issues no one else wants to discuss.On nearly every issue, there’s a nonprofit or advocacy group that is trying to make progress on a variety of issues. Whether you know it or not, Atlanta has benefited from their work. They run on little funding and a lot of energy. Donate to organizations you believe in. If you can’t donate, then volunteer with your time.Other people are doing this. The
New York Times, ProPublica, Mother Jones, and other news organizations say
subscriptions and donations have increased after the election. The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood have
reported similar spikes in contributions. And people are getting engaged. On Nov. 9, roughly 24 hours after Georgia polls closed, a group of approximately 100 people gathered near the gates of Piedmont Park on 10th Street. Most of them likely had spent the day, like others who supported Clinton or were fearing a Trump victory, wondering where the country goes next. Then they marched. The next day they did the same thing. They marched again the following night, this time with more people. As
CL went to press, another march was planned for Wednesday.
These Atlantans decided to use their voices. Others can do the same. It takes time and effort, but progress requires work. Don’t allow fear of the future to paralyze you. Use it as motivation.