Three Ways to Prepare for the Next Trump Presidency
Many of us are asking ourselves: what now? What do we do now that hate, exclusivity, and money won? Not only won, but won big—sending a clear message that most of our countryfolk actually do not want a multi-cultural democracy. So what now? We at E4E are not sure, but we are churning some thoughts and ideas and figured we’d share them.
#1 Learn as much as you can
Get prepared by knowing what’s coming. I recommend watching this video about Poland’s far-right government to give you an idea of what’s coming. There are lots of similarities between what they experienced from 2015-2023 and what we are about to experience. Read Project 2025. This helps for planning next steps. Share educational resources with your community. Educate each other! We have got to get back to facts. Start a learning community. Compile a community library before they ban more books. Information is key to making informed and smart choices moving forward.
#2 Planning is the antidote to anxiety
Scenario Planning is an important task at this time. Ask yourself what will we do if…
The Department of Education is dismantled?
Ethnic studies is banned?
My students’ families are deported but they remain here?
Funding for the affinity program (newcomer programs, LGBTQ programs, etc.) is cut off?
Creating a Plan A, B, and C helps (a bit) to ease anxiety because you know what your plan of action will be if those things come to pass. For example, if you run a Newcomer Program and the federal funding is cut for the 2024-2025 year, this might be a plan A, B, and C:
Plan A: Create a bare bones budget that is just enough to run the program. Set a goal to raise enough between now and the end of the funding cycle to cover the bare bones budget. Pursue funding from local foundations, community organizations, churches, etc. to meet that number. Once you reach the number, make a plan to restore the program to the level that it was before the loss of funding.
Plan B: Find another program or agency that can accommodate your program and merge with them so that you can share resources. They may be able to provide the space for no cost or offer a part of the services that you offer under their funding so that you don’t have to spend that money.
Plan C: Pause programming for 6-12 months so that you can raise money/support. Make sure to let community know why so that they can help if they are willing or able.
If your organization would like support with scenario planning, schedule a discovery call with us.
#3 Build Community Locally
Get VERY active in your local community at the neighborhood, city, county, state levels. Build formal coalitions. Our power is the people, and if we start small and build, we will have a solid foundation to build our own institutions from. Build community with whoever is about justice and equity, no matter their race, class, gender, sexuality, physical ability, or citizenship status. It is the time for coming together, not pulling apart.
We can survive and thrive, together.