As we start 2017, we’re gearing up to confront the many challenges we know we will face, in the US and around the world.
The incoming administration has already made clear its intent to dismantle important protections to our rights and our environment. But there’s good news: we know we can stand up against these assaults. And we can start by looking to last year for inspiration.
For example, when Indigenous water protectors won an important federal ruling against the Dakota Access Pipeline, their determination reminded us that resistance is not only possible, but it can work. Or when brave survivors of wartime sexual violence won an historic legal victory against Guatemalan military officers charged with sexual slavery, their courage created a breakthrough for prosecuting rape as a weapon of war. They showed us that, even against staggering odds, justice is achievable.
To ready ourselves for the Trump Administration, let’s build on our past and imagine future wins for social justice. To get started, here are some immediate resistance actions you can take, and resources to keep you going:
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The Women’s March. On January 21, MADRE will join thousands of women, men and progressive organizations raising our voices against the Trump Administration and its threats to women’s rights. We’ll be at the DC, New York and San Francisco marches. Click here to learn how you can join one of the marches being organized around the US and the world.
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As we prepare to protect our rights and counter attacks on our social justice gains, the question for many of us is: what can we do right now to strengthen our movements and defend our values? Here’s an article I wrote to help answer that.
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In “The right is emboldened, yes. But it’s not in the ascendancy,” we’re reminded that people have not rejected the chance for a better, more peaceful world. Together, we can build it.
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There are still reasons to be hopeful. And that’s because people are rising up to defend our common humanity. Learn about other models of resistance springing up in communities around the country.
Whatever 2017 may bring, we will stand up against threats to our social justice wins and keep on pressing forward. And we’ll do it because we have you standing with us. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Yifat Susskind
MADRE Executive Director
