Life
The weeks since Barack Obama passed the presidential baton to Donald Trump have been a whirlwind of executive orders and protests while the rest of the world looks on in bafflement. Even when you can't necessarily make it to a march, however, you know what you do have available most of the time? Your phone. In fact, there are plenty of ways to resist Trump's administration using your cell phone from virtually anywhere.
The transition of power has gone peacefully but not quietly. The Women's March on Jan. 21 shattered expectations, drawing an estimated crowd of 2.6 million worldwide to demonstrate against Trump's administration and policies. Since then, organizers of the protest have launched the 10 Actions for the First 100 Days campaign outlining a series of actions anyone can take to speak out against the current government. During the Trump-imposed social media blackout for some agencies, some National Park Service employees went rogue and tweeted several facts about climate change that were later removed. Protests at airports across the country have erupted in response to Trump's temporary immigration and travel ban, and some areas have reported an increase in political involvement since his inauguration.
So what are some steps you can take to speak out against an administration characterized by sexist, xenophobic policies? Here are seven suggestions that require nothing but your phone.
1
Set Up Push Notifications For News
One of the most important parts of political involvement is staying informed. To keep up with breaking news, set up push notifications for your favorite news app. Open "settings," then navigate to "notifications." Find the app you're looking for, then turn "allow notifications" on.
2
Sign Up For Daily Action Alerts
Several different political-action newsletters have popped up since Trump was elected, but Daily Action Alerts curates simple actions specific to your phone. Text DAILY to the number 228466, and you'll get a text every weekday about an urgent, local issue.
3
Follow The Women's March Instagram
The Women's March Instagram is great stress relief; there's nothing so comforting as scrolling through a series of photos from protests against Trump and knowing that you're not alone. It also posts about current events and their First 100 Days campaign, so it's a great way to keep up with ways to get involved with politics.
4
Keep Up With Social Media
You don't have to be one of those people who's constantly going on political rants — in fact, please don't, as they're not always constructive — but don't be afraid to talk about it online or in person. People need to understand that politics aren't theoretical; Trump's policies affect actual human beings. So if you're at a protest, Instagram it. If you read a fantastic article from a former National Security Council member on Steve Bannon's appointment, share it. You get the idea.
5
Listen To Podcasts
You don't have to read all your political news. Try listening to politically-oriented podcasts on your morning commute or while you're working out. Two of my favorites are the NPR Politics Podcast and Political Gabfest, but you can pick and choose based on the issues important to you.
6
Download Useful Apps
There are plenty of politically-oriented apps out there. To keep up with what Congress is up to, download Countable, and for daily fact-checking, make room for Politifact's app on your phone. Those are just a few of many options, so get to Googling.
7
Call Your Representatives
Finally, use your phone for its original purpose: Calling people. Make a list of your local representatives (you can find them here) and let you know what you think of their voting patterns.
