As we get ready to gather around Thanksgiving dinner tables around the country, we can’t help but think about what will be going through the minds of all the women, young girls, people who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, people with melanin, people dating or married to people with melanin and so many more.  With some of them facing the harsh reality that some of their own family members voted for Trump, voted for Project 2025, voted for taking away more rights when so much has already been taken away. 

The harsh reality is, the election is over. But, we have to acknowledge the historical significance of what Vice President Kamala Harris was able to achieve.  She was able to successfully carry out a campaign with a message of love, hope and acceptance.  She was able to run a Presidential campaign, being authentic and without having to compromise who she is.  And that is POWERFUL! She was able to energize voters to help win some of the at-risk seats and those we completely flipped from Red to Blue. In some of these races, ballot curing is still in full effect.

We had wins across the country where voters said YES to adding protections for reproductive rights to state constitutions.  It was a mixed bag, with Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York voting Yes but Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota rejecting these protections. 

All of these wins carry significant weight, no matter how macro or micro they may seem. Everything from Federal to Municipal to school board to class President, all elections continue to matter.

So, where do we go from here? We first take time to rest and recover.  Being tired is normal, make room for that. Take time for self-care.  Many of us poured a lot into this election and are now running on empty.  Surround yourself with your village.

And, then, get ready for a battle of our lives come Jan 20, 2025. WE WILL NEED ALL HANDS-ON DECK.

We will be banding together with other non-profits in our area, who have been our allies in carrying out the important work.  We understand the POWER of community.  We understand what the assignment is.  We have gone from ‘We are not going back’ to “We are not backing down.”

Sincerely,

Executive Board,
Riverside County NOW

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Published by Riverside County NOW

NOW chapters focus on six priority issues including reproductive rights, ending sex discrimination/constitutional equality, promoting diversity and ending racism, economic justice, stopping violence against women, and LGBTQIA rights. Our chapter welcomes new members to help fight for women’s rights on the local and national level.