Today is Trump’s second inauguration, and I’m upset about it.

I’ve spent the past few weeks feeling powerless and thinking of ways to make a statement about how I feel. One thought I had was to dye my hair pink, as a sort of permanent pink pussy hat. I went as far as making an appointment, but then I thought more about it and canceled. It would be empty symbolism that doesn’t help anyone.

Instead, I decided to volunteer at a food pantry. Trump may not be the reason so many people are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity right now, but his policies of cutting taxes for the wealthy, eliminating the welfare safety net, and other pro-rich, anti-poor aren’t going to help those people any time soon.

If you, like me, are disgusted with our current political situation, here are some things you can do:

1. Run for office!

Lots of people complain about “the government” but in the US, we are the government. Regular people like you and me can become politicians. If not you, reach out to your sibling or child or neighbor. Encourage good people to run for office! I happen to personally know several Wisconsin politicians, and they are amazing and wonderful people.

Lots of people say “all politicians are the same,” but this is not true. It is a way of dismissing the idea that anything can be done. While it is true is that right now our national government is filled with greedy, power-hungry egomaniacs, we can look toward a better future. What can we do? Encourage good people to run for office!

This can start small and local, such as school boards, county council, state reps, etc.

Don’t want to run for office but still want to make a difference?

2. Volunteer!

The need in the US right now is great. Homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, suicide, health care, domestic violence, … and so much more.

Reach out to a church, school, hospital, social service agency, or contact your local office of the Red Cross, the Humane Society, the United Way, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, or any other non-profit organization and find out what you can do to make a difference.

Don’t sit at home and grumble about what is wrong. Be a part of making things right. You’ll feel less powerless and be making a difference.