Post submitted by Kat Skiles, former HRC Senior Marketing Strategist

9 Ways to Channel Last Weekend’s Energy Into Sustained Action for LGBTQ Rights

Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve faced setbacks in our pursuit of a more perfect union. But even in the darkest of moments, Americans have summoned the courage and persistence to battle forward. That’s why one day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, LGBTQ people took to the streets with millions of Women’s March participants around the world to speak out against hate, division, and fear.

And now, upon the March’s conclusion, we must not slow down. We must double down and channel the energy of this past weekend into sustained political action.

It’s more important than ever for us to organize, mobilize, and fight in solidarity against attempts to roll back the rights of vulnerable communities. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, HRC will remain focused and undeterred in our fight for the equal dignity of LGBTQ people everywhere -- and we can’t do it without you.

Here are some actions you can take right now to make a difference:

#1. Call your member of Congress and make sure they know that you care about LGBTQ equality and that you'll be watching how they vote on Trump’s cabinet picks. Ensure they thoroughly vet each nominee for where they stand on LGBTQ rights and ask them to oppose Jeff Sessions, Tom Price, Ben Carson, and any nominee who fails to make clear LGBTQ people should receive full protection under the law. Tell them you want the Affordable Care Act to stay. Ensure they know you support our LGBTQ family and friends who are immigrants. Put your lawmakers’ numbers on speed dial and call frequently. Your persistence matters!

#2. Stay informed on current events and share information. Read the newspaper, follow your favorite non-profits, and help your friends stay up to date on the issues. Sign up to HRC’s AM Equality for daily updates on the fight for equality and share a news tip with HRC’s blog.

#3. Talk to your kids about bullying issues. Let’s help arm them against bullying and harassment and ensure that all kids feel safe in their schools and community. Visit WelcomingSchools.org for tips to share with your child and school.

#4. Speak up. If you hear or see something offensive, please say something if it feels safe. It's our collective responsibility at this moment in history, to help fight against hate and create spaces that are safe and open for all. Let others in the LGBTQ community know that they matter, they are valued, and they have a place in our country.

#5. Reach out to local leaders. Whether it’s your school board member or your state legislators, changes starts in your backyard. Track local laws and policies and reach out to your elected officials wherever you might be.

#6. Follow HRC across social media. Follow HRC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up to date news, actions and alerts, including specific news in your city and state. Don't forget to add your email address to our list for the latest news as well.

#7. Volunteer with the Human Rights Campaign. Our volunteer-led events and activities are about engaging LGBTQ people and our allies, educating the public, and raising funds necessary to support the important work of HRC locally and nationally. Join a vibrant, energetic group of leaders in your community. Our work now is more important than ever.

#8. Make a donation to HRC and other non-profits. Your monetary contributions make our work possible. We promise to use your gift to fight for a world in which every single LGBTQ person has the rights, privileges, and protections they deserve.

#9. Share your story. Use your voice to inspire change. Never underestimate the value of your story and its ability to move hearts and minds to the side of equality. We have seen it work before.