Get involved in what matters.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article was written by a student writer from Northeastern’s Her Campus chapter.

I know I wasn’t the only person who woke up on Wednesday, November 6, with an impending sense of doom. It was easy to stay in bed and scroll through social media and lament the state of our country. These elections were historic, and for the first time in almost two decades a single party controls all three branches of government. For many of us this means total disaster, and no doubt many rights will be taken away with this majority.

Reproductive rights are one of the most controversial issues facing the country, and with these numbers, these rights will be at risk for many people in the country. Abortion rights are human rights. It’s not just about getting an abortion: These laws directly impact the health care and well-being of women across the country. People die every day without access to adequate medical care, and those rights are high on the agenda of issues that need to be abolished.

However, upon further reflection, there is no point in staying in bed and mourning the country we once had. This is our country and now we have a call to action. Not every state will have abortion rights taken away, and those of us privileged to live in them will need to get involved in ways we may not have before. Here are a few ways to mobilize in these difficult times.

1. DONATE

If you are privileged to have disposable income at this time, find an abortion charity to donate to. These funds are essential now and will become even more important as abortion rights are abolished. Many organizations across the country have been created to help women who need abortions and find themselves in a hostile climate.

The Roe Fund is an Oklahoma-based charity dedicated to helping women get the resources they need. Oklahoma has one of the strictest abortion policies in the country, and it is virtually impossible to obtain an abortion there. The Roe Fund works with out-of-state clinics and helps these women get to these places and also helps them financially. Due to the current climate, they are turning away volunteers for fear of violence.

Organizations like this are located across the country and are in urgent need of financial assistance so they can continue their vital work. However, some charities are more locally focused. You can donate directly to people in need of abortion if you find local support networks. These networks help women in need more directly and are also crucial. If you have something to give, now is the time to do it.

2. LEARN

We are in a terrifying media age. The news is so divided and ‘fake news’ is rampant. Many young people get their information from social media, which is often dangerously simplified. Research your exact situation. Does your country have an abortion restriction, and if so, how strict is it? What is the exact week when abortion becomes illegal? This information is essential to finding out how you can help.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has a card where you can see the laws set out by state. Find your state and explore what that means for your rights. Along these lines, examine your politicians. What do lawmakers in your state think about abortion? It is crucial that you are informed and educated on these issues so that you can help people and participate in the debate without spreading false information.

3. COME ON AND SPEAK OUT

Now is the time to make our voices heard. Find and join local advocacy groups and coalitions. Stay informed about what’s happening in your area. If there is a march, go to it. This is not the time to be afraid. We are in a very real situation where women’s rights are becoming dangerously politicized.

Now is the time to mobilize and make our voices heard. You can even go further than protesting for your side. Find out where anti-abortion groups are protesting and counter them. Their voices are loud, but ours can be louder. However, do not be tempted to violence.

The times we live in are scary, but remember how every step you take will become a Republican talking point. These issues are about women’s safety and body rights. Keep it that way, and don’t let the other side turn you into something we are not.

Right now, the most important thing you can do is not go quietly. We will not allow our rights to be taken from us without a fight, and we have a duty to protect the millions of women who now live in fear. This election is a call to action, and we must heed it. These rights will be taken away from many states, but not all. There is always hope, and we cannot lose it. We must keep fighting.