Feeling overwhelmed? Here's ways you can make a difference

To those who came reeling out of Tuesday night with a fierce desire to take action, this is for you. Small donations can make a difference. Volunteering can make a difference. And more than anything, voting can make a difference. If millennials like us want change, we have to do something about it. So your friendly neighborhood Unravel team hit the decks for you.

VOTING

Ripples start small and grow bigger. Vote in midterm elections. Vote for your mayor, for your commissioners, for various local organizational boards. And yeah, vote for President.

Sarasota County residents, find your precinct here. Manatee County residents, check here.
To register to vote or change your voting address go here.

DONATING

“Hi, I want to put my money where my mouth is. Where can I go?” We got you. But the list is long, and can be overwhelming. It’s okay to pick just one. Local organizations need just as much help as national ones, so try those as well. Here are a few highlights:

The American Civil Liberties Union punches way above its belt working to defend individual rights and liberties protected in the Constitution. Donate here.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. Donate here. Florida has chapters in Orlando, Tampa and south Florida you can check out here.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) advocates for victims of domestic violence and tries to change legal policies. Donate here.

Planned Parenthood does great work with sexual and reproductive healthcare, sex education and informational outreach to women, men and young people. Donate to the national organization here. Find out what you can do for the Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida here.

She Should Run is a non-profit that aims to inspire women and girls to aspire towards public leadership. Donate here, or anonymously ask a woman you know to run for office.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) combats sexual violence, aids victims and helps catch perpetrators. Donate here.

ALSO Youth is a local non-profit that strives to end violence, harassment and discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity in youth. Donate here and check their Wishlist.

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) aims to stop domestic and sexual violence in our local communities. Donate or learn about volunteering here.

Friends of the Earth is an outspoken leader group (part of an international coalition) seeking environmental protections by focusing on the economic drivers that are hurting the earth. Donate here.

Equality Florida fights for equality and justice for Florida’s LGBT community. You may have donated to them after the PULSE massacre. They still could use help. Donate here.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE

Volunteer. Pick an organization from the above list, or one of your own ideas, and sign up. Many organizations are short-staffed and so grateful for the help, it’s easy to get involved. It doesn’t even have to be long. A few hours a week can go a long way to make you feel like you’re making a difference. Because you are.

Be an ally. The stories of xenophobic and racist hate crimes and personal attacks all over the country have risen. In the U.K., people of goodwill started wearing plain empty safety pins as symbols of solidarity. It says you’re safe, and it says you will help if you see injustice. A literal SAFETY pin. Read about the pin initiative here.

Take care of yourself. You can’t help others if you are falling apart. If you need someone to talk to or are having suicidal thoughts, reach out.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, because every life is a life worth keeping: 1-800-273-8255;
The Trans Lifeline, staffed by transgender people, for transgender people: 877-565-8860.
The Trevor Project specifically helps LGBT youth: 866-488-7386
Too upset to talk on the phone? The Crisis Text Line served anyone, free, 24/7. Text START to 741741 and a live, trained Crisis Counselor will respond.

Have more suggestions of places where community members can help, or get help? Tweet me @dghabour or Unravel at @unravel_us and we’ll add it into the list.