By Quinn Hoop
Citizens of St. Johns, concerned about marginalized communities as a second Trump administration begins, convened for the second time on January 5th for a post-election community meeting. Although the effort is St. Johns based, the organizers made it clear that anyone is welcome, regardless of place of residence, or experience doing political organizing.
One of the main points of the meeting was that although many want immediately actionable items, it is hard to say exactly what changes will occur in our community post-election, and how fast they will come. Instead, the organizers stressed the importance of forming community networks which will be prepared to act when the time comes.
The meeting began with an introduction to a framework for power, and a group discussion of how power exists in our world, and how we encounter it. After this, the group broke up into small groups, which created plans regarding immigrant protections, trans-youth support, reproductive rights, and the creation of hope-spreading signs.
The organizers also discussed how the space could act as a conduit for people to find more formal organizations with issue specific goals and more volunteering / activism opportunities. The group also discussed the possibility of reaching out to elected officials to let the local government know what the people stand for.
The next meeting will occur on February 2nd, at 3pm, at Los Prados Event Hall at 10105 N Lombard St. All community members seeking to stand up with and for their neighbors are encouraged to attend.
Find “We Are Worth Fighting For” tools for local organizing at https://weareworthfightingfor.org/