Beyond The Vote: How We Mobilize Our Communities For Real Change

The unpredictable game of the Presidential elections is a recurring moment of uncertainty that challenges America’s citizens. Followed by the waves of high and low emotions that come with collective change. This time can be incredibly daunting for the BIPOC communities as they are typically more heavily affected by the policy shifts that come with new leadership. It can be disheartening to witness the diplomatic system swing from one side of the pendulum to the other and the laws for fundamental human rights. Watching one President’s hard work dismantled by another brings a period of uncertainty over the country. As a result, some citizens suffer from election anxiety, depression, and fear of their overall well-being for the future. Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States of America, becoming the first twice impeached, 34-time convicted felon to be elected. During this election cycle, we witnessed voter demographics play in Trump’s favor as he gained more Black and Latino votes. The defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris granted Trump control of both chambers, what they call “a governing trifecta,” as his office now controls the House of Representatives and the Senate. Though it is imperative we show up to vote, real transformative change happens outside the polling booth in the work we do together in our communities year-round. How can we make changes in our neighborhoods? 

Elections are one piece of the collective puzzle on the path of justice and equality. We, the people, have the power, and it comes when we mobilize local and international efforts to become allies to our community. The key is to start locally and advocate change close to home by supporting our neighbors or causes dear to us. What does it look like to build community change despite the political leaders, and how can you be a part of it? There are many ways to show up and support real change. We all have access to educate ourselves on political structures, history, and the philosophies that have shaped our current governments. If you pay taxes, you have a right to know the judicial system and have a say in the process of power. Join a revolutionary organization to support, volunteer to aid a cause with direct action, and mobilize with your community. Humans are inherently social beings with a biological and evolutionary basis for forming connections to live together. Indigenous communities around the world still demonstrate sustainable ways in which we can live together in harmony with each other and nature. “Though they make up 5% of the global population, they protect 80% of Earth’s biodiversity” despite constant political policies that threaten their territories. The indigenous tribes remind us that our collective effort can change the tide and bring favorable policies. In the words of Malcolm X at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) on June 28, 1964, “We are not outnumbered, we’re out organized.” 

Grassroots Movements 

Grassroots movements have historically empowered communities from the ground up to create a foundation for impactful social change. Some grassroots movements have made significant historical impacts through community-led efforts, collective action, and unwavering commitment to justice. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) utilized grassroots organizing, led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, to challenge segregation and achieve milestones like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Black Panther Party (1966-1982), founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, empowered communities with programs like free breakfasts and health clinics while advocating for self-defense. In Mexico, the Zapatista Movement (1994-present) rose in Chiapas to demand Indigenous rights, land reform, and autonomy, challenging the impacts of NAFTA. Each movement combined local action with broader advocacy for systemic change. Together, they demonstrate the power of grassroots efforts in driving justice and equity worldwide.

Become an ally for change by joining a local grassroots organization. Find projects and movements you can volunteer to support or attend a meeting to stay informed. Speak up for the marginalized groups of people facing continual retribution due to political systems, from immigrants and farmers to the LGBQT community. Be a voice for women’s rights as policies limit their freedoms and right to choose. Slogans like “Your body, my choice” reflect the state of their autonomy in the aftermath of the presidential election. Use your social media platform to follow activist groups to amplify local causes and issues. In the digital age, our personal problems connect to a larger web looking for communal solutions. When we ally for social change for one, we shed light on all those suffering globally. 

Local Policy Engagement 

The current state of the world can leave us feeling hopeless if we forget the power we wield as a majority. When we address our attention to local needs, like decisions made in city councils or school boards, we can directly impact policies affecting BIPOC communities. How can you get involved? Research your local representative and attend town hall meetings, join neighborhood or city advocacy groups that focus on issues you’re concerned about. Changes in local policy can set precedents for housing justice, education, or policing laws. Build relationships with the policymakers that govern your county, and hold them accountable to the promises they make through petitions, phone calls, and community forums. 

Mutual Aid Networks

Together, we hold the keys for collective change, but often, individual problems can be a deterrent in our effort to contribute. Mutual aid is a powerful response to systemic inequities rooted in community care. You can support mutual aid initiatives by contributing to local funds for rent relief, food distribution, or medical supplies and connecting with existing networks through volunteering, donations, or skill-sharing. Examples like community fridges, neighborhood meal programs, or community education workshops demonstrate how small, collective actions address immediate needs. These efforts not only provide resources but also strengthen solidarity within communities. We must also remember to take care of our personal well-being as a revolutionary act to stay healthy to continue being the change makers we want to see. 

James Baldwin once said, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” America was founded through the violent theft of land from Indigenous peoples, indentured servants, and enslaved Africans, establishing systems of oppression that continue to shape its social and political landscape. Lasting change requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and resilience. Be an active ally in the fight for justice against imperialistic structures that govern us. 

Showing up is half the battle, whether that’s following a grassroots Instagram and sharing their posts, volunteering with an activist movement, going to a city hall meeting, or protesting at a college campus. Through unity and determination, BIPOC communities can create powerful legacies of justice, equity, and care that go far beyond any single election. Let’s honor our ancestors and stay vigilant in our roar for freedom. Remember, we, the people, have the power when we organize.