Post-election 2024: Where do we go from here?

We’re all processing the results of the presidential election in different ways. AA+PIs, in particular, have responded with concerns over President-elect Donald Trump’s “Project 2025” plan and fears of possible upticks in anti-Asian hate crimes and attacks on other issues that intersect with and affect the AA+PI community such as women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, health care, gun safety, and the economy. Even a week later, there’s still a palpable sense of stress, fear, and dread as many (and not just AA+PIs) contemplate what the election results will mean for their livelihoods, communities, and futures. 

I know it may not feel like it, but will you trust me when I say we’ll get through this in one piece and be okay? From 2020-23, I worked as a community organizer, canvassing manager, phone banker, digital politics strategist, and high school teacher of critical race and gender theory in Atlanta. In the wake of the 2021 Jan. 6 insurrection on the Capitol building and the tragic Atlanta AA+PI spa shootings a few months later, I worked to mobilize voters around the runoff elections and AA+PI issues during the former and co-hosted a Georgia vigil for the victims of the latter. In 2020, I served as a student organization leader to help spread online awareness about Black Lives Matter and anti-Asian hate via campus advocacy and student movement. Before that, I witnessed the inaugural Women’s March in 2017, and protests against the Muslim ban during Trump’s first administration. Living through these historical events has taught me that it’s easy to give into despair, but we’re more resilient than we give ourselves credit for and we have more collective power to create political change than we believe.

Commitment to justice is a daily act and hope can never run out of fuel. But to remain persistent in the face of adversity means we must first take care of ourselves. Protecting our physical and mental well-being, on an individual and community level, is our greatest strength. As Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Rest is resistance. Once you’ve coped with the election results and processed them, you’ll be better equipped to fight back and take action during the next four years. Here are some tips to take care of yourself and find your sense of political agency again after the election: 

Extend yourself—and others some grace

Like I said, everyone processes emotions differently. Some people doom scroll and consume daily news on TV. Other people disconnect, disassociate, and would rather talk about anything else besides the election. Some passionately post their opinions online, blow up the group chat, and confront family members who voted differently at dinner. Regardless of how you respond, give yourself the space and time to feel your feelings. Engage in self-care activities, whatever that may look like for you. It can be journaling, taking a walk away from screens, connecting with supportive friends and family, or exercising. Healing and recovering from an election result also doesn’t have to be done alone. Be patient with yourself and others. There is still time to organize and act. Rather than pointing fingers, placing blame for the election results, and criticizing how others deal with their feelings, be patient with yourself and others. Constructive conversations around political issues can only happen with good coping mechanisms and emotional regulation. 

Know your own limit for news consumption and screen time 

On the topic of doom scrolling, there’s a limit to how much negative news we can handle before we become overwhelmed by pessimism about the future and our ability to help create a better one. To avoid burnout, it’s important to set boundaries on screen time. Yes, it’s vital to stay in the loop, but acknowledge that everyone has different limits. A good strategy would be to select one or two reputable, independent, and objective news sources you trust to get your political news and commentary, and check in with them on a schedule that works for you. News sources can be news outlets, political writers, community organizers, and activists. That way you’re not overwhelmed by so many voices at once, while still having your finger on the pulse. 

Develop a strategy when interacting with family and friends who voted differently

In such a divisive election, it can be distressing and anxiety-inducing knowing that some of our closest family and friends voted against our values and in support of an attack on our personhood. There’s no easy way to navigate heated political arguments with our people, but there are ways to protect our peace while still maintaining a relationship—if that’s something you’re interested in doing. When the conversation starts to head towards discussing divisive topics, approach these interactions with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgment. It may be challenging—especially since many AA+PI cultures are built on respecting our elders and hierarchies—but try to find common ground on shared values (even if your political beliefs differ). Conflict resolution is an often overlooked skill that’s integral to building mass movements for positive change. This means active listening, empathetic communication, and patient education about propaganda and misinformation will be the most important tools in our toolbox when talking with family and friends across the political aisle. And when talks or gatherings become too stressful, consider protecting your mental health by creating some space and limiting contact for a bit. 

Join and support local AA+PI grassroots organizations in your area

Once you’re ready to act, one of the best, most consistent ways to support vulnerable members of the AA+PI community—particularly immigrants, elders, English-language learners, the working class, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities—is through local grassroots organizing. Local organizations are the frontline warriors protecting our communities targeted by Trump. They are also expert advocates for the issues people in your community are facing.

Getting involved can look like:

• Becoming a member of your local organization to get news and help plan community events. 
• Donating to a local organization and amplifying their work.
• Attending community events.
• Volunteering your time. 
• Contributing to mutual aid funds and advocacy groups. 

Some national-level AA+PI organizations you can support are:

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ)
• Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
• National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
• National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)

Research proposed changes to state laws

AA+PI issues like health care, public safety, immigrant rights, abortion rights, and the economy will be impacted under the incoming administration. If you’re worried about potential federal and state rollbacks of rights, start preparing now before the laws change. This can mean stocking up on certain medications, scheduling important procedures, or developing a safety plan. Reflect on the steps you might need to take to care for yourself and your family. Research your rights and state laws to advocate effectively. In particular, learn about the ways local communities across the United States organized to resist harmful federal policies during the first Trump administration. We’ve learned how to protect vulnerable communities during his first term. We can adapt the same strategies for his second term. 

Register to vote for future elections

If you didn’t vote in this election and are eligible, register to vote today. Make sure you are ready to participate in local elections in 2025 and the 2026 midterms. If you turn 18 before 2025 or 2026, check if your state allows pre-registration by going to IWillVote.com or vote.org. Local races arguably will even more directly affect you, your family, and your local community. Track election dates, learn about candidates and ballot initiatives in your state, and commit to voting in every local and national election. Some of the important elections in 2025 (check your state and local governments for specific races):

• Gubernatorial elections
• State legislative elections
• Mayoral and other municipal races
• Potential special elections in Congress
• City council seats