Turning Disappointment into Purpose

Disappointment, embarrassment, shame, disgust, fear — is there a new word that can capture what it feels like to be a left-of-center, compassionate human living through Trump-era politics? Take your time to feel these emotions and wait for even a hint of sun breaking through the clouds. When you’re ready to start building an understanding of this moment, I hope these thoughts below might offer some perspective.

Many people, even a majority, don’t follow politics closely. If you’re someone who does, it may seem incredible given the non-stop stream of headlines, but for a lot of people, politics is something to avoid — or they write off politicians as dishonest, out-of-touch careerists. In many ways, they may not be wrong. Every four years, these voters show up to do their civic duty and choose based on their own immediate needs, without digging into the finer details or considering the broader impact. As Reagan famously put it, “Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?” or, in Clinton’s campaign shorthand, “It’s the economy, stupid.” If the economy isn’t working well for people, incumbents have a steep hill to climb, and historically, few make it over.

Often, we believe we’re debating a single issue, but in reality, we’re talking about two complex topics wrapped together. For example, I believe every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body. I also hold the belief that killing babies is wrong. Those are distinct issues, and I can live with both beliefs, though I recognize there’s a gray zone in defining when a fetus becomes a baby. Our political conversations insist we pick either “pro-life” or “pro-choice,” but most people understand that nuanced, layered views exist. Those in power, however, often paint issues in black-and-white terms and rally support by vilifying certain groups — sadly, a tactic used on both sides of the aisle. It’s a shame, because at heart, most of us know life is complicated.

It’s often missed by my very liberal friends that many conservatives genuinely believe in community support, particularly through their churches. Their ideal (often) is a lean government, with the social safety net provided through opt-in, voluntary support. The U.S. ranks among the world’s most generous nations, with Americans giving about half a trillion dollars to charity in 2022. However, this fact alone doesn’t take away the very real, very painful setbacks that marginalized communities may face under certain leadership. For LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, and others who feel newly vulnerable, the stakes in this election weren’t just political; they were personal, real, and deeply impactful. It’s worth considering that not every Trump voter harbors hate, but it’s also worth acknowledging the immediate fear these results create for many.

A Trump vote may not have been a willful vote against others’ rights as much as it was a vote for lower gas prices. While this may be disappointing, it’s true. Although there are loud voices full of hate, I’d like to believe there are even more who are simply uninformed. The saying “Never ascribe to malice what can be explained by ignorance” seems relevant here. While I don’t believe Trump’s policies will ultimately help the average person, his rhetoric promises lower prices and economic strength. To move forward, consider that a Trump voter may not have weighed your rights against their pocketbook; they may have simply stopped at the promise of cheaper groceries.

Ultimately, the only thinking we can change is our own. I know I could have done more in the past four years to create the change I want to see. It was reassuring to feel that our leadership valued everyone’s right to exist, as Biden and Harris demonstrated, and I let myself believe that we were on the right track on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and climate change. This comfort may have led me to settle, waiting for government to do the work I could have been doing myself. In hindsight, that was a mistake.

If you want to move forward and find pride in a response to this national disappointment, ask yourself how you can help others — and take action today. Consider what you can do independently, without waiting for others’ approval or government support. Hearts and minds change slowly, person by person, action by action. Here are a few ways to make a difference right now:

• Support LGBTQ+ youth: Organizations like The Trevor Project and GLSEN work tirelessly to create safe environments and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. You can volunteer with them, become an ally educator, or donate to keep their services accessible for vulnerable individuals.​​​​​
   
• Fight for racial justice: Local chapters of the NAACP or organizations like Color of Change rely on volunteers to support policy change and outreach programs. Becoming involved, even at the grassroots level, can make a difference in your community by pushing for equitable treatment for all.
   
• Help immigrants and refugees: Many immigrants fear for their safety or the stability of their lives. Volunteer or donate to nonprofits like the International Rescue Committee or the American Immigration Council, which provide legal support, language assistance, and basic necessities to help immigrant families rebuild their lives here.
   
• Get involved in reproductive rights advocacy: Consider supporting groups like Planned Parenthood or the National Network of Abortion Funds, which provide medical and logistical support for people who may lose access to critical healthcare services. Many of these organizations rely on volunteers for education, outreach, and advocacy.​​​​​​​
   
• Join local environmental efforts: Many environmental challenges, like polluted water and air, affect marginalized communities most. Join a local conservation group, help with cleanups, or advocate for sustainable policies to protect both vulnerable communities and the planet.

As you feel the weight of this setback, remember that small, local efforts often ripple outward, inspiring others to care, to help, and to act. By supporting those who are most affected, we not only create change but build resilience within our communities. Your efforts help people today, but your own energy is the multiplier that changes the world - not some candidate that promised you something 4 years ago.