In Light of Recent Events: Women to Support, Learn From, Shop From, and Value


I can't pretend like I've had a large voice in this election or in elections passed. I've never educated myself enough on politics as much as I should, I've stayed quiet, and I used the fact that I don't live in a swing state to not vote in the last presidential election. It's not something I'm proud of. However, this year I voted. Not only did I vote, but I voted for a woman. I voted for the rights of women in general, for my LGBTQ friends, for my Hispanic friends, for my Muslim friends, for my African American friends. And, as we all know, the person who represents the worst for all of these groups of people was the one elected.

I've been trying to tell myself since Tuesday night, as my adrenaline of voting for the first time started to fade and the inevitable started to become clear, that it's not the end of the world. And it's not. But it is scary, and it is bleak. I spent all of yesterday, as so many of us did, feeling lost and not wanting to get out of bed. Today, though, I want to focus on the positive. There are countless groups that need our support right now more than ever, so forgive me for just using this post to focus on women, but it's what I know best. In light of yesterday's news, here are some badass ladies, organizations, and and stores that I want to support. The good news? This post barely scratches the surface. I wrote about the women I thought of off the top of my head, but there too many others who deserve your support as well.


Women in Senate: In much more optimistic news, women broke records in the Senate. We can at least find comfort in the fact that we elected the first biracial woman in the Senate, the first Latina senator, and the first Thailand-born senator.

Girls Inc: Girls Inc offers multiple programs for young girls, both in schools and at facilities. Their after school programs offer devoted time to literacy, science, money management, the arts, positive body image, and legos. If there is a Girls Inc near you, I highly encourage you to volunteer.

Emily Gordon: If you know me well, you know that Emily Gordon is one of my biggest role models. A former family therapist turned comedy writer, Emily is intelligent, level-headed, honest, and funny. I am a huge fan of plenty of her work (including her book, Super You), but I especially lover her blog. Her post from yesterday, "Now What Do We Do?" is the most helpful post I read all day.

(gif by Rachel Howe)

A Cup of Jo: The image at the top of this post, which I shared on Facebook and Instagram, was created by Leah Goren and part of a now heartbreaking story on A Cup of Jo, who commissioned art to celebrate Hillary. The art deserves to be shared, and it deserves to be celebrated.


Planned Parenthood: There are so many organizations that deserve our donations, but considering that late term abortions became a big part of the conversation recently, it's more important than ever to ensure that women have access to birth control and a safe place to go when they are in need. (edit: I wrote this before seeing how Obama is protecting PP. What a wonderful surprise.)



Writes Like a Girl: Nicole's blog and social media accounts are often filled with inspiring and emotionally honest words, and I always come away from her posts feeling inspired and motivated. She recently did a post of an amazing collection of women to support in Austin, and it's filled with love for her community.

Hello Holiday: If you want to buy from a store ran by women who support women, shop from Hello Holiday. Also shop from them if you enjoy cute things, small businesses, transparency in business, and feeling good about yourself.

Boss Babes: I've posted about Michelle's coloring book before, but now is the perfect time to buy it to support a seriously creative woman and do something therapeutic.



Pins from Kate Gabrielle, Luella, Modern Girl Blitz, Bang Up Betty, and more: I can't believe how many awesome feminist pins exist right, but these are just a few women who make it easy to literally wear feminism on your sleeve. Luella also has been donating 50% of sales to Planned Parenthood and including a free pin for customers who donate to any organization that supports immigrants, LGBTQ+, women, POC, or others.


Jenny Lewis: Though it slightly deters from her usual sounds, listen to Jenny Lewis' all female band, Nice As Fuck, for empowering tunes. I've been listening to old Rilo Kiley on repeat since the election, and I particularly recommend A Better Son/Daughter and I Never right now.

Instagram posts from women who have said it better than I have: Ashley and Kelly's posts on being a mother during this difficult time, Lauren's post on being harassed on the streets, Keiko's post on making a difference, Christine's post on dealing with the news as a Mexican American woman.

3 comments

  1. Thank you so much for posting this - I work in Washington, DC and I can't tell you how much these organizations and the women in Congress need our support! Non-profits in DC need volunteers and supporters to help get things done. As sad as the election results were this time around, we can't lose hope and as Seth Meyers said, this only means that another woman will become President someday (hopefully soon!)

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  2. Thank you for this post! This really helps in know what I can do to help or at least I don't feel as alone as I did a few days ago.

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

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  3. It has taken me awhile to get around to this post; I saved it because I knew I wanted to on my A-game and have the energy to read/follow links. This is really great post!

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