​Put down the device and mobilize

There’s more than one way to agitate the internet, but as of lately the biggest agitator involves Trumplethinskin’s twitter account--ok I apologize.Name calling is probably the wrong way to start the first editorial of the year but it may have made you laugh or motivated you to write us an angry letter. Good. We like to see the passion in your eyes.

Yes, Trump lacks the eloquence of nearly all of his predecessor’s--that’s obvious. It scares the bejeezus out of me, too, but on the flip side--and I hate to say it... what a brilliant distraction he’s creating with 140 words or less.

I, like many others, cringe when I look at my social media feed.The angry posts are feeding the beast and are only contributing to the white noise of cyberspace. If you don’t like what’s going on--return to the roots of activism. We can be armchair and hashtag activists until our typing fingers grow numb, but true grassroots activism calls for action--meaning if you want change or have something to say, mobilize, get informed and let your outside voice be heard.

Save the emojis for later when you’re tagging your friends as you’re volunteering or participating in a fundraiser in support of your favorite cause or non-profit--then hashtag away to your heart’s content as you give the world something meaningful to share and while you’re at it be sure to tag #hpredpic we’d like to see what you’re up to.

The Women’s March on Washington will be taking place on January 21, but participants aren’t just limited to our nation’s capitol. According to womensmarch.com, organizers are anticipating 269 sister marches throughout the world with over 500,000 people in attendance. It is believed to be the largest demonstration in response to the president elect’s inauguration.

The intent of the march isn’t necessarily meant to be anti-Trump. The marches are a response to the lewd comments he made about women, minorities, and various other groups during his campaign and to stand in solidarity with those most marginalized.

The mission statement of the march reads: “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”

There are two marches in Minnesota (St. Paul and Morris), two marches in South Dakota (Vermillion and Sioux Falls), and one will be held in Bismarck North Dakota.The intent of the march is to send a bold but clear message to Trump, the incoming administration, and the rest of the world on their first day in office that “women’s rights are human rights.”

Though we only have one march in North Dakota it leads to a rally at the steps of the capitol--don’t scoff. I did at first--How does a state like Wyoming end up with four marches when we only have one? Think quality over quantity. Rallying on the steps of the capitol will have the maximum impact--and if you go be sure to wave hello to Gov. Burgum and let him know we’re watching him and the rest of the folks in the prairie skyscraper--also known as the capitol building.

For a minimal fee for gas, a bus will take you from Fargo to Bismarck and back.The opportunity to stand up for what you believe in without having to worry about parking and saving gas. If that’s not a screaming deal we don’t know what is. Make your presence known and literally show our leaders that we’re here. It does a heck of a lot more than wearing a safety pin on your jacket. Just make sure to dress warm and don’t lose your mittens.

There are a lot of uncertainties with the incoming administration. Watch out for each other and be peaceful. Make us look good, make us proud and remember… no one likes a bully.