In the wake of an election that rocked parts of America, many are left wondering: Now what?
The election results brought uncertainty and concern for what the future may hold, especially for communities already facing significant challenges.
Now that the dust has settled and with potential policy changes on the horizon, there are those here in Nebraska’s “blue dot” looking for ways to mobilize and ramp up efforts to support these communities.
The encouraging news is that local organizations are already doing the work. From those serving immigrants and refugees to those advocating for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color — they exist to protect human rights.
Organizations like the ACLU of Nebraska, Women’s Fund, Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, OutNebraska, and I Be Black Girl.
We have the opportunity to take action by stepping up in a big way to amplify their impact and ultimately create a safer, more inclusive future for everyone in our city.
I reached out to these five organizations to discuss their post-election needs and how people can support their missions in ways that are most needed and meaningful. Here’s what they shared.
The ACLU of Nebraska
The ACLU of Nebraska is a nonpartisan, nonprofit legal and advocacy organization that tackles key local issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice, immigrants’ rights, students’ rights, voting rights, free speech and more.
Ultimately, they want our state to be a freer, fairer place to live for all Nebraskans.
“We like to say that ‘We the people’ means all of us,” explained Sam Petto, ACLU Communications Director. “We all have a role to play in the generational work of advancing freedom and justice and creating transformative change.”
He said there is no question that Nebraska will need all hands on deck in 2025.
“The national election will influence what we see locally, especially in terms of government actions impacting our friends, family members and neighbors who are immigrants, LGBTQ+, and people of color,” he said.
Petto noted that when the next legislative session begins, they will need assistance reaching out to state senators and testifying at the capitol to oppose harmful bills. He also encourages people to share the “Know Your Rights” information found on their website with people in their circle.
Additionally, he added donor generosity fuels progress, citing a recent court case that protected ballot access for Nebraskans with past felony convictions and legislative victories such as the defeat of a bill that targeted young transgender Nebraskans.
The Women’s Fund of Omaha
Like the ACLU, the Women’s Fund is working to break down barriers to justice and equality by advancing community-driven actions to innovate, advocate and shift systems toward gender equity.
In a post-election blog post they acknowledged, “Progress takes time. So, we keep pushing forward. The fight for justice in health care, the economy, gender and racial equity happens in collaboration with each other.”
Their most pressing need is financial support.
Jill Heggen, Communications Director for the Women’s Fund of Omaha, said that with only 1.9% of charitable donations going to organizations working on issues impacting women and girls, they’re working on slim margins while trying to make a big impact on complex issues.
“As a nonprofit, we need individual donations to expand access and break down systemic barriers,” she explains.
Donations fund programs like Comfort Buddies, which hires licensed, LGBTQ-affirming mental health professionals to support individuals testifying before policymakers; sexual health vending machines offering low-cost emergency contraception and pregnancy tests to make sexual and reproductive health more accessible; and public policy initiatives working to create a future where laws, policies, and systems advance gender equity, protect bodily autonomy, and support survivors of gender-based violence.
OutNebraska
OutNebraska shares a similar focus on equity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights across the state. Their goal is for every Nebraskan to be free to be themselves and thrive, focusing on empowering everyday advocates.
Post-election, Aryn Huck, OutNebraska Community Organizing Manager, said the group knew regardless of the election results it would have an uphill battle working for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.
“What we need most from our community is people to contribute their time, talents, or treasures to our movement for equality,” he said. “We need you to join us for advocacy training, phone banks, and letter writing nights. We also are looking for advocates who want to host these events in their neighborhoods and communities with their friends, family, and other volunteers.”
Huck reaffirmed the Women’s Fund’s call for “comfort buddies” — which OutNebraska helps provide — to join as moral support for testifiers at the capitol or school board meetings, and urges business owners to get their workplace engaged with Nebraska Competes, an inclusive coalition of businesses committed to nondiscrimination policies.
“We all can be a part of making this state a better place for gay and transgender Nebraskans by showing up and being brave,” he emphasized. “We need to stand together now more than ever.”
The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA)
Advocating for inclusion is also central to CIRA’s work. The center offers services like support, legal representation, and social work to help immigrants and refugees in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa build a life here.
In a social media post published the day after the election, the center shared, “As a grassroots organization with over 25 years of commitment to our immigrant and refugee neighbors, CIRA is experienced in navigating times like this. We have been here before, and we will continue to fight for our clients for as long as it takes.”
Due to the uncertainty that the new political administration will bring, CIRA believes staying informed is key.
“By following CIRA and similar organizations like ACLU of Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed, you help counteract fear and misinformation, ensuring immigrant communities are aware of their rights and resources during this uncertain time when policies are changing quickly,” explained Sophia Ibrahimi, Director of Communications.
She added that one of the most meaningful ways to take action is by volunteering as a conversation partner or assisting with home set-up.
Conversation partners meet weekly with a client to practice English, while home set-up volunteers unload donated furniture into the homes of new refugee families and arrange it with personal, welcoming touches.
“With over 300 refugees arriving before Jan. 20, this is a crucial moment to sign up,” she said.
I Be Black Girl
As Nebraska’s first and only reproductive justice organization, I Be Black Girl is also working to create a sense of empowerment, specifically for Black women, femmes, and girls. It focuses on policy advocacy, birth justice, economic equity, and community investment to promote autonomy, abundance, and liberation.
Aaliyah Samci, I Be Black Girl Communications Strategist, points out that every election cycle is important, and Black women have always been at the helm of saving democracy.
“We don’t have a choice in sitting this fight out,” she said. “We know that restrictions in reproductive rights are fundamentally about autonomy and justice and directly affect marginalized communities, especially Black women and people.”
The organization is calling for people to join their “beloved volunteers” program, which offers opportunities to get involved with events and advocacy.
Additionally, this year’s holiday giving campaign focuses on “Brick X Brick” donations, which will go directly to support their physical space, the Anarcha Center, named after Anarcha Wescott, one of the mothers of gynecology. At the $250 giving level, donors can place a custom brick in the courtyard in honor of anyone they would like to remember, honor, or uplift.
Social Justice for the Holidays
People can get involved by staying informed and helping to spread the word. Go to their websites, sign up for updates, view upcoming events, and interact with them to boost their social media.
This time of year, there is a pensive aura of togetherness that fills the air. It inspires us to be a bit kinder, to do something for someone else, and to give back.
As we think about which organizations to support, perhaps this year we focus on those that have a big task ahead of them.
If you are included among the Omahans who are concerned about what the future may hold, then let us stand together. Let this be our call to action to band together to build the kind of world we believe in and uplift the organizations that are working to create a better city for all citizens for generations to come.