Create action

It started as a joke. Then it got serious. And now that the reality of Donald Trump as president has sunk in, it’s time to wipe our tears, dust off our boots and get to work. During his campaign, Trump said he wanted to, among many other awful proposals, overturn Roe v. Wade and punish women who got abortions (regardless of the circumstances). Sacramento took notice, turning to local nonprofits who’ve worked toward women’s rights and empowerment long before the election. Ready to get involved? Following is a guide on how to support local nonprofits, organize, participate and otherwise take action on women’s issues. On human issues, really. We’re in this together, after all.

Support and strength in numbers

Women's Empowerment: Their mission is, according to their website, to “educate and empower” homeless women. They do this by teaching job and life skills. Help by volunteering, donating, hosting an event, hiring a graduate and more. www.womens-empowerment.org

Women's Wisdom Art: This creative organization consists of women artists who use art as a way to better and empower their own lives and the lives of their community members. Volunteer as a class assistant, donate art supplies, attend art shows and purchase art. http://womenswisdomart.org

Wellspring Women's Center: This nonprofit recently gained notice across local social media channels as residents and businesses collected donations of dry cereal and feminine hygiene products for this drop-in center for women and children, which provides a nutritious breakfast and provides social services. They accept both online and in-person donations and also welcome volunteers. www.wellspringwomen.org

St. John's Program for Real Change: St. John's helps women who are homeless, living in poverty or are in abusive relationships. They offer shelter, food, readiness for employment and self-sustainability. Donate, volunteer, host an event or visit Plates Midtown, a chapter of St. John's, to eat or to have an event catered. http://saintjohnsprogram.org; http://plates2go.org

My Sister's House and My Sister's Café: This organization offers resources and assistance for Asian and Pacific Islander women and children who are escaping domestic violence or human trafficking. Donate to or visit My Sister's Café, a program of My Sister's House. www.my-sisters-house.org; www.mysisterscafe.org

Shop local, impact global

Ana Apple: This maker of quirky apparel for infants and children is also home to The Greenhouse, a children's creative space. Although Ana Apple's storefront has shuttered, The Greenhouse is still functioning. Founder Ana Manzano donates $1 from each workshop to Sacramento children's nonprofits and works with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Mustard Seed School and more. www.anaapple.com

Coffee + Crumbs: This Sacramento-based motherhood blog has an online shopping collective set up to help mothers and children across the globe. www.coffeeandcrumbs.net

Uptown Studios: This North Sacramento creative design studio focuses on web design, graphic design, branding and marketing, and more. Its slogan is “Designs for social change,” and they recently hosted a Second Saturday fundraiser for Women's Wisdom Art. https://uptownstudios.net

Oak Park Brewery: Not only do they serve beer (important in these stressful times), Oak Park Brewery has also hosted several fundraisers benefiting local organizations and causes, including a fundraiser for the Community Against Sexual Harm. www.opbrewco.com

Compliment: Melissa Camilleri Anicich started her jewelry and home décor company when she was working as a teacher, and has since taken it on as her full-time career. She donates 5 percent from every purchase to her Compliment Scholarship Program, which assists girls in need. www.shopcompliment.com

Take action

Women's March on Sacramento: A sister event to the Women's March on Washington, D.C. (and many other cities across the nation), the mission is to “stand together in solidarity” to protect rights, safety, health, etc. The march is inclusive and open to everyone. Saturday, January 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Southside Park, 2115 Sixth Street; www.womensmarchsac.com

Celebrate Choice: Organized by the Women's Health Specialists, this fundraiser is an annual celebration of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. There will be music, food, feminist friends and cocktails. Wednesday, January 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Women’s Health Specialists, 1442 Ethan Way, Suite 100; www.womenshealthspecialists.org

Indivisible: Get motivated at this night of protest songs, speakers and information about how to resist the Trump agenda. Featuring Kevin Seconds, Jonah Matranga, Dinorah Klinger and Jeannie Howell. $5; Sunday, February 12, 6-10 p.m., Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, 2708 J Street; www.facebook.com/events/1789362641316584

Run for office: Change the system from within. Politics start at the local level. Visit Run for Office, a free online tool that allows users to search by address to find out what political offices are up for re-election at the local and state level. Plus, it offers a free online course to get you started with the process. www.runforoffice.org

Call and complain: What is it about the squeaky wheel? Be the squeaky wheel and wield influence by calling your senators or representatives to urge action on issues. Remember when members of the GOP tried to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics? Yeah, that got shut down because outraged citizens flooded the phone lines. Phone calls, by the way, have been shown to be more effective than email or fax. Not sure what to say? Hit Google for sample scripts. Meanwhile, visit The Leadership Conference's site for phone numbers and other tips. http://civilrights.org/action_center/resources/calling-congress.html