What Do We Do Now?
The dust has NOT settled. Emotions are still everywhere. People have questions, confusion lingers, and many feel defeated. Some say, “the math isn’t mathing.” Tears are still flowing. For half of America, there’s a sense of being let down.
Me too.
Me too.
I spent most of the day after the 2024 election sitting in silence, asking God, How? Why? Are You serious? God didn’t answer those questions. But in the stillness, I got the sense that maybe — just maybe — God had nothing to do with the election this time. Maybe God wanted to see how we’d respond on and after election day in America 2024.
Scrolling through social media, I wanted to see what people were saying. Some posts resonated with me. Others made me cry. A few made me laugh. And then there were those that shocked me. But it was the shock that snapped me out of my funk and made me act.
I started digging into the numbers myself. I went back to reread Project 2025. And then I found myself yelling, “I have questions. A LOT of questions!”
In 2020, 81 million ballots were cast for Joe Biden.
In 2024, 67 million ballots were cast for Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump received about 3 million fewer ballots this time.
That’s a difference of roughly 17 million votes. People stayed home. Why?
- Was it the rhetoric?
- The disgusting, overwhelming political ads?
- The relentless text messages? (I’ve never sent so many “STOP” replies in my life!)
- The endless media coverage about candidates and elections?
Maybe it’s all of the above. Either way, I’m sick of it.
So now what? What do we do now?
After some time in prayer, I came up with this list.
1. Stop Being a One-Issue Voter
When we fixate on just one issue, we lose sight of everything else on the ballot: ballot measures, policies, platforms that affect our communities. Stop this. Please, stop.
2. Find Your People
My siblings and I have a group chat where we talk every day about our lives — work, weather, TV shows, our parents. Before the election, we used it to discuss voting issues, share info on the ballots, and check in on who had voted. I’d put in the chat, “This household has voted.” A week later, “My immediate family has voted.” One by one, we all checked in. Find your people and stay connected. Accountability matters.
3. Shop Black-Owned Businesses
This is not a code word. It’s truth. Don’t get it twisted — canceling Amazon is not the move. Bezos owns only 10% of the company, and boycotting won’t hurt him. Remember, Black authors and business owners use Amazon for income. So, shop Black-owned businesses regularly. Support matters.
4. Tell the Truth
Do you have a felony? Credit issues? Are you unhoused? Struggling with your health or on subsidized income? Share your story with someone. People can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on. Example: if you tell your aunt, “Auntie, I’m crashing on your sofa tonight. Is that okay?” and you’re going from house to house… you’re unhoused. Tell someone so they can help you find a permanent solution. Got it?
5. Invest in Yourself
Take classes, join webinars, and READ. My sister shared that many colleges offer free courses you can audit. No credit hours, but you’ll gain knowledge. If you’re 60 or over, some accredited colleges let you take classes for free. No degree, but the education is there. Take advantage of what’s available while it lasts.
We can’t predict what’s ahead, but instead of living in fear, why not learn something new? Over a year ago, I started learning how to invest and now actively participate in options trading. I’m hosting a webinar to introduce you to options trading, so you can see if it’s the right fit for you. If you’re interested in joining, email me for registration details. There will be a small fee to participate. Let’s learn options together! gail@gaildudley.com
6. Register to Vote — TODAY
No explanation needed. Just do it.
7. Pay Your Taxes
Got a side hustle? Are you a social media influencer getting paid? Pay your taxes. Meet with a CPA or look for free small business tax classes at your local library. Don’t let taxes trip you up.
8. Find a Fellowship
It’s time to step out of the stay-at-home worship routine. We need community. We need fellowship. Get connected.
That’s the list. It’s time to act. Get up, shake it off, and do something.
And for those ready to take things further, I’m opening up my schedule for more one-on-one coaching sessions before the year ends. Email me at gail@gaildudley.com with your availability, and I’ll get you scheduled. Each session is $150 for one hour (valued at $300). Let’s work together to make a change. Let’s do something.
About Gail Dudley:
Gail Dudley, also known as the Audacious Advocate, is a civic engagement consultant, ordained pastor, and host of News in Motion. With over 25 years of experience in leadership and business development, Gail is passionate about empowering individuals and communities through social justice, voter education, and advocacy. As the author of INSPIRE: A Call to Action, she delivers dynamic presentations that equip people to engage in meaningful change, especially during critical election seasons.Ready to get informed and take action? Book Gail Dudley today for voter education workshops, consultations, or speaking engagements by visiting https://gaildudley.com
