I spent the last few days of 2024 in relative quiet. I was tired. All I could do was think and rest and then think some more. The privilege of being able to pause and recharge was not lost on me, and I was grateful for the chance to reflect. Although much is uncertain with the change in US leadership, we can be certain that our work will be harder. We will need to rally our strength and our resilience to show up for justice, equity, and sustainability.
In places like Gaza and Lebanon, people are navigating unimaginable challenges. For these regions, continuing to push for policies that uphold humanitarian aid and safeguard civilian lives is non-negotiable. International cooperation is essential, and the administration’s stance will determine whether crisis-affected communities receive the resources and support they need to rebuild.
Across the Americas, Indigenous and local communities continue to face struggles that echo through generations — land loss, forced migration, and the erosion of cultural identity under policies designed to disenfranchise. Yet, these communities remain at the forefront of protecting the planet and their heritage.
Look at Elaine, Arkansas. Last year, we supported black farmers as they took on corporate giant TIAA, who wields outsized power, enabling land grabs and environmental and livelihood destruction.
As one farmer poignantly stated:
“TIAA’s investments uproot communities like mine — where land is our heritage, livelihood, and legacy.”
Through sustained advocacy, including direct action and coalition efforts, the community successfully brought their message to TIAA’s doorstep, pushing the institution to engage in critical conversations about divestment from harmful practices and accountability to affected communities.
Meanwhile, young people across the Americas are leading the charge in protecting the planet. Some of them were featured in our climate reparations camp. The camp brought together 25 youth leaders to explore how climate reparations could address the historical injustices tied to colonialism, slavery, and environmental destruction. From these discussions emerged a powerful call for international solidarity and actionable change.
As we prepare for an administration that systematically undermined social justice and climate action the last time they were in power, I am reminded of the importance of intersectional and international solidarity. We must learn from and collaborate with international movements that prioritize the voices of marginalized communities.
At ActionAid USA, we believe in the power of communities to create lasting change. Whether it’s standing alongside those on the frontlines of climate action or pushing back against corporate greed and colonialist policies, we are committed to amplifying their voices and advocating for systemic solutions.
Under the incoming administration, defending human rights, protecting the environment, and building economic resilience is going to be much harder. There’s no sugarcoating that. We must continue our call to action: to keep advocating, organizing, and amplifying solutions that put people and the planet first. Together, we can resist.
