On November 9, a group of friends were upset that Donald Trump had won the election. After an email chain that went back and forth, they came up with 100 Days / 100 Dollars, an idea as a tangible, focused way to help support organizations who protect and defend people against discrimination, hate crimes, and the violation of their civil liberties.
Madison, Wisconsin’s Bryn Martyna, who works in juvenile justice policy work, Francesca Rodriquez, a fundraiser and Jeremy Cesarec, a digital strategist at Planet Propaganda have shepherded the project since the beginning.
Recently, Washington DC based Katie Garth, a designer at Planet Propaganda has joined the team as the designer.
In the same first 100 days that Trump’s team starts dismantling civil rights, the team behind this initiative, is inviting others to take action so people can band together to support the groups who are fighting on the ground.
Because the idea aims to do something tangible and focused that addresses immediate needs, their mission is to get a 1,000 people to commit to donating $1 every day for the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, adding up to $100,000.
The funds will go to three key organizations working to address direct threats to marginalized groups: Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, American Civil Liberties Union and Southern Poverty Law Center
“The initial impulse for our project was that some of us felt that because we don’t have significant activism experience or expertise, we’re often inclined to sit back and watch,” explained Cesarec. “But that’s what got us into this mess in the first place, and our project has shown that people with different skills and backgrounds can join forces to build something that makes a difference.”
“We feel like we’re part of a bigger national movement of people—from the Women’s March to smaller local accountability groups—who are finding their footing in activism,” he added.
The group has collected $9000 and plans to continue to fundraise for their cause, asking others to support the urgent needs of the three chosen organizations.
For those who are looking to help but can’t donate, it’s important to spread the word.
“We’ve heard from many donors that our project gave them a productive outlet for their Trump angst, and we’ve seen over 120 donations from 14 states since our launch,” Cesarec told DIVERGE. “People have included impassioned messages with their donations like, “Because I care. Because I will not be silenced. Because I believe in good. Because I am an American,” and “I believe we can do better and be better.””
They are also collecting in-kind donations from individuals and businesses to use as incentives for upcoming donor thank you giveaways.
“We’re eager to keep the momentum going as we get further into Trump’s first 100 days in office,” he added. “We also see our project as a resource for people who are looking to resist the Trump administration, and we’d love to hear from other groups so we can help spread the word about their efforts.”
To donate, click here.
