Resist Trumpism and Rock the Button!

Hello Friends!

It has been almost a month  (doesn’t feel like it) since the election took place. Some of us (raising my hand) have vented on social media, un-friended a random, cursed out a coworker, cried out of frustration, and just woke up at times during the month of November feeling angry and confused. It raises the question, what do we do now?   

We RESIST! 

Phone your local congressmen and express your concerns; participate in peaceful protest, volunteer, and donate to organizations that need the support.  I have decided to highlight products or acts that fight back against the upcoming Trump Era, and I am beginning with the Rock The Button initiative!

Rock The Button was created to support the progressive organizations fighting against Trumpism.    â€śWe are fighting Trumpism, one button at a time”.   The Rock the Button pack includes all 8 buttons: one Pussy Power, Rights for Women, Not My President,  Tried. Cried. Allied,  Not in My Locker Room, Free Melania, Love Thy Neighbor and Amad Al Projimo, (Love Thy Neighbor in Spanish) they are all crafted in Brooklyn, New York.   The initiative pledges to donate 100%  of their profits to progressive organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project

Rock The Button is a collaboration between  Amy Werblin a copywriter and Mel Stammer an art director, two Brooklyn residents I might add, woot!   Mel and Amy have worked together for nearly a year and a half and have been fortunate enough to find themselves creatively, professionally, personally and now, political aligned. "We have influenced each other tremendously throughout the campaign and our desire to do something meaningful and creative that improves our world has only grown in recent weeks.” Says Werblin.

I was able to do a small Q & A with the dynamic duo on this much needed imitative:

OCO: What was the inspiration (besides the upsetting win) behind this project? 

RTB: Following the election Amy had a trip to Europe planned and, rightly so, she did not want anyone she met along the way to think she was a Trump supporter or ask for an explanation. So she started to scour the internet looking for a "Not My President" button/pin to wear during her travels, a phrase that had just the day before become a movement in the streets of every major city in America. Surprisingly there were none, or at least none with an attractive design. Melissa quickly volunteered to make her one and as a designer, she loves a good side project, and threw herself into the project. After doing some research on the process of button making they quickly realized it was a complicated, and pricy endeavor but they were determined.  So they jumped in with both feet, purchased a button-making machine and decided that instead of making one button, they would make a thousand. 

I was able to do a small Q & A with the dynamic duo on this much needed imitative:

OCO: What was the thought process behind the charity selection? 

RTB: We wanted to chose progressive organizations that help soften the Trump Effect. The weekend after the election we marched up Fifth Avenue to protest in front of Trump Tower and saw a great need emerging across America that only looks as if it will grow and grow as his administration takes shape. Initially we thought our resources could best be used by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) who as been vocally and consistently supportive of Democracy and equality throughout Trump's very odd and offensive campaign. But as feminists, we also felt it was our duty to support the women and men who rely on Planned Parenthood as well as the LGBTQ community, another historically marginalized group, that stands to be disenfranchised by this new '"regime." Our initial round of buttons and designs will help support the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project in equal kind. 

OCO: What advice would you give people who want to use their talents to give back? 

RTB: DO IT! We were surprised the find that once we had made the decision to spend the time and money it would take to get this idea off the ground, it was easy and simple to make decisions and get things done. We were committed! Doing something with our creativity that has a real, tangible impact and help gives other the feeling that they are standing up for themselves and others has fueled us to meet our deadlines and push or ideas further. Giving back is such a rewarding experience, and when you get to do it in a way you enjoy it makes the process even more fun. It makes the late nights, the early mornings, and the panicked moments exciting instead of stressful. We've also found it empowering that we can contribute to a specific cause in a way a lot of people cannot. 

So, my Friends, in these days ahead, I am hopeful when I see my fellow American’s channel their pain and rage to create something that will help those in need. Trump has made a point of scapegoating just about every minority group, and the appointment of white supremacist Steve Bannon, former head of the nationalist Breitbart News, as his chief White House strategist proves wedo not have the luxury of hoping that Trump willbe a president for all Americans.  This holiday season,  let us focus on how we can make our voices heard and what we can do to Resist.   Bravo Mel & Amy

To purchase the Rock the Button collection click here.

xo

Kos