By McKenna Cardwell The idea of a future after the inauguration of President Donald Trump brought students and community members together with the same question: “What do we do now?” In hopes of providing a forum for community members to voice their concerns, Western’s Socialist Alternative discussed how to move forward during a public meeting Thursday, Jan. 26. Addressing an audience of around 40 people, Socialist Alternative organizer, Kaia Gran, said the idea of actively becoming involved in issues should be considered a real option. “We want to show people our power lies in our numbers, in our ideas and in our effective strategy,” Gran said. “It is so important to know you have power and a voice, and to use it.” The Socialist Alternative is an organization that has worked to create activist events on Western’s campus, such as a student walk-out in response to Trump’s inauguration. The group is built on the idea that the capitalist system is the source of oppression and other social issues, according to the group’s website. One of the concepts supported by the group is providing a third-party option. Discussion of an additional third party dominated a portion of the group conversation and received various reactions from listeners throughout the room. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was clear emotions were running high. During the meeting, one audience member said the discussions didn’t offer an immediate course of action to deal with Trump’s presidency. Jenny Duncan, a Sedro Woolley resident, said having meetings like this help to bring people together and raise awareness so people can approach their differences and commonalities.
