CHICAGO (WLS) — Some people in the Chicago area are concerned about policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump.

Local leaders held a special meeting Saturday to discuss these concerns and possible outcomes.

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“The next four years are my main concern,” said community meeting attendee Gus Gonzalez.

The concern is real and palpable as hundreds of Chicagoans gathered to talk about the impact a second Trump presidency could have on them and their communities.

“I want to know what the plans are, how we can work together to protect each other, because we need to be there for each other right now and throughout whatever is going to happen,” said Mildred Ponce De Leon, community meeting participant. .

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A coalition of more than a dozen Chicago-area elected officials and nearly two dozen neighborhood organizations hosted the community meeting on the city’s far northwest side to share strategies to protect policies already in place at the local and state levels.

“What are the gaps? What should we be working on on the legislative side, but also on the community organizing side?” said 4th District State Rep. Lilian Jimenez. “What will people do to protect their neighbors?

The rally was held in the Roosevelt High School auditorium in Albany Park. It began with a gathering before continuing with small group sessions, led by community leaders. Neighborhood residents asked questions and came up with their own lists of concerns about everything from reproductive rights and gender justice to immigration.

Dwain Borders is not optimistic about the new administration’s social policies, but said minority, immigrant and marginalized groups should be prepared for anything.

“We know they have at least four years in the White House to make things happen,” Borders said.

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While some would say the next administration’s policies will affect everyone, community meeting attendee Shannon Bunting says it’s important for people like her to get actively involved.

“’I think white people in particular, and certainly women, need to stand up and support our brothers and sisters,” Bunting said.

Increased community engagement is planned. Organizers and community residents say they will continue to protect themselves and each other as they all prepare for what they say will be a difficult four years.