This month I want to highlight an incredible framework that can provide guidance to help you understand the broader ecosystem of social change and identify and flourish in your individual role. The Social Change Ecosystem Map identifies the roles that are critical in the journey of social change: weavers, experimenters, frontline responders, visionaries, builders, caregivers, disrupters, healers, storytellers and guides.

The Building Movement Project has provided an abundance of resources for you to explore as an individual and with your team, including a guide and reflection questions. If you are on Instagram, creator Deepa Iyer (@deepaviyer) has monthly deep dives into each of the roles on The Social Change Ecosystem Map. These include follow up mini-guides with strengths, areas for improvement, and reflection questions. 

You can also explore these videos on YouTube: 

What is Your Role in Social Change Part 1

What is Your Role in Social Change Part 2

What is Your Role in Social Change Part 3

Nicole Cardoza of Anti-Racism Daily Talks about Identifying Your Role in Social Change

Mapping Our Roles for Social Change in Times of Crisis (Speak Out Ed Talks)

I have found this framework useful in getting specific about my own roles (disrupter, visionary) as well as a great way to engage in conversation with others where the focus is on what strengths we all bring to the table.

Published: May 2021
Author: Angie Stewart
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Lead and Facilitator Engagement Program Manager
Organizational Learning