Community
The social change ecosystem map is a framework that can help
individuals, networks, and organizations align with social change values, individual
roles, and the broader ecosystem.
Illuminated Bookshelf | The Social Change Ecosystem
framework was created by Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
at Building Movement Project. Deepa first developed the map in 2017, and in
2022, she released Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection,
a workbook which provides a deeper dive into the framework. You can find ways
to purchase the workbook and to get involved at www.socialchangemap.com.
Today let’s look at the “The Weavers”.
According to The Social Change Map, “Weavers – see the through-lines of connectivity between people, places, and organizations, ideas, and movements.”
The “weavers of cultures” are those who blend traditions,
technologies, and identities to create new forms of connection and expression.
They’re not just artists or diplomats—they’re bridge-builders across
disciplines, geographies, and generations.
Weavers don’t just preserve culture—they remix it, reframe
it, and reimagine it for a more interconnected world.
5 Modern Day Weavers
Ai Weiwei uses art and activism to challenge political norms and highlight human rights, weaving Eastern and Western narratives into provocative installations.
Refik Anadol, a media artist, uses AI and data to create immersive digital experiences rooted in memory and cultural archives—blending ancient motifs with futuristic aesthetics.
The Slow Factory Foundation bridges fashion, climate justice, and decolonial education, empowering communities to reclaim cultural narratives through sustainable design.
Theaster Gates transforms abandoned spaces into cultural hubs, using art and urban planning to foster Black cultural memory and community resilience.
Open Cultural Centers in Europe and the Middle East are using education and art to integrate refugees and migrants into local communities while honoring their heritage.
In a world often frayed by division and rapid change,
weavers are the quiet revolutionaries—those who stitch together stories,
traditions, and communities into something stronger than the sum of its parts.
They remind us that culture is not static; it is a living, breathing fabric
shaped by every voice, every hand, every act of care.
Whether through art, activism, education, or design, these
modern-day weavers are reimagining what it means to belong. They show us that
our common threads—empathy, creativity, resilience—can transcend borders and
ideologies. And in doing so, they help us remember that global impact doesn’t
always begin with grand gestures; it often starts with the simple act of
reaching across difference to create something shared.
So, here’s the invitation: Find your thread. Whether you’re a
storyteller, a builder, a healer, or a connector, your role matters in this
vast social tapestry. Support local artisans. Amplify underrepresented voices.
Invest in cultural preservation and innovation.
Let’s keep weaving—together.
