Community
In the Social Change Ecosystem Map developed by Deepa
Iyer, the role of "Builder" is one of ten distinct archetypes
that individuals and organizations can embody in movements for equity, justice,
and liberation.
Here's a closer look at what it means to be a Builder in
this framework:
🧱 The Role of the Builder
Builders are the architects of vision and structure.
They are the ones who:
- Create,
organize, and implement systems, processes, and infrastructures that
support long-term movement goals.
- Focus
on sustainability and scalability, ensuring that the work of social
change is not just reactive but enduring.
- Often
work behind the scenes, laying the foundation for others to act
effectively.
🔧 Builders might:
- Design
community programs or mutual aid networks.
- Develop
digital platforms or tools for organizing.
- Create
internal systems for equity and accountability within organizations.
- Construct
physical or metaphorical spaces for healing, learning, or collaboration
5 Modern Day Builders
Tonya
Allen (McKnight Foundation) | The McKnight Foundation exemplifies the
Builder role: designing and implementing systems, partnerships, and
infrastructure that advance equity, sustainability, and community resilience.
Education | Linda Darling-Hammond: President of the Learning
Policy Institute, builds research-based policy recommendations that shape
equitable education systems nationwide.
Health
Leads: Builds systems that connect patients to essential resources like
food, housing, and transportation—addressing social determinants of health.
Soul Fire Farm
(NY): Co-founded by Leah Penniman, a Afro-Indigenous-centered farm builds food
sovereignty through training programs, policy advocacy, and regenerative
farming.
Women’s Rights | Fatima Goss Graves – President of
the National Women’s Law Center, she builds legal frameworks and policy
initiatives to protect reproductive rights, workplace equity, and
economic justice.
In a time of climate instability, health disparities, and
shifting civic landscapes, Builders are foundational. Builders lay the bricks for a society that
reflects shared values and interdependence.
Let’s build what justice demands—one system, one story, one
solution at a time. Whether you design, teach, organize, or innovate, your
hands shape the future. Step into the Builder role and construct the structures
our communities deserve.
