The Social Change Ecosystem Map with Deepa Iyer

With so many interlocking, overwhelming crises in the world today, it can be so hard to find our role. But when we try to do everything all at once or avoid what needs our attention, we can show up in ways that we later regret and burn ourselves out. As long-time activist and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Building Movement Project, Deepa Iyer, discovered through decades of organizing in the South Asian, Muslim, Arab, and Sihk communities, when people focus on their unique roles and capacities, they have a far easier time showing up for change without succumbing to activist burnout. And our movements get stronger. Whether you are newer to activism and longing to find your role that can nourish you for the long-run or you’re more seasoned and trying to find your place in the midst of exhaustion, I think you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Key Discussion Points: The Social Change Ecosystem Map: Deepa shares the origins of the map, designed to help individuals and organizations play one of ten key roles, including caregivers, storytellers, and builders. This tool helps activists avoid burnout by focusing on their strengths and capacities. Post-9/11 Organizing and Social Movements: Drawing on her experience working in South Asian and Muslim communities post-9/11, Deepa highlights how movements can organically emerge during crises. She emphasizes the importance of sustaining this social change ecosystem beyond moments of acute crisis. Handling Burnout and Conflict in Social Movements: Deepa offers advice on how activists and organizations can navigate burnout and conflict in movement work. She discusses the need for community agreements and how her Social Change Ecosystem Map helps people shift roles to avoid fatigue. Nonprofit Threats and Sustainability: Deepa addresses the increasing threats facing nonprofits, particularly those involved in reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and Palestinian solidarity. She discusses how nonprofits can build sustainable infrastructures to resist funding cuts and security threats. Hope and Solidarity in Activism: Despite the ongoing challenges, Deepa underscores the importance of finding hope in youth activism, philanthropic support, and solidarity movements. She reminds listeners that hope is a discipline, and it’s essential to focus on small wins that can contribute to long-term change. Episode Highlights: Deepa shares how the Social Change Ecosystem Map helps activists determine their roles in movements, whether as frontline responders, healers, or storytellers. Tips for avoiding burnout in sustainable activism: Deepa advises shifting roles within the ecosystem to maintain energy and passion for the cause. Navigating conflict in social movements: Deepa talks about the importance of community agreements and relationship building to resolve conflicts and create long-term solidarity. Addressing the challenges facing nonprofits today, Deepa discusses how organizations can resist threats and build lasting infrastructures for change. Resources Mentioned: Social Change Ecosystem Map: Learn more about the framework and its ten key roles at SocialChangeMap.com. Books by Deepa Iyer: Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future We Are the Builders Building Movement Project: Discover research and resources for nonprofits facing threats to their security and sustainability. About Our Guest: As Deepa Iyer discovered through decades of organizing in the South Asian, Muslim, Arab, and Sihk communities, when people focus on their unique roles and capacities, they have a far easier time showing up for change without succumbing to activist burnout. An immigrant who moved to Kentucky from India when she was twelve, Deepa’s primary areas of expertise include post September 11th policies, civil rights, and Asian American/South Asian histories of community building. Currently, she is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Building Movement Project where she builds projects, resources, and narratives around transformative solidarity practices. She is the author of three books, We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection, and We Are The Builders!, a social change book for children. She also hosts a podcast called Solidarity Is This featuring storytellers, disrupters, and builders around the world who are experimenting with solidarity during a time of polarization.