Each of us can contribute to our social change ecosystems by clarifying our shared values and mapping our roles. This workshop, facilitated by Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Building Movement Project, is designed for those at every stage of their individual and organizational journeys towards justice, equity and solidarity. It introduces an ecosystems framework that includes ten roles that many of us play in service of our social change values. We will apply this framework to the work of countering anti-Muslim discrimination.

The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign’s multifaith coalition was founded on the notion that anti-Muslim discrimination is not just a “Muslim issue” but a problem that impacts us all. So where do I begin and what is my role in making change on this issue? What roles do other individuals and groups play?

This virtual event will not be livestreamed. Registration is required. Participants will be automatically be entered in a raffle to receive a free copy of Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.

Deepa Iyer is a South Asian American writer, strategist, and lawyer. Her work is rooted in Asian American, South Asian, Muslim, and Arab communities where she spent fifteen years in policy advocacy and coalition building in the wake of the September 11th attacks and ensuing backlash. Currently, Deepa leads projects on solidarity and social movements at the Building Movement Project, a national nonprofit organization that catalyzes social change through research, strategic partnerships, and resources for movements and nonprofits. Deepa’s first book, We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future (The New Press, 2015), chronicles community-based histories in the wake of 9/11 and received a 2016 American Book Award. Deepa’s most recent book (2022), a guide based on the social change ecosystem map that she created, is called Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.