Our last article outlined several ways you can take action to support the Black Lives Matter movement as a founder, primarily focused on donating, supporting the black community, and actively educating yourself.
Times have been uncomfortable, scary, upsetting, raw, to say the least. But this forces us to grow and accept the need for change — to demand change, work for change, and embody this change in ourselves.
We recognize that change comprises many lanes. It can be easy to feel guilty about not fulfilling all of them in your capacity, but what matters most is that all are needed. Be kind to yourself and to others also traveling in the same direction. Continue to keep your foot on the gas pedal.
The below information is a means of guidance and a framework to reflect upon. It has been adopted from Deepa Iyer’s “My Role in Social Change Ecosystem: A Mid-Year Check-In.”
Iyer highlights the nine roles present in our fight for a more equitable world. As a founder, you can think about where you and your organization fit in and how your understanding of your position can strengthen your impact.
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Some of us are…
- Frontline responders, able to transition quickly to rapid-response mode and organize a collective effort. You educate yourself and use your voice, position, and authority to convey information to your team and community.
- Healers, tending to the agony brought by individual and inter-generational fights against systemic racism and white supremacy. It is okay to focus on healing yourself first and step away from high-stimulating roles. The recognition of these patterns in history allows you to protect your healing journey and be a more whole version of yourself forward.
- Storytellers and artists, binding the past and present by sharing stories and using artwork to share those stories. You use the lessons from history and experiences of those before us to shed light on what is possible today. You share resources with your team and community.
- Bridge builders, working across divisions and roles to hear people’s thoughts and actively listen to the community’s needs. You channel resources from your team to empower education, opportunities, and financial resources to the greater community.
- Disruptors, using voice and action to speak up in uncomfortable and risky situations. You seek change through protesting and lobbying to influence government action through written or oral communication. You take an active stance in the issue in the workplace, and treat silence as being complicit.
- Caregivers, providing nourishment, spreading love and concern for others, as well as creating a community of care. You check in with your team members, allow them space or time off from work, and spread kind messages to your team and community.
- Visionaries, finding and articulating the guiding light and reconnecting your team to the north star, when it can be difficult for some to see clarity in the issue. You put out messages that keep your team together and encouraged, and do not shy away from speaking to others and bring positivity to the situation.
- Builders, actively creating and developing the ideas and structure for the movement. You reflect on your organization’s recruiting practices, diversity metrics, and overall wellbeing to set into place new initiatives, plans, and campaigns. You take a bottom-up approach to solving the issue through reevaluating your current team’s ideas and structures.
“Not all of us can (or should) play each of these roles… An effective, healthy, and sustainable social change ecosystem requires different actors to play these roles, and often, at different times.” Iyer concludes.
To begin reflecting on yourself and your team’s specific role, think about which ones you feel most comfortable and natural playing? Which makes you come alive, and why? Consider external forces and what others are asking you to step into. How does that feel to do so and how would it impact you — emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
We urge you to think and answer this for yourself: what role do you play in this call for social change? What is your purpose, style, and skill in our larger community?
Additionally, hold brainstorming sessions with your team to hear everyone’s thoughts and feelings. In the capacity of your team, how does everyone see themselves a part of the larger movement? Set up anonymous feedback forms to encourage everyone to freely voice their opinions. Make yourself known in the team as an open resource and be willing to have those difficult conversations.
Are you a female founder or know of one? Feeling inspired to start your own venture and make social change?
Join us at loopnetwork.org. The Loop is a non-profit initiative aimed at increasing the number of female founders. Female founders can find the accountability and community they need to take the entrepreneurial leap.
The Loop’s next cohort of Group Salons is in July and is aimed at founders developing their ventures. Topics covered are problem discovery, market research, ideating, and user research. Grab your spot here.
Author: Michelle Fang. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Editor & The Loop Founder: Sri Muppidi. Connect with her on Twitter.
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