You’re Part of Something Bigger
Last Sunday, over 60 Americans from across the country gathered with me on Zoom for something unusual in these chaotic times: a book study. Together, we’re reading Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer. It’s a guide for reflection and finding your role in building a better world.
From the moment people started to appear on my screen, it was clear that participants were feeling the weight of this moment in history. Their faces—drawn, gray, and unsmiling—seemed to reflect the emotional toll of our current political situation.
I felt it too. Many of us are grieving the loss of ideals we once believed in, mourning democratic values we see steadily eroding. Others are exhausted from trying to stay on top of it all in order to fix what’s broken. There’s a quiet, growing despair that’s harder to name than outrage, but just as real.
However, this book study wasn’t designed to add to the stress or give people more to do. It was created to offer something else entirely: a shift in understanding about how we create change.
Beyond Individual Effort
At Americans of Conscience, our Checklist gives people concrete things to do—scripts for calling officials, petitions to sign, or local efforts to support. Taking these small actions matters. But many people, even as they complete these steps, are asking deeper questions like: Is this enough? Does it even matter? Am I the only one still trying?
Many of us have absorbed the idea—often unconsciously—that individual effort and righteous anger should be enough to create change. We may find ourselves believing that if we just try hard enough or get loud enough, things will improve quickly. But when change doesn’t come, it’s easy to feel disillusioned or alone.
In her book, Iyer introduces a powerful concept that social change relies on people and organizations filling ten unique roles. Each one is necessary and valuable. In a recent newsletter, Iyer wrote, “Disrupters spark the moment, but it takes an entire ecosystem to sustain a movement.” This means that not everyone is meant to be on the front lines. In fact, it’s essential to long-term progress that every person plays their distinct role.
A Framework Rooted in Connection
At the heart of Iyer’s work is a model she calls the Social Change Ecosystem Framework. She writes:
“The framework embodies the idea that we are all part of an ecosystem, and that when we come together around shared values and goals, and play our roles effectively and collaboratively, we can make our boldest visions a reality.”
That one sentence holds so much. First, it acknowledges that change is not a solo pursuit. And second, it reminds us that values, roles, and relationships are what facilitate change—not just outrage.
Even more beautifully, Iyer reminds us: “Everywhere we turn, we can find ecosystems of all sizes, formations, and structures working toward justice, equity, and solidarity.” Have you ever noticed this?
There are huge coalitions, yes, but there are also circles of friends who write postcards, interfaith groups showing up to protests, bartering networks on neighborhood forums, and people like you reading a newsletter about how to stay engaged. We are surrounded by ecosystems of caring, committed people. Most of us just haven’t noticed them lately.
The Moment It Clicked
During that first book study session, I introduced this idea that each of us is part of numerous ecosystems working for change. I followed up with a simple question: “What ecosystems are you already part of—even in the smallest way?” Then I invited everyone to free-write their responses for four minutes.
Before the exercise, the atmosphere felt heavy, even doubtful. But as participants raised their heads from their writing, I noticed a change. Eyes brightened. Cheeks flushed. Smiles appeared. The emotional tone shifted—not because problems disappeared, but because people were viewing their world though a new lens: one of connection.
Everyone who shared with the group reported having at least a few connections they hadn’t really appreciated before—and now recognized them as part of something meaningful and sustaining. One person shared about the joy of singing in their choir. Another mentioned their connection with the League of Women Voters. When I mentioned that by participating in this book study, they had joined a new ecosystem, people smiled. Here we were, all together.
It might seem simple, but naming the networks we’re part of—the ones committed to justice, equity, compassion—restores something we didn’t know was missing: belonging.
Conversation Is an Act of Resistance
In a culture succumbing to division and hyper-individualism, making the choice to connect, collaborate, and care is not a feel-good afterthought. It is an essential form of resistance.
Alone, one simply cannot fix everything. Nor can one person come along to fix everything for us. That’s the power of ecosystems: when each person plays their role, the collective effort becomes greater than the sum of its parts. When we show up in community—for ourselves and each other—Iyer tells us that’s when we create momentum. We make transformation possible.
Try This
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, weary, or unsure of how to contribute, try these three ideas:
- Make a list of the ecosystems you’re already part of.
Grab a sheet of paper and start small. Think of a newsletter you subscribe to, a friend group that shares your values, a community–on or offline, a local chapter of a national group, or even a social media space that centers justice. - Ask yourself: Which of these communities to you enjoy most?
When you interact with them, which leave you feeling most energized, purposeful, or connected? Are there others you have wished to participate in? - The next step: Act with intention.
Now that you know more about the spaces that feel like “home” to you, the next move it to reach out to a person in one of those ecosystems. Ask how they’re doing. Start a conversation—not about how bad it is (we all know)—but rather about what you care about, hope for, and want to build together.
The warmth of community
We multiply our impact not by working harder alone, but by moving toward other and connecting meaningfully, with conscious awareness that we’re all part of creating something bigger than ourselves.
By the end of our first session, the energy in the virtual room had shifted. Faces that had appeared weary and uncertain now glowed with recognition and warmth. Instead of despair, there was a quiet, growing sense of belonging. People sat a little taller, smiled more easily, and spoke with renewed purpose.
We hadn’t solved anything in those 75 minutes—but we had remembered this crucial truth: we are not alone, and we don’t have to carry this work by ourselves. The discovery that we are already part of something bigger—can be the beginning of restoration, renewed courage, and sustained engagement to create a better future together.
If you feel inspired, I encourage you to share in the comments about your insights from the questions above.
Note: If you’re intrigued by the book group I’m currently leading, it’s not too late to join us. We recorded the first session (so you can catch up), and sessions are every Sunday now through July 13 when we’ll meet the author! Generous siding scale. Details here: https://americansofconscience.com/classes/social-change-now/