They lead with wisdom, discernment, power, and courage. They are soulful, grounded, and equipped to usher us toward the world we desire and deserve. The Wise Warrior combines inner growth (soul work) and social justice. This helps them grow their abilities and expand possibilities for the movement and our world.
Transforming Change is committed to cultivating Wise Warriors. Today, we face grave threats to our democracy, justice, and basic human rights. Those driving oppression and harm are growing more bold. We must also grow more bold.
The cost of engaging in social justice is rising. Our courage must rise with it. We cannot afford to have our efforts derailed because we have failed to ready ourselves for the fight ahead.
The Wise Warrior is a leader in the fight for justice.
We must be Wise Warriors in the fight for social justice.
FIVE
Wise Warrior Archetypes
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The Wise Warrior archetypes represent universal patterns and characteristics present throughout the movement ecosystem. They are elements of social justice leadership that appear again and again in leaders across the field.
Each archetype is present in each of us. However, we each have one that we lead with and embody most often.
By understanding these archetypes and our habits, we can use our special talents more effectively. This is important for our society right now.
The Wise Warrior is clear about their strengths and the value they bring to the movement. They also understand the value inherent in the other archetypes. The Wise Warrior can assess which strengths are needed at any moment and invite those attributes and leaders to the forefront.
The Wise Warrior is an embodiment of social justice leadership at it's best!
To create the world we desire and deserve, those of us on the front lines of the movement must do the work to close the gap between who we say we are and how we show up. We must embark on our soul work journey and increase our ability to lead as Wise Warriors equipped to usher in a new era for our nation and world.
Far too many of us are operating as adolescent warriors. We are working to advance social justice in the world around us without also creating adequate space to tend to what’s happening within us and how that impacts how we live and lead. We are trying to save the world, meanwhile we are drowning and suffering. We are rooted in vigilance while speaking about tranquility and peace. We are drowning in beliefs of unworthiness while trying to create community for others. We are trying to build a beloved community while being rooted in oppressive beliefs that rob us of our imagination and stunts our progress.
More is Possible.
The Wise Warrior illustrations were designed by Destiny Brown.
The Freedom Seeker
Rooted in Freedom and Power
The Freedom Seeker understands that freedom is both personal and political. They are driven by their belief that we cannot create a just world around us while remaining rooted in oppression and bondage within. These individuals are most likely to invite us to tend to ourselves while working for change. They remind us that we cannot leave ourselves out of our justice work. Freedom Seekers center healing and wellness in the movement.
The Liberator
Leading with Liberation for All
The Liberator believes deeply in the wisdom of Dr. King when he stated that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." They see the interconnectedness between communities, movements, and our pursuit of liberation. They push us to center liberation and justice in all that we do -- from how we run our organizations, to how we engage our strategy. Liberators bring integrity and accountability to the movement.
The Shepherd
Balancing Love and Power
The Shepherd is a guardian who works to protect those most vulnerable from the wolves who seek to exploit and oppress the masses. Shepherds are fiercely protective and are most driven to act by their conviction that sometimes the only way to protect the people is to be willing to lead them into the fight against the wolves. Even still, they believe deeply in the importance of love and they encourage us always to hold space for redemption. Shepherds bring love and balance to the movement.
The Wailing Warrior
Embracing Grief
The Wailing Warrior elevates pain to the forefront. They are acquainted with the grief that arises when the veil of deceit is lifted from the eyes of the people. The Wailing Warrior is a truth-teller who believes that we must make space for lament. They keep us tethered to the human impact of injustice and they implore us tell the stories of the atrocities of our society. They are the blues singers, the poets, the storytellers. Wailing Warriors are the prophets of the movement.
The Wayfinder
Daring to Travel New Paths
The Wayfinder is committed to making a way out of no way. They are willing to travel the narrow road trusting that we are equipped to meet whatever challenges arise. They are driven by their conviction that we have a responsibility to take what is and turn it into what ought to be. The unknown excites them. They keep us from becoming complacent. Wayfinders are the innovators of the movement.
The Transformation Hub is an initiative of Transforming Change, a social justice consulting firm on a mission to transform leaders, to strengthen non-profit organizations, to deepen social change strategy, and to transform the field of social change.