Spectrum of Solidarity

By: Thomas Bunn

When it comes to standing in solidarity with social movements, especially in the fight for Black & Brown liberation, support for any particular cause can feel overwhelming. Why is that? For one, not everyone understands nor demonstrates solidarity in the same way. By definition, solidarity means “unity and mutual support among people with common interests.” But in real life, that support takes on different forms, some visible, others behind the scenes. 

For two, there are so many important causes. From social justice and prison reform to environmental justice, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and even animal rights, the number of collective movements needing public support at the same time can leave people feeling paralyzed. Not because folks don’t care, but because it’s growing harder to figure out where to tap in while still managing everything happening in our personal lives.

 Nonetheless, when we study the social movements that do end up garnering public support, an important truth is revealed that solidarity exists on a spectrum. Every person shows up in different ways based on their awareness, capacity, risk level, resources, and lived experience. 

This framework is a reminder: there is no singular “right” way to be in solidarity with social movements. Whether you’re front-lining at protests, researching policy, funding the work, or still figuring it out, you belong. There’s even a place for those who find themselves indifferent, uncertain or on the opposing side.

The Spectrum of Solidarity isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about creating a shared language that makes it easier for folks to actively engage in the social movements happening around them in a more holistic way. 

The Spectrum of Solidarity consists of (9) non-hierarchical tiers ranging from: 

1. Healers & PractitionersThose caring for the mind, body and spirit of the movement.
2. Financiers- People (working class or elite) sustaining movements through financial contributions.
3. Legal & Policy WorkersStrategists, lawyers, and policy minds engaging systems directly.
4. Front Liners- Protesters and bodies in the streets, participating in physical resistance.
5. Amplifiers- Folks using their platforms to spread movement messages and raise awareness.
6. Researchers- Data seekers and knowledge builders feeding critical info into the movement.
7. Students- The newly aware; learning terminology, history, and finding their lane. 
8. Skeptics- Those who are unsure, cautious, or afraid; needing information or connection to act.
9. Haters- The opps, including disruptors, trolls, moles, and folks actively trying to undermine and discredit the movement.

Everybody has a role to play. Illustrating what those roles can look like, no matter who or where you are, is a critical way to remind people that they belong. Your role isn’t fixed, it’s fluid In social movement support, folks move across the spectrum all the time. You might be a protester and a financier. A student and an amplifier. A legal mind who also takes to the streets. You can be someone who writes policy by day and shares movement info on your socials by night.

 The point isn’t to get caught up in the titles. It’s about understanding the many ways we can show up, depending on our resources, our capacity, and our readiness. That said, some roles do require deeper preparation. Legal & Policy Workers, Researchers, and Healers & Practitioners often need dedicated study, discipline, or even certification. You’ll know what your skillset allows you to do in the moment, but knowing the full range of ways to support is vital.

Solidarity in RealTime At the time of this writing, LA is on fire with protest. ICE raids are pulling people off the streets, many for no reason other than being Hispanic. The president has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to “keep the peace,” and every tier of this framework is being activated in real time. While many are showing up as front liners and amplifiers, this tool is especially for those in the student tier, those who want to help but don’t yet know how. 

My goal in building this framework is to offer clarity and a way to connect. I hope it offers anyone who chooses to dedicate themselves to something greater than themselves, see a clearer path to standing in solidarity with causes that affirm our common humanity. 

If this framework resonated with you, share it with your community. Start a conversation. Ask your friends where they see themselves on the spectrum. The more we name our roles, the more connected and effective we become. If you have suggestions for more roles within the spectrum, share them in the comment section.

This article was first published on Substack. You can read more and subscribe here: