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The new UU Common Read, offering a chance for Unitarian Universalists to engage in discussion, reflection, and action around a shared text, is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection (Skinner House, 2022) by Deepa Iyer.
Iyer’s book, available through the inSpirit Bookstore, is a compelling and practical guide to creating social change around issues like racial justice, climate justice, reproductive rights, and more.
This year’s selection was officially announced with a video invitation from UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt for congregations to take part in the Common Read experience.
“There’s a real natural connection between our UU Shared Values and the work that Deepa Iyer raises in this important book,” said Betancourt. “And we know that in these days we need ways to work effectively together to meet this moment faithfully and well.”
Getting to Know Social Change Now and Author Deepa Iyer
Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Ecosystem Map
Drawing on her two decades of work as an activist involved in progressive, multiracial coalitions, Iyer offers guidance on how each of us can contribute to building movements for equality and collective liberation. Social Change Now is intended for people at all stages of their social change journeys, from those learning how to get involved to experienced activists.
In the book, Iyer introduces a new approach called the “social change ecosystem framework.” This framework includes a map of ten roles, such as visionary, storyteller, and disrupter, and describes how people who are drawn to each role can make important contributions to movements for positive social change.
Iyer is a South Asian American writer, activist, and lawyer who previously served as executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) for a decade and has also held positions at Race Forward, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center, and the Asian American Justice Center. Her first book, We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future (The New Press, 2015), received a 2016 American Book Award.
Where to Access UU Common Read Resources
Deepa Iyer speaking at the 2025 UUA General Assembly.
UU Common Reads present an opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to gather in community, discussing the book in their congregations through in-person and online gatherings with a lay leader or religious professional facilitating.
To provide resources for these gatherings, the UUA has created materials and handouts for “whole church” engagement. These resources are structured for two tracks—one for children and families, the other for adults and older youth—to encourage UUs across the lifespan to participate.
These resources, along with updates and further details about this year’s UU Common Read, are available on the UUA website.