Design Changemakers Digest

Help shape Design Changemakers in 2026 This year, we want to focus our energy on bringing joy and valuable support to our changemaker community (that's you!). This short survey (about 3 minutes) will help me understand your goals and what support would be most valuable as you drive change in the world. This will inform our 2026 priorities and ensure that what we build around learning, community, and co-design is both impactful and sustainable. Thank you in advance! Take survey Reminder: Our...

Radically reimagining our futures In our monthly Unwind gatherings, we’ve already begun making space for imagination in heavy times. Now, we're looking to expand imagination across communities. We’re excited to invite you to a special cross-community online gathering on Thursday, 19 February 2026 at 13:00 CET: Radical Reimaginations of the Future. This session brings together five values-aligned communities — Design Changemakers, Inclusive Design Jam, Design Reparations, Humanitarian...

Unwind with fellow changemakers next Wednesday Things are quite heavy in the world at the moment. In times like these, it feels important to hold space for one another. So we’re beginning the year gently with our first community gathering: The Unwind, taking place next Wednesday, January 28th. This is a one-hour, informal space to come together in community. Our goal isn't to fix or produce anything. You can simply bring whatever feels present for you. Maybe there are questions or ideas...

Dear changemakers, In a year of political chaos and social upheaval that attacked changemaking work worldwide, there's one thing that violence, inequity, and fascism can't take from us: community. A little collage of this past year's gatherings! 2025 was our year of leaning into community learning and support, from the start of the year with Intro to Design Changemaking and a launch party to celebrate the Design Changemaking Portal to gatherings on resistance, restoration, play, unlearning,...

Dear changemakers, These days, we need community more than ever. So, we're kicking off a new monthly gathering called The Unwind! Think of this as a cozy space where you can unwind from your changemaking work and be present in community with others who share your values. You can bring your rants, questions, ideas, dreams, or simply your presence! A warm beverage of your choice and furry friends are also welcome :) The first one will take place on Wednesday, December 10th and will be hosted by...

Personal updates...why design changemakers has been on pause After a long late summer/early fall pause (for those who actually read these emails 🙃), the digest is finally back! I was away for a few reasons: heads down working on expanded design and production of The Grove (news on that coming soon!) recurring health issues (fellow chronic illness folks, you get me!) a transition in my business (aka Sandra By Design) For those who don't know me, I've spent the past 7 years supporting...

Join us for a special event hosted in The Grove If we want to design for 'positive' change, we must undo the ways that systems of harm and domination live within us. We will explore that in community in a special community dialogue next Wednesday, August 13th. Unlearning our oppressive conditioning For values-driven designers, technologists, and changemakers of all backgrounds Wednesday, August 13th9am PT/12pm ET/6 pm CEST Register A communal space for honest conversation This is a space for...

The watering down of DEI and social impact work Are you working in an organization where DEI, social impact, or equity-focused efforts are quietly getting defunded, dismantled, or watered down? You may be seeing... Terms like are “bias,” “racism,” "oppression" —and even "women"— stripped from training content, employee programs, and research. Teams and roles dedicated to this work are being dissolved. Budgets are being slashed. For many of us, the message is clear: this work is seen as too...

This Digest's Highlights: Fear of creating harm to people and planet can hold us back when designing for change. How can we sense our way through challenges? The Grove helps you embody critical reflection and a deep understanding of systems—and tap into collective wisdom—to overcome this fear. Join us for our next Design Changemakers Gathering on May 21st The very real fear of “getting it wrong” Many of us changemakers feel fear of creating harm when we’re designing something that matters....