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the archetypes of community contribution
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We each give in our own way.
Some lead with bold ideas, others lift spirits, and many contribute behind the scenes—planting seeds, building connections, and protecting what matters most. At the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, we believe every act of generosity shapes the future of our region.
The Archetypes of Community Contribution celebrate the many ways people show up for their community. These seven archetypes aren’t boxes to fit into—they’re mirrors that reflect how your unique strengths, values and actions contribute to a shared legacy.
Take the quiz, or simply explore them below. As you read, you might see yourself. You might recognize a friend, a neighbor or a mentor. Each one plays a role in building a just and flourishing southwest Washington.
The Archetypes of Community Contribution celebrate the many ways people show up for their community. These seven archetypes aren’t boxes to fit into—they’re mirrors that reflect how your unique strengths, values and actions contribute to a shared legacy.
Take the quiz, or simply explore them below. As you read, you might see yourself. You might recognize a friend, a neighbor or a mentor. Each one plays a role in building a just and flourishing southwest Washington.
The Torch
Lead + Inspire
The Torch is a visionary who ignites passion and rallies others toward progress. They chart a path forward, inspiring communities to dream big and take bold action.
They might enjoy organizing initiatives, leading community groups and presenting ideas for change.
The Torch is a visionary who ignites passion and rallies others toward progress. They chart a path forward, inspiring communities to dream big and take bold action.
They might enjoy organizing initiatives, leading community groups and presenting ideas for change.
The Shield
Advocate + Protect
A steadfast protector of fairness, the Shield uses their voice to uplift the vulnerable, defend what’s right and create a more just community. They move others to take collective action and foster change.
They might enjoy advocating for themselves and others, making sure everyone’s voice is heard and championing equity-focused efforts.
A steadfast protector of fairness, the Shield uses their voice to uplift the vulnerable, defend what’s right and create a more just community. They move others to take collective action and foster change.
They might enjoy advocating for themselves and others, making sure everyone’s voice is heard and championing equity-focused efforts.
The Heart
Connect + Support
The Heart cultivates belonging, strengthens communities and weaves people together with care and compassion. They are the glue that holds groups together, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
They might enjoy hosting and attending gatherings, creating safe spaces and fostering deep connections in their community.
The Heart cultivates belonging, strengthens communities and weaves people together with care and compassion. They are the glue that holds groups together, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
They might enjoy hosting and attending gatherings, creating safe spaces and fostering deep connections in their community.
The Hammer
Build + Break Through
A maker and mover who transforms ideas into action, the Hammer thrives on progress, unafraid to get their hands dirty in service of the greater good. Whether building programs or breaking down barriers, they are the force that turns vision into reality.
They might enjoy pushing projects forward despite obstacles, building partnerships and developing creative strategies to meet community needs.
A maker and mover who transforms ideas into action, the Hammer thrives on progress, unafraid to get their hands dirty in service of the greater good. Whether building programs or breaking down barriers, they are the force that turns vision into reality.
They might enjoy pushing projects forward despite obstacles, building partnerships and developing creative strategies to meet community needs.
The Star
Encourage + Empower
The Star lifts others up, illuminates possibilities and guides people toward their full potential. They are mentors, motivators and champions of growth, always cheering others on.
They might enjoy mentoring individuals, offering encouragement and sharing tools to help others thrive.
The Star lifts others up, illuminates possibilities and guides people toward their full potential. They are mentors, motivators and champions of growth, always cheering others on.
They might enjoy mentoring individuals, offering encouragement and sharing tools to help others thrive.
The Compass
Teach + Challenge
With wisdom to share and a passion for growth, the Compass expands perspectives, challenges norms and helps others navigate their path forward. They push boundaries and stimulate transformative learning.
They might enjoy teaching skills, fostering learning and sparking conversations that inspire new ways of thinking.
With wisdom to share and a passion for growth, the Compass expands perspectives, challenges norms and helps others navigate their path forward. They push boundaries and stimulate transformative learning.
They might enjoy teaching skills, fostering learning and sparking conversations that inspire new ways of thinking.
The Seed
Invest + Cultivate
Planting the foundation for future growth, the Seed invests in potential and nurtures long-term impact. Their work creates lasting change by fostering new opportunities and helping them flourish.
They might enjoy supporting grassroots efforts, nurturing new initiatives and maintaining and growing effective programs.
Planting the foundation for future growth, the Seed invests in potential and nurtures long-term impact. Their work creates lasting change by fostering new opportunities and helping them flourish.
They might enjoy supporting grassroots efforts, nurturing new initiatives and maintaining and growing effective programs.