Love and Justice LLC · Dr. Durryle Brooks

The Solidarity
Diagnostic

Solidarity is not static. It takes shape within relational dynamics — and the same person can be someone's deepest ally on one issue and purely surface-level on another.

This tool is not a verdict. It is a map. Score yourself honestly on two different relationships and see what the comparison reveals about where you are — and where you can grow.

How to use this tool

1
Choose who you are in solidarity with and around what issue — select as many as apply
2
Score yourself honestly on the three dimensions — no right answers, only true ones
3
Do it twice and read what the comparison reveals about where you are and where you can grow

The three dimensions — what you are scoring

Time How long have you been in relationship with this group or cause — not just aware of it, but genuinely in relationship? Solidarity built before a crisis or ask is thicker than solidarity formed in response to one.
Quality of Connection How deeply do you know both the issues AND the people living that reality — their histories, their lives, their full humanity? Real friendships, not just cause alignment. The goal is seeing the whole person, not only their struggle.
Shared Risk Are both parties genuinely putting something on the line — time, reputation, resources, comfort, or power? Deep quality of connection makes shared risk more likely and more natural. Shallow connection tends to keep risk low even when time is long.

These three dimensions interact. You can have a long relationship with shallow connection and risk will stay low. But when you deeply know people's lives and they know yours, the risk becomes naturally shared — because you can no longer unsee each other's humanity.

1
A relationship where you feel deep
Think of a community or cause where you have real history and connection

Select all that apply

Black communities Latino/a/x communities Indigenous communities LGBTQ+ communities Immigrant communities Working class communities Palestinian communities Disabled communities Women and girls Formerly incarcerated People living with HIV Youth Elders AAPI communities White communities Poor communities Rural communities

Select all that apply

Racial justice Housing justice Economic justice Education equity Climate justice Police accountability Immigration rights Trans rights Land back / land rights Reproductive justice Abortion access Disability justice Reparations Guaranteed income Food sovereignty Sexual health justice
Time3

How long have you been in genuine relationship with this group or cause?

1 · brand new2 · months3 · a year+4 · several years5 · long term
Quality of Connection3

How deeply do you know both the issues and the people living this reality — their lives, histories, and full humanity?

1 · aware of the cause2 · some knowing3 · growing4 · trusted5 · deep knowing
Shared Risk3

Are both parties genuinely putting something on the line together?

1 · no risk taken2 · minimal3 · some risk4 · meaningful5 · high shared risk

Round 1 · Your solidarity here

Growth question

2
A relationship where you show up — but are newer
Think of a cause you care about but have less history with

Select all that apply

Black communities Latino/a/x communities Indigenous communities LGBTQ+ communities Immigrant communities Working class communities Palestinian communities Disabled communities Women and girls Formerly incarcerated People living with HIV Youth Elders AAPI communities White communities Poor communities Rural communities

Select all that apply

Racial justice Housing justice Economic justice Education equity Climate justice Police accountability Immigration rights Trans rights Land back / land rights Reproductive justice Abortion access Disability justice Reparations Guaranteed income Food sovereignty Sexual health justice
Time2

How long have you been in genuine relationship with this group or cause?

1 · brand new2 · months3 · a year+4 · several years5 · long term
Quality of Connection2

How deeply do you know both the issues and the people living this reality — their lives, histories, and full humanity?

1 · aware of the cause2 · some knowing3 · growing4 · trusted5 · deep knowing
Shared Risk2

Are both parties genuinely putting something on the line together?

1 · no risk taken2 · minimal3 · some risk4 · meaningful5 · high shared risk

Round 2 · Your solidarity here

Growth question

What the comparison reveals

You are not one type of solidarity practitioner. You are many.

How to read this: The bars show your three dimension scores side by side for each relationship. Fuller and darker bars mean thicker solidarity. Look for gaps — between relationships, and between dimensions within the same relationship. The gaps are not failures. They are your growing edge. And remember: the conditions you are working within matter. Organizational culture, power dynamics, and available resources all shape what is possible. Name those conditions alongside your scores.

Relationship 1

Time
Connection
Risk

Relationship 2

Time
Connection
Risk
Solidarity is not a destination. It is a practice. The question is not who you are — it is who you are becoming, and what relationships and risks you are willing to let change you.

Practices for deepening — wherever you are

Go deeper

Get the free framework guide.

Download the full Seven Types of Solidarity guide — definitions, indicators, risks, and reflection questions for all seven types. Use it to start an honest conversation with your team, coalition, or organization.

Download the Free Guide Book a Workshop or Keynote

Educational Use & Intellectual Property Notice

The Solidarity Diagnostic is an educational tool developed for personal reflection, learning, and organizational dialogue. It is not a clinical, psychological, or professional assessment instrument and should not be used as one. Results are intended to support growth conversations — not to evaluate, judge, or categorize individuals or groups.

The Solidarity Spectrum framework — including the Seven Types of Solidarity, the three dimensions of time, quality of connection, and shared risk, and all associated language, concepts, and materials — is the original intellectual property of Dr. Durryle Brooks and Love and Justice LLC. © 2026 Dr. Durryle Brooks. All rights reserved. This tool may be used for personal and educational purposes. Reproduction, adaptation, facilitation, or commercial use of any kind requires written permission from Love and Justice LLC. To inquire about licensing, facilitation rights, or bringing this framework to your organization, visit linktr.ee/durryleb or book a consultation at calendly.com/loveandjustice/new-meeting.

© 2026 Dr. Durryle Brooks · Love and Justice LLC · @loveandjusticellc · Baltimore, Maryland