Join Rise Justice LabsWe want to help you pass your own law.
THE CHANGEMAKER PRIZE
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept”
We are leaders from the largest grassroots organizing moments in recent US history. Our goal is to demystify the path we’ve walked, helping new people and new causes make their way through the obstacle courses of bill drafting, committee hearings, and vote-whipping that exist in every state.
Join Rise Justice Labs
Rise Justice Labs is a first-of-its-kind civil rights accelerator with:
Win Seed Funding
Receive $5,000 in seed funding to support your advocacy work.
Learn How to Pass a Law
Join a highly selective 12-week accelerator program following the Hope-a-nomics curriculum with weekly lectures from practitioners at the top of their game in politics, storytelling, and organizing.
Draft Your Bill
Research and write your own bill with technical support from pro bono attorneys and experienced Rise staff members who have successfully passed their own laws.
Meet Legislators
Gain access to Rise’s network of professional lobbyists, attorneys, lawmakers, funders, celebrity supporters, and media contacts.
Launch a Campaign
Get hands-on coaching from our team of leaders from the Women's March, March for Our Lives, Stop Asian Hate, and the #MeToo Movement.
Pitch Reporters
Practice telling your story to press and get opportunities to grow your supporters through earned media and cross-promotion on Rise’s social media channels.
Build Community
Help shape a unique cohort experience alongside a community of like-minded changemakers who will become your peer mentors.
Build the core skills you need for making your law come to life:
- Mapping the steps to pass a law
- Testifying at a hearing
- Creating a campaign plan
- Building a media plan and pitching
- Writing draft legislation
- Power mapping
- Launching a mass mobilization
- Running a press conference
- Securing a bill sponsor
- Relationship building
- Crafting a pitch deck
- Growing your leadership team
And more …
Meet Rise Justice Labs Alumni
Fight campus sexual violence
Allow SNAP for college students
Stop institutional child abuse
Prevent gun deaths
Enhance oversight of prosecutorial discretion
Allow for interstate restraining orders
"The most successful legislative reform movement in U.S. history."
Washington Post
Want to join Rise Justice Labs?
We’re looking for:
Legislative Policy Idea
You have an idea for a unique legislative campaign that addresses a clear problem and can positively impact many people.
Leadership Values
You have a demonstrated track record of achievement and a growth mindset. You’re committed to your policy issue.
Community Centered
We believe the people closest to the pain should be closest to the solution. You should be a member of the community that is impacted by the problem you are trying to solve.
Have questions?
Not ready to join a 12-week accelerator?
Ready to apply to Rise Justice Labs?
Applications are currently closed. We will be accepting applications for the 2023 Winter Cohort in the fall. Check back for more information or sign up here to join our mailing list.
Rise Justice Labs FAQs
You don’t need to be a lawyer, a politician, or an expert. Rise Justice Labs is for everyday people to learn the ins and outs of our political system and find the most effective ways to pen your own rights into existence. We look for people who are passionate and part of the community they’re trying to help, regardless of education, background, or experience.
No – while Rise started fighting for survivor rights, we have become so much more. We encourage applicants from all kinds of advocacy backgrounds. Former Rise Justice Labs cohorts have covered adoptee rights, rural access to internet, equitable access to medication, agricultural grants, Native representation in public schools, music education, and so many more. All ideas, as long as they’re backed by research and passionate individuals, are welcome!
After you apply, candidates who advance will be interviewed by the Rise team and board. Those selected will join our program to pass their first law. Everyone else will be invited to apply for our next cohort or join our organizing lectures.
Week 1 – Orientation and Leadership
Week 2 – Hopeanomics 101 (How to Pass a Law)
Weeks 3 and 4 – Research Your Issue
Weeks 5 and 6 – Write Your Bill
Weeks 7 and 8 – Tell Your Story
Week 9 – Blitz! Contact Potential Sponsors
Week 10 – Launch Your Campaign
Week 11 – Pitch Your Campaign
Week 12 – Demo(cracy) Day!
Like Demo Day at tech accelerators, our Demo(cracy) Day gives participants an opportunity to pitch your legislative idea to potential supporters–including legislators who may become bill sponsors, donors, press, and volunteers.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us
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