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.

Play Video
Join Rise Justice Labs

Rise Justice Labs is a first-of-its-kind civil rights accelerator with:

Amanda Nguyen on Rise Justice Lab

Win Seed Funding

Receive $5,000 in seed funding to support your advocacy work.

Amanda Nguyen on daily show

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.

Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights

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.

legislator on rise justice labs

Meet Legislators

Gain access to Rise’s network of professional lobbyists, attorneys, lawmakers, funders, celebrity supporters, and media contacts.

rise justice labs

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.

rise justice labs

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.

rise justice labs

Build Community

Help shape a unique cohort experience alongside a community of like-minded changemakers who will become your peer mentors.

Meet Rise Justice Labs Alumni

Programs:
Fight campus sexual violence

Fight campus sexual violence

Coalition fighting sexual violence on campus
2020 Cohort
SBNC logo

Allow SNAP for college students

Expand SNAP Eligibility for College Students
2021 Summer Cohort
Stop institutional child abuse

Stop institutional child abuse

Stopping institutional child abuse
2020 Cohort
stop gun violence campaign

Prevent gun deaths

Working towards zero preventable gun deaths across the country.
2019 - Pilot Program
Enhance oversight of prosecutorial discretion

Enhance oversight of prosecutorial discretion

Seeking oversight of prosecutorial discretion relating to cases of domestic and sexual violence.
2022 Winter Cohort
Rise campaign

Allow for interstate restraining orders

Expanding access to interstate restraining orders.
2022 Winter Cohort

"The most successful legislative reform movement in U.S. history."

Washington Post
legislative progress on rise justice labs

Want to join Rise Justice Labs?

We’re looking for:

flying paper illustration

Legislative Policy Idea

You have an idea for a unique legislative campaign that addresses a clear problem and can positively impact many people.

speaker illustration

Leadership Values

You have a demonstrated track record of achievement and a growth mindset. You’re committed to your policy issue.

community illustration

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.

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 next cohort in 2024.
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.

For applicants aiming to pass a law in the United States (e.g., federal, state, or local), it is beneficial to be located in the US. However, the accelerator program is open to applicants from all over the world whose goal is to pass a resolution through the United Nations General Assembly. Applicants should be mindful that meeting hours will take place in American Eastern Standard Time, and they are expected to be present and involved.
 

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

rise team

Follow our journey

Subscribe to our newsletter to get insight on how we rise together to change the world.