Rise Justice Labs 2025 Winter Cohort: Apply for a 12-Week Legislative Advocacy Accelerator and Learn How to Pass Your Own Law
Rise Justice Labs is a selective 12-week legislative advocacy accelerator that helps individuals and organizations transform community issues into actionable policy solutions. Participants receive practical training, mentorship, and seed funding support to develop real-world legislative campaigns.
Overview
Rise Justice Labs is a 12-week accelerator designed to empower everyday individuals and grassroots organizations to turn community problems into legislative solutions. The program equips participants with the practical skills, strategic guidance, networks, and confidence required to engage in the political process, draft bills, and build grassroots support for policy change.
Applicants do not need to be lawyers, politicians, or professional lobbyists. The program welcomes community leaders, activists, organizers, and anyone deeply connected to a social issue who is ready to undertake public-facing advocacy.
Benefits
- Practical training on how to navigate the legislative process and draft bills.
- Mentorship from experienced attorneys, organizers, and advocacy professionals.
- Opportunities to connect with lawmakers, media professionals, and potential campaign sponsors.
- Grassroots organizing and media skill development.
- Access to $5,000 in seed funding to support advocacy work.
- Admission to a collaborative community of changemakers and cohort peers.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals and organizations, including community leaders, nonprofit leaders, activists, and social entrepreneurs.
- Applicants must have a clear problem in their community and a realistic idea for a legislative solution.
- Candidates must demonstrate a strong personal connection or lived experience related to the issue they wish to address.
- International applicants are eligible if they pursue a pathway targeting the United Nations General Assembly, whereas U.S.-focused campaigns require U.S. residency.
- Participants must be willing to commit 5 to 10 hours per week or more to meetings, coursework, and campaign development.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare detailed responses regarding their proposed campaign, policy problem, leadership background, and community ties before submitting. Both individuals and organizational teams may apply via the official web portal.
Deadline
Applications for the referenced cohort are due by Friday, September 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST.