The October Ripple Effect Institute Cohort
Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin. Last updated 9/1/26
Applications close at 5pm ET Friday September 25 — unless sold out sooner.
We’re Building the Post-Trump Era Now.
Here’s what we’re doing...
I’m working with a small group of people starting next month who want to get better at making a difference—and help to build the better world we all know is possible.
Because resisting what we don’t want is only part of the work.
We also have to build what we want in its place.
That’s what we do inside the Ripple Effect Institute.
We help our members do three things:
Get out of overwhelm and burnout and build the resilience to stay engaged for the long haul.
Figure out where and how they can make the biggest difference, using the skills, experience and capacity they already have.
Build and scale social justice work, with the strategy, organizing skills and support to create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Some of our members come to us knowing they want to contribute more, but aren't sure where to focus.
Others have an idea they want to turn into something real.
And some are already leading important work and want to make it more effective, sustainable and impactful.
The Ripple Effect Institute is built for all three.
The Plan Is Simple.
Phase 1: Resilience & Purpose
We start by getting you out of the cycle of news, outrage and burnout so you have the capacity to do meaningful work.
Then we look at your skills, experience, interests, relationships, capacity and the issues you care about—and what might be holding you back—and identify where you can make the greatest contribution.
Phase 2: Strategy & Action
Once you know where you want to focus, we turn it into a plan.
Maybe that means organizing your community around an issue, launching an initiative, building a coalition, supporting an organization behind the scenes, mobilizing voters, winning a policy change, growing a non-profit, training others, or strengthening work you're already doing.
We'll help you develop the strategy and organizing skills to move it forward.
Phase 3: Build & Scale
Then we stay with you as you do the work.
You'll test your ideas, solve problems, build relationships, navigate pushback, develop your leadership and learn how to grow your impact without burning yourself out, so you leave a legacy for future generations that you’re proud of.
And you'll do it alongside other great people who are building a better world too.
Here’s What You Get Inside REI
Two live calls every week: a weekly group coaching and strategy call with me, plus a weekly peer-to-peer community call to connect, collaborate and work through what you're building, with input and advice from our incredible worldwide community. All calls are recorded in case you can’t make it live.
Our complete REI training program, with modules on resilience and purpose, communications, strategy, organizing, community building, leadership, navigating pushback, addressing systemic oppression, and more.
Your first training module on cultivating resilience and purpose on Day One, so you can begin building the foundation for the work ahead.
Our private REI community website, hosted on a non-oligarch-owned platform where you can safely and privately connect and collaborate, without relying on Facebook or the major social media platforms.
Access to and opportunities to work with our incredible worldwide community of activists and organizers—smart, experienced, generous people working across different issues, communities and forms of social change.
Ongoing coaching, community and support for as long as you're a member.
You do not need to be an experienced activist, organizer, political expert, extrovert, or someone with endless free time.
You do need to care enough about making a difference that you want to get better at it.
Here’s How It Works.
You apply with a $500 deposit to hold your spot.
We personally review every application and will let you know our decision within 72 hours.
If you're accepted, you'll start with us on the first of the month.
On Day One, you'll get access to your first training module on cultivating resilience and purpose, our private community, and everything you need to begin.
After your initial $500 deposit, it's $500 a month for the following 12 months.
After that, we'll go month to month, for as long as you want to remain part of the REI community.
There's also a 30-day “love it or leave it” period.
By the end of your first 30 days, we'll both know whether REI is the right place for you.
If something's not right, or either of us isn't feeling it, all you'll pay is your initial $500 deposit. We'll tear up the rest of the agreement and part ways as friends.
As long as we're both good, we'll continue working together for the next 12 months—and hopefully well beyond that.
If You'd Like to Join Us...
Like I said, we keep the Ripple Effect Institute intentionally small, and we're looking for the right people.
So if you...
Share our progressive values and are committed to helping build a more just and equitable world.
Have substantial life and professional experience that you're ready to put to work—even if you're not yet sure how it translates to activism or organizing.
Are a self-starter who's ready to take action now, whether you're finding your place, building something new, or scaling work you've already begun.
Want to get better at creating social change and are open to learning new strategies, skills and ways of working.
Are kind, collaborative and generous with what you know—and want to be part of a community of people who operate the same way.
...then we'd love to hear from you.
New members start on the first of the month, so if this sounds like you and you'd like to join us:
Step 1: Complete our short application and submit your $500 deposit.
Step 2: We'll personally review your application and respond within 72 hours.
Step 3: If you're accepted, your deposit secures your place and you'll start with us on the first of the month.
If you're not accepted, we'll refund your $500 deposit right away.
APPLY HERE
Elizabeth
PS. If you have an existing non-profit or professional development budget, let us know that in the application. We’re happy to give you whatever you might need for reimbursement!