The Institute of Impacted Leaders

Initiate Justice’s Institute of Impacted Leaders is a 12-week organizing training program designed for people directly impacted by mass incarceration.

Participants learn about community organizing, how the policy process works in California, how to change statewide laws, and how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones in prison. Practical activities include an advocacy day at the California State Capitol and in-district advocacy visits. Institute participants and graduates develop campaigns to win freedom and safety for all. All materials and travel are paid for by Initiate Justice, and graduates receive a $500 stipend upon completion.

After the program, graduates of the Institute take the skills they learn and go into state prisons to train our Inside Organizers. They also become Outside Organizers who help lead our work through our Membership, Leadership, and Advocacy Committees.