Meet the 2022-23 Systems Change Accelerator Cohort

We can't believe the Systems Change Accelerator is in its fifth cohort already! We're so excited to introduce you to this incredible group of leaders, and the powerful work they’re creating in LA. This year, the cohort is focused on several issue areas that we’re thrilled to support for the first time through the Accelerator. These organizations are creating narrative shifts, new mental models, and organizing for policy change.

• API RISE (Asian Pacific Islander Reentry and Inclusion through Support and Empowerment) creates systems of care and empowerment for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated API people. 

• Coco Moms will train educators in Santa Clarita School Districts to implement alternatives to seclusionary forms of discipline.

• Color Compton seeks to explore with BIPOC youth how stories are shaped, recorded & remembered through a community-led archive incubator in Compton.

• Community Power Collective organizes with street vendors to reclaim public spaces, decriminalize their businesses, and create safe, vibrant communities.

• The EmpowerThem Collective Legislative Policy Academy equips under-seen and underserved community members with policy and advocacy education to change the systems that negatively impact them.

• Love Letter Los Angeles seeks to strengthen racial justice leadership in the public sector and transform LA’s civic and institutional systems by showcasing BIPOC leaders and BIPOC-centered issues.

• Trans Can Work builds trans-inclusive workplace cultures so people of all genders can thrive in a safe, equitable, and respectable workplace environment.

• Unite A Nation seeks to transform philanthropic and funding practices to ensure that BIPOC and lived experience-led organizations are funded equitably.

• Young Entertainment Activists partners with young Hollywood professionals to advance social justice values, practices, and literacy behind and in front of the camera.

The most rewarding aspect of convening these powerful cohorts is witnessing the connections, intersecting work, and collaborations that emerge. We've watched Accelerator alum work in coalition to create lasting systems change in LA, and can’t wait to see the same collective power from this year's group.

ACT-LA, LA Forward, and Los Angeles Walks helped to launch and lead Healthy LA, a coalition of 330+ organizations who successfully pushed the LA City Council and County Supervisors to enact over 20+ crucial protections for tenants, workers, small business owners, and immigrants disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Initiate Justice spearheaded Prop17's coalition efforts building power with groups across California including Anti Recidivism Coalition to successfully restore the right to vote to 50,000 Californians on parole ensuring that all formerly incarcerated people in California can now vote.

The cohort meets for the first time on September 15th for a joint program launch with the 2022-23 Racial Equity in Homelessness Fellows. Over the next nine months, the cohort will grow and deepen connections with peers working towards systemic change, explore liberatory culture frameworks, hone their messaging, and expand their network of supporters. Make sure you join us at our 13th annual Fast Pitch coming April 25, 2023, where these nine leaders will introduce themselves to LA’s social justice community.

Interested in supporting this year’s Accelerator cohort and Fast Pitch program? Consider becoming a sponsor.