You don't always have to think big when it comes to advocating for the issues that matter to you.
More often than not, it's the local issues (like educational funding or public transportation) that matter to us in our day-to-day lives. At IGNITE, we want to help you leverage your passion for change—big or small—into actionable legislative advocacy. Our programming is centered around educating the next generation of political leaders so that they can utilize their political literacy to champion the rights of those who are most marginalized.
IGNITE aims to build a more equitable political space.
The issues we focus on and advocate for—menstrual equity, voting rights, civic rights for marginalized groups—are key components of a more equitable country. They address persistent civic injustices and inequalities, and highlight the aspects of our current laws that need the most attention.
Building better policy through advocacy
Each year, hundreds of IGNITE program participants advocate for policy change. IGNITE’s advocacy efforts have led to policy change in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, and Washington. We have advanced issues that matter to women and gender-expansive people, such as menstrual equity, access to reproductive healthcare, childcare funds for candidates, fair pay and pricing, and protections against gender-based violence, discrimination, and harassment. Collectively, our program participants have spent hundreds of hours calling, writing, using social media, and meeting with legislators to make their voices heard.
how you can Advocate with ignite
IGNITE the Capitol Advocacy Days
There's no such thing as "too young" when it comes to advocating for yourself and your community.
Every year, IGNITE organizes trips to state capitols across the country to teach participants about the legislative process and how they can influence policy decisions. These IGNITE the Capitol Advocacy Days make legislative advocacy accessible for middle school, high school, and college-aged student and gives them a chance to experience their local government in action.
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IGNITE the Capitol
Advocate for change.
Our IGNITE the Capitol series gives high school and college students opportunities to advocate for issues that matter to them with the lawmakers who have the power to enact change. We gather hundreds of young women and gender-expansive youth at state capitols and in Washington, DC, and train them on legislative processes and advocacy strategies. By meeting directly with legislators and staffers to share their stories, participants turn these advocacy days into accessible, deeply impactful opportunities to shape legislative agendas.
IGNITE the Capitol 2027 dates to be announced soon. Find an upcoming event near you.
Organizing Academy: Activate Your Advocacy
Make a difference in your community.
Join our next Organizing Academy: Activate Your Advocacy Bootcamp! We host this free virtual bootcamp twice each year to give you the tools and resources you need to become a powerful changemaker and community leader.
Attendees learn about the legislative process, connect with a nationwide network of politically ambitious young women and gender-diverse youth, and gain access to legislative internship opportunities that provide the experience and mentorship needed to launch political careers. Those who attend all sessions and finish all assignments of the bootcamp also earn a certificate of completion that they can use to strengthen school and job applications.
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Our advocacy in action
College Chapter Spotlight: UCLA Students Demand Better Access to Care
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Lessons from our future leaders
NO MASTERS CLASS by IGNITE
WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE
How do we usher in the NEW class of political changemakers? By letting them teach us how it's done. Introducing #NMCbyIGNITE, a digital class taught by the future of politics. Join Mari Copeny, Will Larkins, Sis and Emily Flores as they share how we can take politics into our own hands.