If you’re a caregiver who is looking to learn more about advocacy, brush up your leadership skills (brush up, because let’s face it, if you’re a mom you’re probably a leader, even if you don’t think so!) and get involved in fighting for family friendly policies in your local community and in Washington, DC? 

If you answered yes, (or even maybe!) Keep reading! 

Or, if you're ready to apply to become a voice for families click here to get started! 

We’re excited to announce that the RISERS Parent Leadership program application period is now open for the 2026-2027 year! 

What is the RISERS Program?

• A Parent Leadership Program: An 10-month national leadership development program designed to help moms and caregivers sharpen their advocacy skills, build community, and use their personal experiences to drive political change.

• Focused on Early Childhood & Family Issues: While addressing the reality that "we don't lead single-issue lives," the curriculum is strongly anchored in early childhood topics (ages 0-5), including:

  • Affordable child care and universal pre-K

  • Maternal health, maternal justice, and mental health

  • Paid family and medical leave

  • Healthcare access (such as Medicaid) and food security (such as SNAP)

RISERS in DC-.04.2026.png

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

• Moms & Caregivers: Open to moms or caregivers who have children ages 0–8, or early childhood educators who work closely with this age group.

• Open to All Advocacy Levels: You do not need prior experience in community organizing (even though, let’s face it, as a mom or caregiver, you probably have that!) You do not need to have experience in politics either! The program welcomes everyone from total beginners to those who have already dabbled in local activism.

• A Reflection of the diversity of our country: This program strives to bring together a diverse cohort from across the country, bringing a mix of people from red, blue, and purple states. We strongly encourage applicants from all walks of life. We seek to bring together a group with different life experiences as we believe we all learn from eachother. In the past our cohorts have included:

  • Single parents, student parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents

  • Immigrant, refugee and first-generation American parents

  • LGBTQ+ families

  • Parents of children with special medical or developmental needs

  • AND MORE! 

What is the Time Commitment & Format?

• Duration: The program typically runs for 10 months (typically from September through June), followed by community project execution over the summer months.

• Virtual Meetings: It is a highly accessible virtual program featuring monthly online meetings that last roughly 2-2.5 hours.

• Opportunities for advocacy: There will be opportunities to engage in advocacy with local, state and federal elected officials and policymakers in your local area when possible (virtually or in-person). 

RISERS Apply Square.jpg

What Skills and Experiences Will You Gain?

• Civics & Legislative Training: Learn how federal, state, and local governments work, how bills become laws, and how to hold elected officials accountable.

• Storytelling: Receive training on how to shape, write, and share your personal parenting experiences to change the hearts and minds of lawmakers and the public.

• Media & Public Speaking Skills: Build confidence talking to local and national media outlets, writing letters to legislators, using social media for activism, and speaking at school boards or Congressional events.

• Community Project Organizing: Learn how to design, plan, and execute a grassroots community project or event back in your own neighborhood.

Mansie-DC event-10.2023.png

What Are the Benefits of Joining? 

In addition to the skills you will learn, below are some benefits to joining the RISERS program:

• Lifelong Community & Networking: Join a highly supportive national network of passionate, like-minded mothers who cheer each other on, validate shared struggles, and combat the isolation of early parenting.

• Mentorship: Receive ongoing individual support, resources, and connections from dedicated MomsRising staff and early childhood development experts to ensure you meet your personal advocacy goals. You will also have access to experts on maternal mental health and childhood development.

• We value your time and exprience!  MomsRising deeply respects caregivers' busy schedules and values your time, which is why RISERS receive a small stipend to help defray any costs for participating in the program.

RISERS at bootcamp.png

APPLY HERE! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the application period will close August 20th, 11:59 PM PT. 

Share this post with a friend who you think would make a great advocate for families! 

Questions? Email risers@momsrising.org