Leadership For Democracy and Social Justice

What does it look like to build power through both organizing and culture?
For LDSJ alum Nathan Cheung, it looks like CLUB 2561 — an immersive installation created as their CalArts MFA thesis that transforms a gallery into a club-like gathering space. Rooted in q***r nightlife, community, and organizing traditions, the project invites people to participate, connect, and imagine new possibilities together.
“LDSJ helped me recognize cultural organizing as a vital part of movement work,” Nathan shared. “LDSJ helped me recognize cultural organizing as a vital part of movement work,” Nathan said. “It gave me the support to invest in my artistic practice and see it as a way of building narrative power and connection. At a time when I was close to burnout, it reminded me that there are many ways to stay in the work — and that my role could evolve with me.”

Last year, our fellows organized across movement sectors shaping the future.
From labor and immigration justice to democracy, climate, and racial justice, fellows are building power in communities nationwide.

Swipe to see where organizers are leading change, and read more in our annual report!

Deepak Bhargava has been named to the 100 Philanthropy list.

For those who know Deepak, this recognition comes as no surprise. While relatively new to philanthropy itself, he brings decades of organizing and movement-building experience into the field — and has quickly become a powerful voice pushing philanthropy to do more: move resources boldly, trust communities, and stand firmly for democracy and social justice.

We’re honored to celebrate one of LDSJ’s founders and the values that continue to shape our work today. Congratulations, Deepak.

Read more: ti.me/100-philanthropy

Our community is growing — and so is its impact. This past year, 168 fellows led change across 23 states and DC, working on the issues that matter most in their communities.

Explore the full picture in our annual report ➡️ Link in bio

At our first 2026 Movement Leader retreat, fellows heard directly from organizers in Puerto Rico about the political moment unfolding on the island.

The conversation grounded our learning in real context as fellows deepen their practice of conjunctural analysis — understanding the political landscape and identifying where movements can build power and win transformative change.

While focused on Puerto Rico, the lessons reach far beyond it: learning to name the moment, organize across differences, and build strategy in complex conditions is a critical skill for movement leaders everywhere.

Today we honor Rev. Jesse Jackson — a freedom fighter whose voice, courage, and conviction helped bend this country closer to justice.

From standing on the frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement to building the Rainbow Coalition, Rev. Jackson expanded who belonged in our democracy. He insisted that poor and working people, Black communities, immigrants, and the marginalized were not an afterthought — but the heart of the nation.
He didn’t just speak about hope. He organized it. He built it. He demanded it.

His legacy is a call to action.

For those of us committed to social justice, his life is a reminder that democracy must be organized, protected, and expanded — again and again.

At Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice, we are grateful to advance that work by supporting and developing leaders rooted in their communities.

May we embody his moral clarity. May we build the coalitions he imagined. And may we keep hope alive by turning conviction into action, and action into lasting change.

In a moment of economic strain, political volatility, and organizer burnout, social movements can’t afford to skip invest in leadership.

Our Executive Director Christopher Torres outlines three ways leadership development strengthens movements, improves nonprofit resilience, and helps organizers build long-term power in his latest op-ed with

Read the full article ➡️ link in bio

Ready to shape the next generation of changemakers?

LDSJ is looking for experienced social change leaders to mentor our 2026 Social Change Fellows. Share your expertise, expand access for emerging leaders, and build lasting connections across movements.

💰 $3,750 | 🗓️ March–Sept 2026
⏳ Apply by Feb 27

Apply ➡️ link in bio