We are a global community of 17,500 members representing over 4,400 organizations from 189 countries.
We are building a world where the communities most impacted by injustice can defend their rights and take part in making decisions that affect them. Our commitment to helping people know, use, and shape the law – a process known as legal empowerment – unites us.
The Grassroots Justice Network Academy is a world-class institute and learning community focused on strengthening the work of grassroots justice defenders.
Launching on May 4, 2026, the Academy will build on 10+ years of impactful work and the decades-long expertise of Grassroots Justice Network members around the world. Our vision is to drive transformative change by strengthening the impact of 1,000 justice organizations in 100 countries.
Applications for the Leadership Program—the Academy’s first offering—open March 2, 2026. This free, three-month program blends live sessions, working groups, and hands-on workshops, with an expected commitment of 2-4 hours per week. The program will be offered in English and Spanish and participants who complete the full program will be eligible to apply for a $10,000 USD action grant for their organization.
Here’s what you can expect from the Leadership Program:
– Master core legal empowerment principles through live sessions and asynchronous materials
– Participate in expert-led workshops to build the specific skills your organization or community needs
– Develop a practical work plan to address your justice challenge and share it with a trusted cohort of practitioners for feedback and refinement
– Connect with fellow practitioners in the Grassroots Justice Network, the world’s largest community of justice defenders, 17,000+ members strong from 189 countries
– Access curated resources that strengthen your knowledge of legal empowerment or hone advanced skills, available on a range of issue areas
– Apply for an action grant for your organization
Grassroots justice practitioners, community paralegals, organizers, and staff affiliated with a collective, union, NGO, or other organization/group are encouraged to apply. Team applications are also welcome. While participation is limited, the Academy will offer additional ways to engage later in the year. The application period opens on March 2, 2026.
The Grassroots Justice Network Academy is convened by the Grassroots Justice Network and Namati. Join the Network for updates!
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Through collective action, our members build a more just and sustainable world together. We seek real, positive change, both locally and globally. Here’s what we’ve achieved together.
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The Grassroots Justice Network is unlike any other network. For me personally, and for my colleagues at the Legal Aid Society, it’s been a source of inspiration and it’s constantly educated us. I can’t think of another platform that brings together so many regional movements and organizations. …You feel like you are part of a bigger global movement. You’re part of a global tribe.
Haya Zahid
Legal Aid Society, Pakistan
The reality of our work is that pushing for our rights and communities’ rights can be extremely draining. If we do not have lessons to learn from, it is very easy to throw in the towel. The Grassroots Justice Network has really been helpful to act as a motivator…to see that people are facing the same challenges in different parts of the globe. It gives you that nudge to keep going.
Rose Birgen
Natural Justice, Kenya
I’ve been a part of so many movements where I’ve had to be quiet. Where you have to work your way up to a certain level to be heard….But inside of the Grassroots Justice Network, everyone mattered. It almost seemed like the least of us were the ones who mattered the most. It’s been the safest place for me to ask questions but also to share and gain knowledge. It’s like a one-stop shop.
Nondo Nobel Bwami
Asylum Access, Tanzania
[The learning exchange] was absolutely amazing. It helped me develop new ways of thinking of my work and challenges. It has connected me to many new people and networks who can benefit my work. I learned a lot about best practices and got new ideas from fellow participants.
Liesl Muller
Lawyers for Human Rights, South Africa
