Most organizations and people are working in silos, unable to fully realize their goals because our dominant systems, institutions and leaders are disconnected and competing for resources.
Positive systemic change requires deep connection and collaboration. To build and support thriving systems and solutions, we need skillful, courageous leaders and influential, connected communities of practice.
The Just Economy Institute (JEI) connects, educates and supports financial innovators and change makers who are shifting the flow of capital and power to solve complex social and environmental problems. Over the past nine years, JEI has provided the connections, learning opportunities and community support leaders need to effect positive change and speed the transition to a just economy.
What makes JEI unique:
- Community-Centered Solutions: We prioritize community engagement and solutions based on the experiences and needs of those most impacted by extractive economic practices.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Our approach is grounded in the belief that all of us are needed to create a just economy. We convene, educate and connect insightful change makers in ways that help them form highly effective partnerships, coalitions and collaborations.
- Holistic Approach: We focus on the inner work that deepens self-awareness and the capacity to collaborate skillfully, the practical work of leveraging capital to support community well-being, and the collective work of building power to drive lasting, positive change.
- Integrated Capital: We highlight ways to activate different types of capital to build economic, racial and environmental justice.
- Connected Thought Leadership: We are connectors, educators and amplifiers who share effective models of community wealth building, innovative financial practices and collaborative leadership.
JEI Programs:
A nine-month fellowship
a learning and leadership program and community of practice for financial innovators, social entrepreneurs and community organizers
An alumni action network
gatherings, tools, support, advice, coaching and connections
Field building
sharing insights, resources, strategies and practices with the field; hosting convenings about activating capital for positive impact
The JEI Fellowship:
JEI convenes, connects and educates diverse leaders to help them catalyze new collaborations, gain more clarity and confidence in their leadership, and share strategies to support the well-being of all communities and the planet. JEI Fellows become part of an influential and innovative network of leaders and learn about ways to activate the positive potential of capital from a group of experts in the field.
The nine-month program consists of three in-person immersions, ten online sessions, one-on-one advisor calls, online resources, peer coaching, and Creative Capital Projects. The program is grounded in an understanding of the current extractive economic system and the ways capital can be used to effect systemic change. Fellows learn about frameworks, approaches and strategies to create community wealth, and gain clarity on the work they feel called to do.
JEI faculty, speakers and one-on-one advisors are experts in social movement investing, integrated capital, community wealth building, regenerative agriculture, investor/donor organizing and transformational leadership.
JEI Fellows:
The work of capital activation requires creative, intelligent and passionate leaders who have the skills needed to navigate power, conflict and possibility. Each year, cohorts of up to 28 Fellows participate in JEI’s fellowship program.
JEI currently supports 265 Fellows and alumni who have:
- the ability to influence the flow of financial and social capital
- a clear desire to learn and grow, both personally and professionally
- strong emotional intelligence
- a deep commitment to effect positive change and create a just economy
