Organizing Principles
We help people move from feeling unsure about getting involved in their community to feeling connected and confident.
Mission
We create tools and activities that help people feel more confident about getting involved in their communities.
Core Idea
Feeling like you belong is the first step—we build pathways that make community life easier to join.
Who We Help
Built for the 70% of Americans who want to connect with different people but don't know where to start.
Based in Houston, TX • Building a National Network
Impact Goals & Current Campaign
The Change Lab is launching StepUP with focused Houston goals and a $350,000 fundraising campaign.
Start in Houston, grow across Texas, then share the platform with groups nationwide. We track our success through completed activities and real community actions.
StepUP: From Curiosity to Action
StepUP is The Change Lab's main tool—giving people a simple way to learn, connect, and act on issues that matter most to them.
Three Levels of Engagement
On Your Couch
Fun, easy content that sparks curiosity
In Your Community
Checklists and activities that help people plug in
In Your Power
Resources and tools for direct action
A short quiz points people to one of six starting pathways. Most platforms assume you already know how to get involved. StepUP is built for people who just want to know where to start.
Core Engagement Areas
Six key pathways that span the civic engagement spectrum:
Civic Literacy
Understanding how government works, your representatives, and local issues
Storytelling and Narrative
Sharing experiences and building empathy through personal stories
Bridging Across Difference
Connecting across political, cultural, and ideological divides
Volunteerism and Mutual Aid
Direct service and community support systems
Public Advocacy
Speaking up for issues and representing community voices
Coalition and Collective Action
Organizing with others for systemic change
Each path has many ways to start and grow. They're made for busy people and beginners, but can help you become a leader too.
Thematic Domains
Seven interconnected areas that cover all aspects of community life:
These areas help us cover all parts of community life. Systems Change helps us understand and fix deeper problems.
Core Principles
Six values that guide our work in all areas:
Everyone Matters
People have many different identities and experiences that shape who they are.
Belonging and Inclusion
Creating spaces where everyone can join in and be themselves.
Big Picture Thinking
Understanding how things connect and finding the best ways to make change.
Safe Spaces
Knowing that past experiences affect how people feel about getting involved.
Creative Problem-Solving
Imagining and building new possibilities for community life.
All Ages Working Together
Bringing together people of different ages and learning from everyone's experiences.
StepUP Platform Features
Smart Quiz System
Short quiz that points people to one of six personalized starting pathways based on interests and capacity.
Gamification
Interactive features and games that keep people engaged as they progress through civic activities.
AI Recommendations
Personal recommendations that meet people where they are and suggest next steps based on their engagement.
Resource Library
Clear, welcoming, and easy-to-use content including checklists, activities, and action tools.
Progress Tracking
Track completed activities, pathway usage, and real community actions to measure impact.
Partnership Integration
Strong connections with Houston organizations and beyond for real-world engagement opportunities.
We're building the platform with our $350,000 fundraising goal. This will help us grow our team, launch the beta version, and grow across Texas and beyond.
Why StepUP Matters
Source: More in Common, "The Connection Opportunity" (2023)
More Opportunities
The top barrier to connection across differences is "lack of opportunity." StepUP creates accessible pathways for meaningful engagement.
At Your Own Pace
Move from curious to active at your own speed, with clear next steps and supportive guidance.
Built for Beginners
Most platforms assume you already know how to get involved. StepUP assumes you're just starting out.
Belonging First
Connection and belonging come before action. Build confidence in a welcoming environment.
Help people take their first step toward connection, build confidence to engage across differences, and play an active part in shaping the future of their communities.
Support StepUP & The Change Lab
StepUP is more than an app. It's a doorway into belonging and connection.
$350,000 Campaign Goals
Your support helps us grow our team, push the StepUP beta live, add AI and gaming features, ensure accessible content, and build strong partnerships in Houston and beyond.
Grow Team Capacity
Handle programs, partnerships, and technology development.
Launch Beta Platform
Push StepUP live and keep improving the user experience.
Add Interactive Features
Games and AI recommendations that keep people engaged.
Build Partnerships
Strong connections in Houston and preparation for national expansion.
The Change Lab • Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Houston, Texas • Expanding Nationwide