About The Change Lab
The Change Lab is a nonprofit civic platform helping people find their role, connect across differences, and take practical action—locally and beyond.
Why Now
- People want to help—but civic life feels chaotic, polarized, and time-consuming.
- Opportunities are scattered across hundreds of sites and organizations.
- Most tools assume expertise; we design for beginners and busy people.
Purpose, Mission and Vision
Purpose: Help people move from curiosity to contribution with pathways that meet them where they are.
Mission: Build shared understanding and practical routes into civic life through welcoming tools, stories, and partnerships.
Vision: A culture where it is normal—and joyful—to help your community.
What We Are Building
- Civic Impact Engine — a gamified pathway and opportunity map.
https://www.thechangelab.net - Resource Center — profiles of organizations, DIY kits, tools, and research.
https://www.thechangelab.net/resources - Newsletter: Stability Is a Fragile Grace — reflections, prompts, and actions.
https://thechangelab.substack.com/ - Community Partners Network — a coalition for cross-partisan, local action.
https://www.thechangelab.net/partnership - Change Lab Bot — a content companion aligned with our pathways.
https://www.thechangelab.net
Focus (Pathways)
Governance, Rights and Democracy Basic Needs and Economic Security Health, Wellness and Care Education and Opportunity Environment and Infrastructure Community, Culture and Belonging Systems Change and Structural Power Diagonal and Structural Themes
Sub-pathways (examples)
Civic Literacy Storytelling and Narrative Bridging Across Difference Volunteerism and Mutual Aid Public Advocacy Coalition and Collective Action
Impact and Goals
- Year 1 goal: reach 0.5% of Americans with the Civic Impact Engine.
- Year 3 goal: reach 3% through partnerships, content, and local activations.
- Based in Houston, TX; building a national network of partners.
Team — Staff and Board
Staff Member Name
Role / Short bio line. https://www.linkedin.com/
Staff Member Name
Role / Short bio line. https://www.linkedin.com/
Board Member Name
Board Role. https://www.linkedin.com/
Board Member Name
Board Role. https://www.linkedin.com/
Advisory Board
Advisor Name
Expertise / Org. https://www.linkedin.com/
Advisor Name
Expertise / Org. https://www.linkedin.com/
Advisor Name
Expertise / Org. https://www.linkedin.com/
Community Partners (Highlights)
Partner Name
Partner Name
Partner Name
Become a partner:
https://www.thechangelab.net/partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Change Lab partisan?
No. We’re nonpartisan and welcome people from across the spectrum. We focus on local service, practical skills, and shared outcomes.
Do I need experience to get involved?
Nope. Start where you are. The Engagement Levels and Pathways help you find a first small step.
How do I support the work?
Invest, become a partner, submit a resource, or join the newsletter.
https://www.thechangelab.net/invest
https://www.thechangelab.net/partnership
https://www.thechangelab.net/resources
https://thechangelab.substack.com/
Keywords
Get+Started Get+Informed Get+Involved Get+Activated Civic Literacy Storytelling and Narrative Bridging Across Difference Volunteerism and Mutual Aid Public Advocacy Coalition and Collective Action Intersectionality Belonging and Inclusion Systems Thinking Trauma-Informed Engagement Civic Imagination Intergenerational Collaboration The Change Lab Profiles Civic Impact Engine Newsletter David A Brown Houston