You want to help dismantle systems of oppression but your advocacy efforts have been overwhelming, inconsistent, and unfocused

You have the power to be an active & effective change agent

So you're at the point in your justice journey where you know that being aware of injustice isn't the same as taking action to combat injustice.

But your understanding of racial and criminal injustice has largely been a self-directed intellectual pursuit or you've taken a couple of anti-racism and anti-oppression classes but by trying to consume all the info out there, follow all the 'rules' of social justice work perfectly, and stay up to date on every publicized incident of racial injustice - you're completely overwhelmed.

Added to that, you still haven't figured out what your unique role is in building a more equitable world. How do you advance justice in a real way through your daily actions outside of 'listening & learning'?

While this cycle may have you doubting your ability as a change maker, I want to share some truth with you- you have the power to create meaningful change in your community without being the 'perfect ally', having all the answers about injustice, or trying to follow the justice advocacy efforts that you see 'everyone else doing'.

There is a better way to be an advocate.

It's my mission to empower you to disrupt oppression by building an authentic and consistent justice practice, so you can create an equitable world for Black, queer, economically disadvantaged, and other systemically marginalized people in your communities of influence.

It's time to stop letting fear, doubt, and intellectualization get in the way of your power as a change agent.

To build an anti-oppressive world, all of us must take action to create it. 

And this work starts with you.

This Small Group Learning Experience Is For You If...

  • You're Unclear About What Your Unique Role Is In Disrupting Oppression

    Outside of protests, one-off donations, and self-directed reading, you haven't gained a clear sense of how injustice can manifest in the everyday context or how to use your unique skills to activate change in your community

  • Your Advocacy Is Inconsistent & You Need Sustainability

    You do 'all the things' when your motivation (or guilt) for justice advocacy is high but with constant life responsibilities, you're finding it hard to dedicate real time to your anti-oppression practice

  • You're Committed To Practicing & Advancing Restorative Justice

    You're ready to prevent/address harm and violence in your community without relying on punishment, retribution, or carceral systems that replicate harm and further disadvantage marginalized people

  • You're Ready To Sacrifice & Use The Power of Your Social Privilege

    You want to do more than learn about oppression in order to claim that you're a 'progressive ally' to marginalized communities. You want to use the benefits you gain from systems of oppression so ALL of us can live a life of joy, safety, and freedom

  • You're Ready To Invest In This Work & You're Tired Of Taking Non-actionable Workshops

    You appreciate learning about the history and complexity of oppression, criminal injustice, and the like but you know it's time to truly invest in a Black-led learning space that's committed to moving you towards action

A Group Learning Experience For Aspiring Changemakers & Racial Justice Advocates Who Are Ready To Transform Their Advocacy Efforts & Make A Powerful Difference In Their Community Using Their Unique Power

This is the first learning experience of its kind that will help you plan, implement, and sustain your justice advocacy efforts so you can activate your power for change and make restorative justice a daily practice

It's Time To Own Your Power For Change!

Using my 3 pillar framework, Activating Advocacy Academy will empower you to build an authentic, actionable, & sustainable justice practice so you can confidently combat oppression & create equity for Black and other marginalized people

  • Find Alignment

    Create a justice practice that truly aligns with your passions, personality, community needs, and social power

  • Get Activated

    Confidently challenge oppressive systems, ideologies, and practices and advance justice in ways that inspire others

  • Practice Accountability

    Embrace personal accountability with courage when you cause harm and engage others in accountability rooted in restorative justice principles

Here's What You'll Learn Inside The Academy

Using My Three Pillar Framework [Alignment • Activation • Accountability]

Module 1: Develop Alignment In Your Justice Practice

  • Set your intentions, clarify your unique vision for justice and establish goals in your justice practice that align with your strengths, the work you do, and the needs of your local community

Module 2: Strategize Your Advocacy Action

  • Create a clear and actionable advocacy action plan unique to your skillset, social positioning, and passions so you're empowered to advance justice through practical, daily action

Module 3: Dismantle Injustice Through Restorative Justice

  • Confront the ways you uphold systems of oppression & punitive justice and learn how to implement advocacy strategies rooted in restorative justice principles so you can effectively prevent & reduce harm/injustice in your communities of influence

Module 4: Disrupt Oppression & Punitive Justice

  • Identify oppressive systems and ideologies, learn about the harmful mechanisms of punitive driven policing practices, and how they are reflected & upheld within our communities so you can disrupt them in your daily context

Module 5: Build Radical Accountability

  • Practice accountability by learning how to act in integrity with your anti-oppression values, effectively make repairs/apologies when you cause harm, and avoid cancel culture by engaging others in accountability practices rooted in restorative justice


Love From My Learners!

5 star rating

A Must for Justice Advocates Seeking Sustainability!

Rachel Brady

I was drawn to Michelle Nicole's work through Instagram, especially when she posted about being afraid of engaging in justice advocacy the "wrong" way. Her call-in to seek restorative, sustainable means of justice work was like a lighthouse - stea...

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I was drawn to Michelle Nicole's work through Instagram, especially when she posted about being afraid of engaging in justice advocacy the "wrong" way. Her call-in to seek restorative, sustainable means of justice work was like a lighthouse - steady and focused. After investing in her course, the attention to detail, graphics, flow of topics, and concluding virtual session not only provided a space to unpack my current advocacy tactics, but also provide action items beyond the course. Whether you are new to anti-racism work or have been doing this work for some time, this course is grounding and inspiring!

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5 star rating

Inspiring and eye opening

Johanna Alvarado

The mini course "Activating Advocacy" was very well thought out. Michelle used many real life examples to make everything super easy to understand and follow. It was great to connect with a group of other like minded individuals and not only learn...

Read More

The mini course "Activating Advocacy" was very well thought out. Michelle used many real life examples to make everything super easy to understand and follow. It was great to connect with a group of other like minded individuals and not only learn about their journey in activism, but also listen to Michelle's guidance and advice.

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5 star rating

A course that instills hope and empowerment

Mackenzie Vigliotti

Activating Advocacy helped me to shift my thinking about justice action. Prior to this experience, I often felt overwhelmed and disorganized in my social justice work. Activating Advocacy reminded me that the privilege I experience provides me wit...

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Activating Advocacy helped me to shift my thinking about justice action. Prior to this experience, I often felt overwhelmed and disorganized in my social justice work. Activating Advocacy reminded me that the privilege I experience provides me with access and responsibility to create equity. I also appreciate the focus on planning intentional action that aligns with each person's unique resources, skills, and passions. THANK YOU!

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Here's What's Inside Activating Advocacy Academy

  • A community welcome kick-off call that will outline each week in the program, give you an opportunity to meet other Academy members who will be working alongside you in the community, and set you up for success

  • Weekly trainings & resources dripped to you across 12 weeks at the start of every week so you can complete them at your convenience

  • Eight 90-minute community calls to help you process what you’ve learned, strategize advocacy efforts with other like-minded folx, and get your questions answered

  • Weekly action items and personalized feedback from me to help you integrate the weekly lessons and build a sustainable justice practice that's in alignment with your strengths & life circumstances

  • Private members only community for daily check-ins, questions, and general communication so you can feel supported and encouraged as you shift into embodying justice as a life practice

Reviews From Similar Learning Experiences

5 star rating

This course is incredible!

Heather Doughty

This course is incredible! I would highly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about social justice but isn't quite sure what they're doing. Anyone who feels like they're stuck in the learning phase or is unsure if they're just engaging in per...

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This course is incredible! I would highly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about social justice but isn't quite sure what they're doing. Anyone who feels like they're stuck in the learning phase or is unsure if they're just engaging in performative activism would benefit greatly from taking this course. Michelle has a wonderful and warm approach that creates a safe and effective learning environment! I believe she provides the necessary tools and framework to take people from engaging in reactionary activism to proactive activism.

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5 star rating

Helpful and Practical Course

Kathrine Schmidt

Michelle Nicole did a great job in teaching about restorative justice and its potential to shape our attitudes and actions. She also struck a great balance in offering practical advice to activate advocacy. Her approach was rooted in encouragement...

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Michelle Nicole did a great job in teaching about restorative justice and its potential to shape our attitudes and actions. She also struck a great balance in offering practical advice to activate advocacy. Her approach was rooted in encouragement and kindness, but also challenged us to think more deeply and reconsider our assumptions. I would definitely recommend her course to others and also looking forward to see what other offerings she puts forth. Thanks very much Michelle!

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5 star rating

Great mini-course

Bess Cohen

Michelle Nicole puts her heart, knowledge, and passion into this course, providing such a valuable learning opportunity for anyone who takes it.

Michelle Nicole puts her heart, knowledge, and passion into this course, providing such a valuable learning opportunity for anyone who takes it.

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5 star rating

Inspiring and eye opening

Johanna Alvarado

The mini course "Activating Advocacy" was very well thought out. Michelle used many real life examples to make everything super easy to understand and follow. It was great to connect with a group of other like minded individuals and not only learn...

Read More

The mini course "Activating Advocacy" was very well thought out. Michelle used many real life examples to make everything super easy to understand and follow. It was great to connect with a group of other like minded individuals and not only learn about their journey in activism, but also listen to Michelle's guidance and advice.

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Expand or Begin Your Justice Journey With Clarity & Confidence

Chose the investment option that works best for you

Bring On The Bonuses!

  • The Power Plan

    $97 value

    A vision, goal setting, and plan of action guide designed to help you create your vision for justice every month, establish manageable goals in your justice journey, and implement powerful habits as an actionable change agent.

  • Dual Enrollment In Activating Advocacy Mini-Course

    $297 value

    In addition to the weekly lessons the Academy provides, you will also gain access to the Activating Advocacy mini-course to begin this work with a solid foundation and understanding of privilege, power, and systems of oppression. This 5-day mini-course is where you’ll start to learn how to use your privilege for a positive purpose, create equity in your communities of influence, and boldly take action against oppression in your daily life using your unique power.

Meet Your Community Scholar

Hello hello, I'm Michelle Nicole!

I’m on a mission to create a world rooted in equity, joy, and liberation and I firmly believe that each of us has the power to radically contribute to this vision of society. We are in the midst of a critical movement for social, economic, and racial justice and my goal is to help you activate change through practical daily action. As a criminologist turned public scholar and justice educator, I have helped hundreds of learners transform their understanding, practice, and commitment to justice.

Recognizing the need to extend my work beyond the confines of academia's ivory tower, I founded Passion and Power to empower change driven people with the tools to effectively combat injustice through critical thinking and knowledge-based advocacy.

I know that to radically transform the way our justice system and communities achieve justice, we must first commit to changing ourselves. Together, we can activate advocacy together!

Academy FAQ's

I want to make sure you're secure in your decision to work with me so let me answer some questions you may have

  • When will I have access to the course materials and for how long?

    You will receive access to the first week's trainings when the next cohort begins in early 2022 and the program materials will be available for 4 months. Our one-hour community Kick-Off Call will be hosted on a date to be determined and our weekly community calls will be hosted on Wednesdays at a time to be determined.

  • What if I can't attend one of the live community calls?

    It's my goal to schedule the community calls on a day and time that works for every member but if you're unable to make it live, each session will be recorded so you can catch up when convenient. When you have questions about topics covered in the session, you can post them on the community message board and I will answer them directly.

  • What is the time commitment for this program?

    For 8 weeks out of the 12 week program I'll be hosting a live 90-minute community call for us to unpack the lessons of the week and connect as a community. Outside of those calls, you should dedicate at least 1-2 hours to completing the weekly learnings and action items.

  • Why do I have to apply to the learning group? Can I just complete my purchase here?

    Because it is important that I cultivate an inclusive and energizing learning environment with committed learners, I want to ensure that you will be a good fit for this learning space. An application process allows me to see who is truly ready to learn and work for justice. I'm not looking for you to be perfect, I just want to ensure you're committed to this work and we share similar values. After I review your application and you are accepted to the program, you will be able to secure your spot and submit your payment.

  • What is your refund policy?

    Due to the digital nature of this program, I do not offer refunds. In the event that you are dissatisfied, I am committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible. It's my goal to provide you with valuable education and ensure that you are fully supported as a member of this learning group.

Let's Start Your Actionable Justice Journey!

Enroll Today

  • 1

    Program Overview

    • Weekly Community Calls

    • What's Your Starting Place?

  • 2

    Develop Alignment In Your Justice Practice

    • The 3 P's Of Transformation

    • Clarify Your Vision For Justice

    • Alignment Workbook

    • The Power Plan

  • 3

    Strategize Your Advocacy Action

    • Establish Your Justice Goals

    • Creating Your Advocacy Plan Of Action

    • Reflecting & Refining Your Action

  • 4

    Alignment Progress Update

    • What is a progress update?

    • Alignment Progress Submission

  • 5

    Practice Restorative Justice

    • Principles of Restorative Justice Part 1

    • Principles of Restorative Justice Part 2

    • Restorative Values & Processes

    • Restorative Practices

  • 6

    Dismantle Oppression & Punitive Justice

    • The 3 I's Of Equity Creation & RCT

    • Building Collaborative Community Pt1

    • Building Collaborative Community Pt2

  • 7

    Restorative Practices

    • Restorative Conversations

    • Get Activated Workbook

  • 8

    Get Activated Progress Update

    • What to expect

    • Get Activated Progress Submission

  • 9

    Build Radical Accountability

    • Let's Check-In

    • Activating Accountability

    • Activating Personal Accountability Pt.1

    • Activating Personal Accountability Pt.2

  • 10

    Day One: Privilege, Power & Anti-Oppression

    • What Is Oppression?

    • Criminal 'Justice' As Oppression

    • The Power of Privilege

  • 11

    Day Two: Taking Action To Combat Oppression & Create Equity

    • How To Take Action Consistently & Authentically

    • Combating Oppression Through Restorative Justice Practices

    • Combating Oppression Through Equity Creation

  • 12

    Day 3: Avoiding Harmful Advocacy Efforts

    • 3 Advocacy Mistakes To Avoid

    • 5 Signs That Your Advocacy Is Performative