“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve
the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth
a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Who we are
Ripples of Hope is a non-profit organization which inspires people to be engaged and take action in partnership with communities and non-profit organizations. We uphold a philosophy of philanthropy in action through transformative service and by maintaining partnerships that cultivate ongoing dialogue.
What we do
Ripples of Hope organizes and facilitates local and global service journeys for families and engages in projects which empower local communities. The goal is for families to experience life in a community different from their own and to partner with families from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We build bridges between families and communities and service becomes the common ground for mutual understanding.
our three pillars of purpose
investing in
civic leaders
building a
beloved community
amplifying the
ripples of hope effect
We believe that investing in leaders and the leaders is essential to positive social change and progress. We cultivate a cadre of people who embody the spirit of humility, integrity, and responsibility – and are called to courageous action. By providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to develop their skills, they become community builders and agents of positive change. The investment in their potential is an investment in a brighter, more connected, and more just future for all.
Ripples of Hope International Fellowship: The Ripples of Hope Fellowship engages young leaders from the United States and South Africa in a year-long cohort experience of learning across boundaries and builds a values-driven pipeline of social entrepreneurs. Selected fellows commit to a year of monthly virtual workshops, two intensive cultural immersions in the U.S. and in South Africa, and regular meetings with a personalized coach. As a result, fellows become a part of a lifelong international learning community composed of educators, activists, and social change agents with diverse life experiences from all walks of life and backgrounds.
We seek to build a beloved community in the spirit of the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An inclusive community built on shared purpose encourages collaboration and unity and addresses social inequalities and injustices. We center our community building activities on sharing experiences dedicated to the common good and engaging in respectful dialogue that promotes empathy, understanding and common cause.
“Lekgotla” Journeys: We engage people in meaningful, often life-changing, journeys of purpose, goodwill, and service in the U.S. and across the globe. We call them “Lekgotla” journey’s after the SoutH African concept of a gathering of wise, thoughtful leaders with sharp minds and big hearts. Our Lekgotla programs emphasize education and curiosity, rather than traditional tourism, and encourage participants to explore new ideas and perspectives. Our journeys often include humanitarian and physical service initiatives that have made a difference in communities facing various challenges. Our destinations have included New Orleans, Boston, Haiti, India, the Bahamas, and South Africa. To ensure our journeys unite a diverse cadre of participants from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, we offer discounted levels of participation fees.
In Spring 2025, we will be embarking on a Lekgotla Journey to New Orleans.
We seek to put the ripples of hope effect that Robert Kennedy spoke of into practice and to amplify its impact. The ripples of hope effect serves as a powerful reminder that our actions -- and interactions -- can create waves of impact, and inspire others to take action. When one person creates a “ripple” it can inspire others to follow suit, leading to a cascade of similar actions within oneself or a community. To promote the ripples of hope effect, we provide a platform for dialogue, connection and commitment and expose our diverse community to inspiring people and ideas.
Joyous Community Building Events and Fundraisers: We host vibrant community-building events that foster relationships, celebrate diversity, enhance connections, and raise funds for community-based organizations. These events foster a sense of collective purpose, allowing participants to learn more about, support and engage with the Ripples of Hope extended community. For example, our annual Turkey Trot road race engages 2,000 participants and distributes more than $30,000 annually to vital community-based organizations.