I'd be interested in coming to this, but need to figure out how to pitch the idea to my parents without it sounding like a cult.

Just try describing it (here) how you'd describe it to your parents if you were not worried about 'sounding like a cult'. We will then tell you if it does, by your description. Honestly, it probably won't.

Maybe leave out bits about existential risk if you think there'd be too much inferential distance between you and your parents on that subject.