Storytelling with Purpose
Since 2013, RISE TOGETHER has empowered over 300,000 young people to stand up, speak out, and drive change. Through advocacy, personal storytelling, and action, we inspire youth to lead and create meaningful impact in their communities.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
RISE TOGETHER, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, inspires youth to break the silence around substance use and mental health. Through storytelling, resilience, and connection, we’re building a generation of leaders ready to end stigma and inspire change.
WHY RISE TOGETHER?
We’re not a “just say no” program. RISE TOGETHER breaks stigma by encouraging students to tackle addiction, mental health, and bullying. With hudreds of thousands of students impacted, we amplify youth voices to drive meaningful, lasting change.
THE CHALLENGE WE FACE
Over 40 million people across the United States have a harmful addiction to alcohol, nicotine, or drugs (that’s 2x the number of people with cancer), and 90% of them started their substance use before the age of 18
(source: casacolumbia.org).
The choices and habits we make in our youth heavily influence who we become later in life.
PREVENTION IS KEY.
Latest
RISE NEWS
“RISE TOGETHER changed my life. It made me realize I’m not alone, and my voice matters.”
Taylor, High School Junior
RISE TOGETHER has made my students stronger, affirmed their beliefs, and empowered them to be the authors and agents of change in their school. They have educated my studentsand myself, and in doing so, made me a better educator. I have never questioned whether they should be in front of students. I have seen them in front of 1000+, I have seen them in front of 15, I have seen them 1:1 and I know this: they create a space where students can grow. The aim of RISE TOGETHER is to”create a community where our youth can be loved, heard, and inspired to live in hope.” Because of RISE, I know my students and myself ARE loved, ARE heard, and ARE inspired to live in hope.
— Jake Larsh, Appleton West HS, AP Psychology
I would highly recommend bringing RISE TOGETHER to your community. RISE is comprised of a stellar group of
individuals. They are courteous, caring, funny, excellent public speakers, and extremely effective at reaching a diverse group of students. If you’re ready to make a change in your community this is a good place to start. Since the presentation, we’ve established a text-based crisis line, in-school support groups, additional in-school mental health services, and a community safe zone. In addition, our after-program survey results we have also seen an increase in the willingness for students to reach out to teachers and county services to receive help with mental health concerns. This group of individuals met and exceeded my expectations. Thank you, RISE TOGETHER, for a great presentation. You are not soon forgotten.
–Shawn Ganther, Prevention Educator Clark County – UWEX, CS