Prevention Starts with Connection
Since 2013, RISE TOGETHER has reached over 500,000 young people, helping them find their voice and lead change in their communities.
THE CHALLENGE WE FACE
Young people today face increasing pressure, isolation, and mental health challenges.
Too often prevention shows up after a crisis — or speaks at youth instead of listening to them.
RISE TOGETHER exists to change that.
WHY RISE TOGETHER?
RISE TOGETHER is a peer-led, connection-centered prevention model that helps communities create spaces where young people feel safe speaking honestly.
RISE helps communities install sustainable youth connection systems.
Our approach includes:
• RISE Assemblies – storytelling that reduces stigma
• RISEconnection Training – equipping adults to support youth conversations
• RISE Hangouts – ongoing connection spaces in communities
• Youth Leadership Initiatives – students leading change
Our approach is grounded in research conducted in partnership with Penn State College of Medicine, demonstrating that peer-led storytelling increases protective factors and reduces stigma around mental health and substance use.
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.
Real Impact
• 500,000+ youth reached
• 200+ schools and communities served
• 10+ states impacted
Your research also shows that peer-led storytelling reduces stigma and increases help-seeking behaviors among youth.
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