As we wrapped up the fall chapter of our transformative journey, the “We Are Not Alone Tour” left an indelible mark on New Richmond, Wisconsin. In collaboration with the SAFE Project and with the support of our remarkable partners, we embarked on a mission to educate, engage, and empower over 1,500 individuals, including students, teachers, and parents. This noteworthy event embodied the essence of unity, resilience, and hope, focusing on promoting positive mental health, shattering the silence surrounding addiction, and fostering a strong sense of community.

The Who and What: RISE TOGETHER and the “We Are Not Alone Tour”

The “We Are Not Alone Tour” was the culmination of our tireless efforts at RISE TOGETHER, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to stand up and speak about the issues they care about. In New Richmond, we brought together a diverse community, including students, teachers, and parents, who played pivotal roles in making this event a resounding success.

The Why: National Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week

Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect, coinciding with #NationalPreventionMonth and #RedRibbonWeek – nationwide initiatives to raise awareness about addiction prevention and substance abuse. In collaboration with our dedicated partners, SAFE Project, and community organizations, we seized this opportunity to empower the youth, encourage open conversations about mental health, and challenge the stigma attached to addiction.

Our message was straightforward yet profound: There is #NoShame in seeking help. We wanted to convey to everyone that their story matters and that they are essential to preventing overdose deaths and promoting positive mental health.

Community Partnerships: A Key to Success

The success of the “We Are Not Alone Tour” hinged significantly on our strong partnerships with community organizations like Living Well Together and the New Richmond School District. These collaborations underscored the importance of working together to address the complex substance misuse and mental health issues.

Presentations and Post-Event Programming

During the event, we had specific presentations and post-event programming that helped to further our mission.

Youth Presentation:

• We presented to Freshmen and Sophomores and Juniors and Seniors together, optimizing our approach to different age groups.
• Our youth presentation focused on two youth speaking seminars that engaged students, one teacher debriefs to help educators navigate the complexities of the issues discussed, and one parent presentation in collaboration with our community partners at Living Well Together.
• The youth-focused sessions delved into essential topics, providing valuable insights and practical guidance. The program included writing prompts, Crave 21, post-assessment data, and the “No Shame” education program.
• Red ribbons were awarded to recognize the participants’ efforts, and a #NoShame vinyl banner served as a reminder of the commitment to breaking the silence.

Parent Presentation:

• Our parent presentation, in collaboration with SAFE Project, provided valuable insights into the magnitude of addiction and mental health challenges.
• The presentation discussed the impact of problem tunneling and problem blindness, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
• Caregivers and parents were presented with a comprehensive review of frequently asked questions.
• The session shared valuable sources of help and covered tips and resources for families navigating these challenges.
• The presentation encouraged participants to “pack a toolbox” with essential strategies for supporting loved ones.
• Finally, attendees were invited to take the “No Shame Pledge,” symbolizing their commitment to ending the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues.

As we conclude the fall chapter of the “We Are Not Alone Tour,” we eagerly anticipate returning for the second half of this transformative journey in the spring. The success in New Richmond, Wisconsin, exemplifies the power of unity when a community comes together to break the silence surrounding addiction and mental health. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to our mission, knowing that, together, there is no challenge too great to overcome.

For more about the RISE TOGETHER mission and how you can be part of this movement, visit weallrisetogether.org. Together, we can make a difference.