A story can start a conversation. What happens next matters just as much.
This November, RISE TOGETHER is joining partners in Delaware and Wisconsin to help young people explore their experiences, build connections, and turn their ideas into action.
These gatherings happen because schools, youth organizations, and community partners make space for young people—and commit to listening.
November 5: Delaware Youth Leadership Experience
We’re partnering with the American Lung Association and Kick Butts Generation (KBG) at Delaware Technical Community College’s Terry Campus in Dover for a day of storytelling, creativity, and youth leadership.
Through conversations and activities focused on commercial tobacco and nicotine prevention, students will explore how their voices can help shape healthier schools and communities. Adults will also consider how to support youth-led ideas beyond the summit.
We’re grateful to the American Lung Association, KBG, and the participating schools and youth leaders for bringing this experience together.
November 11: RISE + Thrive in Superior
At the University of Wisconsin–Superior’s Yellowjacket Union, RISE + Thrive will bring youth and the adults beside them together around wellness, storytelling, and leadership.
This is our first collaborative year under the RISE + Thrive name, building on three years of gatherings led by local partners. RISE TOGETHER was first invited to participate in 2025, and we’re grateful to help shape this next chapter.
The partners and planning contributors who have helped build this gathering across the years include:
- Charmaine Swan, Northwest Wisconsin Lung Health Alliance
- Pat McKone, American Lung Association
- Sara White, Kerri Green, and the Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition
- Lisa Freier, Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services
- Rachel Coughtry, CheqPLAY Coalition
- Jane Larson, Phil Roe, and the Superior High School Pledgemakers
- Erika Kaufman and Northwestern Middle School FACT
- Northwestern High School Students Over Substance
- Ashland High School Sources of Strength
- UW–Extension, Douglas County
We also recognize past planning contributors Russell Habermann of Essentia Health, Tracy Heglund during her time with UW–Extension, and school counselors Brittany Redden and Callie Sopiwnik, whose contributions helped establish the summit’s foundation.
Explore RISE + Thrive and its community roots.
From Lived Experience to Action
We teach people how to use their lived experience to connect with others and take action. These summits give young people space to practice sharing at their own comfort level, listening to one another, and identifying what they want to change.
Our partners make that work possible. Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to leave with ideas—and people who will help them take the next step.
Interested in bringing a youth storytelling and leadership experience to your community? Contact risetogether@weallrisetogether.org.
Pictures from last year’s youth wellness and leadership summit at UW-Superior.