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One of the biggest things we’ve learned over the years is this: young people don’t need another lecture. They need spaces where they feel safe enough to actually be real. Not performative. Not forced. Not another adult standing in front of a room talking at them for an hour. Real connection. The kind that happens…
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I went back to the room where I shared my story for the very first time—this time leading it. What happened next was a reminder of why connection matters, and what becomes possible when people feel safe enough to tell the truth.
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RISE TOGETHER continues expanding youth connection spaces, training educators through RISEconnection, and partnering with communities to strengthen youth mental health and prevention.
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For the past six months, RISE TOGETHER has been actively engaged in tobacco prevention efforts through our ongoing partnership with Wisconsin Wins(WI Wins), part of Wisconsin’s Tobacco Prevention & Control Program. This work includes public awareness efforts and supporting community compliance initiatives that reduce illegal tobacco AND nicotine sales to minors. Recently, new statewide media…
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As we move into the next two months, RISE TOGETHER is focused on what matters most: delivering evidence-based, peer-led programming that strengthens connection, reduces stigma, and supports young people long before crisis. Here’s a look at what’s ahead and how our work continues to grow across schools and communities. RISEconnection Training (February–March) This spring, RISE…
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This year asked RISE TOGETHER to do what community work so often requires: adapt, stay present, and continue forward with intention. It was shaped by movement — physical, relational, and strategic — and by the understanding that prevention work rarely follows a straight line. Plans shifted. New opportunities emerged. Some efforts required patience, while others…
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It’s here. After an incredible year. And yes, an unbelievable four days of pulling this full report together, we are honored and excited to share the 2024/2025 Annual Impact Report plus our full academic study conducted with Penn State College of Medicine, now published and indexed on the NIH. This report brings together everything we’ve witnessed across the…
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Last week was a powerful one for RISE — a reminder of what happens when young people are given space to lead, connect, and be heard. The impact is already reaching across two regions of Wisconsin. In Superior, more than 130 students from 10 school districts came together for the Youth Wellness Leadership Summit. RISE opened the…
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This October has reminded us of something we’ve always known at RISE TOGETHER — real prevention begins with connection. From classrooms to communities, our team has spent the past month showing up in powerful ways. Facilitating trainings, sharing stories, and deepening relationships that continue to drive our mission forward. And now, we’re closing out National…
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September was a big month for RISE TOGETHER. From celebrating our 12th anniversary to speaking at statewide conferences, hosting a free community event with ORN, and announcing our Executive Director’s upcoming book, this month reminded us what’s possible when youth, families, and partners come together for change. RISE 12: 12 Years of Impact On September…