Dear Rise Up Community,
It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Brianna (our incredible Business & RAP Program Manager) and I were sitting with hopeful hearts, waiting to hear if our workshop proposal for the National Mentoring Summit would be accepted. We were finalizing the last details for what was then just a dream: the Rise Up Ambassador Program (RAP). Then came the 'yes' that changed everything.
From launching the application in August, to selecting our first-ever Ambassadors in September, to kicking things off with a powerful photoshoot and first gathering in October, this year has been a whirlwind of purpose, passion, and possibility. What unfolded with Kenyon, Deja, Subira, Elizabeth, and Zephaniah far exceeded anything we could’ve imagined. These five remarkable young people didn’t just participate in a program—they brought it to life.
Our most unforgettable moment? Taking the RAP crew to Washington, D.C., where they presented their stories and their solutions at the National Mentoring Summit. The room was filled, not just with people—but with hope. One attendee said, “I’ve attended this conference for years, and this is the best workshop I’ve ever experienced.” Another shared, “We need more of this—hearing directly from students about what they really need.” These weren’t just kind words—they were affirmations that youth voice isn't just valuable, it’s essential.
At Rise Up, we exist to elevate youth voice and equip the organizations that serve them. When you look through our RAP site, watch the videos, and see the vibrant faces of these young leaders, we hope you feel what we’ve felt all year: this is sacred work, and it’s worth investing in.
But none of it—none of it—would have been possible without you.
To our sponsors, advocates, families, and community partners: thank you. Your belief in our vision meant that our Ambassadors didn’t just speak on a national stage—they felt seen, supported, and celebrated. Because of your generosity, these youth know they matter.
As we look toward Year Two, we are dreaming even bigger:
– Recruit a larger team of Gen Z Ambassadors
– A return to Washington, D.C.
– Expanded platforms to elevate Gen Z voices across the country
And we cannot do it without you.
If you believe, like we do, that “there is no such thing as other people’s kids,” we invite you to take three meaningful steps:
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Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected with our movement.
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Share this opportunity with your networks—help us amplify the power of youth voice.
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Support financially—no gift is too small, and every dollar goes directly to the Rise Up Ambassador Program, bringing us closer to lifting more young leaders into spaces where they can shape the future. *Donations can be made through Venmo. For other options, contact info@riseuptc.com.
We’re not just building a program. We’re building a movement—one that believes youth should not just be included, but centered. And we’d be honored to have you by our side.
With gratitude,
CEO, Rise Up Training & Consulting
