RISE ABOVE: Youth Empowerment & Drug Prevention Council
Ready to Lead. Ready to Heal. Ready to Rise.
For young people aged 8–18 who are motivated to make a difference, RISE ABOVE offers a structured platform to develop and implement effective solutions to violence and substance misuse. We focus on building leadership, fostering resilience, and amplifying the voices of youth to create lasting community impact.Join a movement where your efforts directly contribute to building a stronger, healthier community. Whether you choose to become a member, serve on the Youth Council, or join the RISE Collective, you are a critical part of the solution. You belong here.
Program Pillars
The RISE ABOVE initiative is built on four core pillars designed to provide youth with the skills and resources needed to drive positive change in their communities. Each component is a crucial part of our comprehensive framework for youth development and prevention.- Impactful Leadership: We provide a structured environment for youth to develop advanced leadership skills, preparing them to serve as key agents of change within their schools and communities.- Creative Expression & Communication: This pillar uses creative arts as a tool for personal expression and public health communication. Participants learn to share their stories and advocate for prevention through various creative mediums.
Program Pillars
- Community Advocacy: Youth are empowered to become vocal advocates for a healthier community. This includes working alongside peers and mentors to address systemic issues related to substance misuse and violence.
- Resilience & Wellness: We offer a focused approach to building emotional wellness and strengthening resilience. Our programs provide youth with the coping mechanisms and inner strength needed to navigate adversity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Our Mission
We believe in a future where every young person is a leader. A future where a generation of resilient, self-aware youth are actively creating a path toward justice, wellness, and opportunity for their communities.We are on a mission to empower youth. We help young people build the confidence to embrace their true identity and the leadership skills to drive change in their communities. Our goal is simple: to help create a generation that is drug-free, proud, and powerful.Our Vision
Where Every Voice Matters. Every Story Inspires. Every Leader Rises.What You’ll Experience
The RISE ABOVE initiative is built on a structured framework designed to equip you with the skills and opportunities to become an effective leader. Our core components offer a clear pathway to personal growth and community impact.Lead the Way: Through your role on the Youth Council, you will gain hands-on experience in leadership, program governance, and peer advocacy. This is your opportunity to lead events, influence key decisions, and represent the voices of your community.
Grow with Purpose: Our Empowerment Labs are a series of structured workshops dedicated to helping you build a stronger sense of identity, increase your resilience, and develop your leadership potential.
Mentorship & Guidance: Our formal Mentorship Circles program connects you with trained professionals dedicated to supporting your personal and professional growth. They serve as a vital resource for guidance and navigation.
Creative Expression & Advocacy: Through our Creative Arts Initiatives, you will be empowered to use various artistic mediums as a means of self-expression and community advocacy. This component provides a platform to share your unique narrative and drive positive social change.
Why Join RISE ABOVE?
Why Join RISE ABOVE?
The RISE ABOVE initiative is designed to be an inclusive platform for all youth. Whether your goal is to lead and govern or to be an active participant in a collective, you are a vital part of this community. We are dedicated to creating a youth-driven environment where every individual can contribute to our shared mission.Key Program Features
✅ Inclusive Participation: Our program is open to all youth ages 8–18. We provide a space for personal growth, connection, and meaningful impact, regardless of background or experience. ✅ No-Cost Enrollment: All RISE ABOVE programs and opportunities are provided at no cost. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent young people from accessing leadership and prevention resources. ✅ Safe and Supportive Environment: We are a youth-led community dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space. Every individual's voice is heard and valued, fostering an environment where your story matters. ✅ Real-World Application: Participants gain real-world opportunities to apply leadership skills, grow personally and professionally, and contribute directly to the well-being of their community.
Take the Next Step
Ready to be a leader? Ready to make a real impact on your community? Join the RISE ABOVE Youth Council.You have the power to rise above. Your experiences, your story, and your voice are invaluable to our mission. Whether you have faced challenges and want to help others heal, or you are ready to lead the change you want to see, your unique perspective can make all the difference in shaping a brighter, healthier future.Join the movement. Start your journey..RISE ABOVE goes beyond addressing symptoms by focusing on the core drivers of substance misuse and violence, including low self-esteem, unaddressed trauma, and limited access to opportunity.Our commitment is to equip youth with the resources to cultivate self-confidence, inspire creativity, and forge meaningful connections within their community. We are dedicated to demonstrating that youth-led change is a powerful and viable model for positive, lasting transformation.