Behavioral Health framework: 

Domain 4 Community Connection and Mobilization

We Rise! uses a variety of activities and events to encourage dialogue among young people about personal challenges they’ve encountered, and help identify strategies or services that may be of help to overcome those challenges.  Using art making, storytelling, and design visioning,

• Allow us to see people as survivors not victims
• Renew the sense of hope that is missing in our communities
• Change the perception of who is truly being victimized in our communities.
• Acknowledge the generational changes that effect society – increased gun violence, bullying, domestic violence, etc. Children have a lot more to deal with today.
• Bring awareness of the cost of lost innocence of children. Many children witness and experience violence with few outlets or tools for dealing with that trauma.
• Reflect the 7 Resiliencies – protective factors that help one move forward from adversity
• Applaud and acknowledge role models in the community who have used the 7 Resiliencies and have recovered from trauma.

During the project’s programming, youth discussed very personal issues such as sexual abuse, being victims of violence, having friends or family commit suicide, bullying, etc.   Skilled workshop facilitators guided these discussions allowing a space for dialogue, understanding, and healing. Participants were provided with resources and information when needed about where to turn for help when appropriate.