We’d like to share that after the most recent health order lifting restrictions on construction, and after implementing new CDC and OSHA regulations and recommendations for worker wellness, the RYSE Commons crew has safely resumed work on site.
While we are excited about continuing construction, we are also aware of the complex issues surrounding the idea of returning to work during this time. Our staff, project partners, and construction company, Oliver & Company, have engaged in numerous conversations to address the importance of providing jobs for workers so they can support themselves and their families, while also considering the risk that comes with working under a time of essential social distancing. All workers who have decided to resume work on site have received and are using personal protective equipment. They also have adjusted work schedules to ensure proper physical distancing. We continue to remain in dialogue with the entire team to make sure all safety concerns and needs are addressed.
As of now, we have begun work on the elevator shaft, framing the walls, and preparing for utility work on the new building, while also readying ourselves for another big step: renovating the existing building, the center that has been RYSE’s home for more than a decade. Even as we continue to support the immediate needs of young people and families during this pandemic, we must also continue to strategize for the future and prepare to bring their RYSE Commons vision to life.
During the previous mandated halt on construction work, we took the time to deepen dialogue with the community partners who will be cohabitating with us in RYSE Commons. For the first time ever in Richmond, there will be a community campus housing multiple organizations, all coordinating and moving determinedly to grow youth power toward liberation. Even through virtual conversations, we could feel the synergy and possibility—imagine how that will grow exponentially in a physical, shared space.
While reflecting on our work in the recent months below, we were reminded that the RYSE Commons vision runs resolutely through everything that we do. The pandemic required us to call and build upon an already strong network of partners, leaders, and advocates like you. Our collective work, our love, rage, and hope, our radical community care—this is what RYSE Commons is all about.
RYSE Commons is more than just a building. RYSE Commons is a movement led by our past, present, and next generation of youth leaders. RYSE Commons is a container for the transformative work our youth and adult leaders are presently doing and will only continue to grow. RYSE Commons is the physical home that will finally provide the space, state-of-the-art equipment, and resources to match the power of the young visionaries working within it.
Highlights & Wins
It’s during extreme and difficult times like these—while we balance working to support youth and their families, while also taking care of ourselves—that we need to ground ourselves in what deserves celebration. It is what we hold onto through all of our joy, rage, grief, and hope that keeps us going until we emerge on the other side. Here are a few things that we’re holding onto in this moment:
Congratulations to interns Ann, Dawit, Michelle, Stephanie, Emani, Marlen, and Jaquelin on facilitating a powerful Youth Town Hall on April 30th for over 100 participants. Thank you to everyone who showed up to participate, listen, and center youth voices and experiences during this critical moment.
As part of the West Contra Costa COVID Community Care Coalition, RYSE helped launch the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F), a wraparound initiative that will support our community through and after the pandemic.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our RYSE COVID-19 Care Fund! With your support, we are currently sending direct financial disbursements to more than 200 youth members and their families. We’re grateful and inspired by the ways you’ve shown up and contributed.
Our RYSing Professionals are in the midst of a video storytelling project, and they want to hear from you! Share your story with our youth interns, and help them bring social awareness to our collective experiences during the pandemic. Reach out to Mikaela@rysecenter.org to learn more.
The Intersections Cohort is conducting an action research project exploring the impacts of gender discrimination and sexual prejudice in schools. Please participate in or share this anonymous survey they’ve created to lift up the experiences of youth, parents, community members, and school staff.
And shoutout to youth leaders Jahiem and Isaiah who spoke earlier this week during the 2nd Annual Youth Media Summit on how to center diversity, equity, and access for people of color. Next Tuesday, youth artist Nyree will be joining a discussion on redefining social norms and ensuring true inclusivity. View the whole roster of virtual events here.
The 2020 Census is about resources, representation & inclusion. It’s an opportunity for everyone—no matter their age, race, citizenship or immigration status—to make sure their community is fairly funded & represented for the next 10 years.
Respond confidentially online or by phone (844-330- 2020) today to make sure YOUR community counts!
Still have questions about how to respond to Census 2020? Click here to check out answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information about Census 2020 and Contra Costa County’s efforts visit cococensus.org.
El Censo de 2020 es sobre recursos, representación e inclusión. Es una oportunidad para todos, sin importar su edad, raza, ciudadanía o estado migratorio, para asegurarse de que su comunidad esté justamente financiada y representada durante los próximos 10 años.
¡Responda confidencialmente en línea (my2020census.gov) o por teléfono (844-468-2020) hoy para asegurarse de que SU comunidad cuente!
¿Todavía tiene preguntas sobre cómo responder al Censo 2020? Haga clic aquí para ver una hoja informativa.
Para obtener más información sobre el Censo 2020 y los esfuerzos del Condado de Contra Costa, visite cococensus.org.
