RYSE THEORY OF LIBERATION
West Contra Costa youth bear the burden of multiple health and social inequities. There is a harmful public narrative, promoted in both policies and the media, that youth of color are deficits, not assets, to the larger community.
We envision strong, healthy, united communities where equity is the norm and violence is neither desired nor required, creating a strong foundation for future generations to thrive. A time and place where youth have opportunities to lead, to dream, and to love.
What We Believe
We practice this in all of the ways we do our work, including: base-and-power building, centering creativity, being healing-centered, conducting racial inquiry, and through a continuum of direct services to systems change.
The Outcomes Of Our Work
Transform Systems
No policy, investment, practice about young people of color without young people of color
Systems, both in policy and praxis, are responsive to the priorities and needs of young people as defined by young people
Systems and adults responsible for young people are safe, loving, welcoming, and responsive
- Systems takeover by next generation leaders committed to a platform for liberation in which cultural work and race are central.
Love Young People
Young people have emotional, physical, political safety to acquire tools, skills, and resources they need to understand and change inequities
Young people construct their own narrative and those of their communities
Young people feel loved.
Our Core Values
Justice and Equity: The RYSE Community promotes justice and disrupts injustice in our communities.
Youth Leadership: The RYSE Community values young people as creative, powerful, and responsible community leaders.
Safety: The RYSE Community commits to safety so all young people feel comfortable and confident being themselves while broadening their horizons.
Partnership: The RYSE Community embraces mutual trust and partnership between and among youth and adults and believes in learning and making decisions together.
Creativity: The RYSE Community fosters imagination, creativity, and innovation.
Fun: The RYSE Community has fun and celebrates together.
Our Principles
Youth-Driven
Youth and adults working in a partnership where youth are respected and have authentic and equitable opportunities for leadership.
Multiracial Solidarity
Multiracial solidarity creates power, healing, resistance, and moves us towards our collective liberation.
Healing-centered Relationships
Honoring the lived experiences of both youth and adults by engaging in relationships that center inquiry, connection, and healing.
Resistance to Injustice
Reimagining a system/structure that recognizes our identity, agency, and self-determination.
Integrity and Accountability
Holding ourselves, our members, and our community accountable to our values and repairing and restoring when trust is broken.
Dynamic and Responsive
Young people have changing needs, priorities, and interests, and in order to stay relevant, we prioritize youth voice as the driving force in determining our strategies.
Lead With Love
Leading with love allows us to intentionally resist oppression interpersonally, organizationally, and within the larger community through resisting dominant narratives while creating alternative ways to affirm our existence.