RYSE’s Theory of Liberation
RYSE was born from BIYOC (Black, Indigenous, Youth of Color) organizing to change conditions in Richmond and beyond. They understood creative expression and relationships as key strategies and values for cultivating atmospheric healing. They called on systems and adults to build power together with young people to dream and enliven beloved community that is just and affirms their humanity. RYSE Commons was always part of the vision: a campus dedicated to and propagating youth culture, innovation, creativity, healing and connection.
RYSE stays nimble and adaptive as our commitment to center BIYOC who are constantly changing, growing, innovating, shifting and reimagining their world and what’s possible for our collective liberation.
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 radical inquiry, and through a continuum of direct services to systems change.
The Impact Of Our Work
Transformed Systems
No policy, investment, practice about BIYOC without BIYOC
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 for 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 construct their own narrative and those of their communities.
Youth-Centered Environments
RYSE Commons adapts physical space in response and responsibility to young people's needs, wants, dreams.
Young people's dreams and power are evident and expanded via RYSE Commons.
Models of and strategies, toward liberatory public health, just transitions, and sustainable economies are developed, refined, expanded, and shared through RYSE Commons.
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We commit to multiracial, multigender, multiabled solidarity that names and centers the resilience, resistance, and leadership of people of color across all movements for justice.
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We create brave spaces where joy is celebrated, confidence is nurtured, and imagination is liberated.
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We celebrate and unite different knowledge, experiences, and strengths among young people and adults.
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We cultivate a community where young people guide each other on a path of self-love, self-expression, belief-in-self, and resistance.
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We respect and honor the wisdom of our lived experiences on journeys toward well-being.
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We love deeply and demand healthy, thriving lives for ourselves and our communities. Our Rage is rooted in Love.
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We create spaces where one feels connected, protected, safe, and loved.
