Anthony Alvarado

"We were fortunate to bring Rise Together to our intermediate school to wrap-up our all school book read. Rise Together is a professional organization that connects with adolescents, uses relevant stories to promote acceptance and provides support beyond the presentation. The number one reason our students responded to this organization was due to how authentic each speaker was. Each speaker shared their story in a way that was meaningful and made a connection with students. The stories were detailed enough for students to understand the situation but tailored for the age of the audience. Not only did speakers share their challenges, but they also shared how they learned to forgive themselves and accept who they are. This is important message for students and adults hoping to move past mistakes or missteps. Sometimes, we just need permission to let those things go. When presenting to adolescents, one must be engaging and willing to connect to the audience. Rise Together was very effective in establishing a purpose behind their message and what they hoped students would walk away with. We were able to see this was not your ordinary “Say No to Drugs” presentation. These were real people, who have gone and continue to go through real challenges and are hoping to share a little of what they have learned along the way. The students were hooked and you could have heard a pin drop in the room. This presentation provided a safe place for students to share their own challenges and really discuss how these challenges impact their daily lives. Lastly, we are appreciative of the support our students and staff received for the Rise Together organization. The speakers connected with students over lunch which allowed students to talk one-on-one with the speakers and be heard. Yet the speakers recognized that they are not mental health professionals and referred students to counselors as needed. The speakers met with our staff at the end of the day to share the stories they heard and to give insights as to the common challenges our students face. We learned a lot! About a week after the presentation, Rise Together sent us a survey for the students to take. This data is helping our school determine what our next steps should be to support our students. Overall, we were very impressed with the Rise Together organization’s presentation and message. This experience provided a safe environment for many students to come forward and express themselves. The experience was transformative for all involved. We look forward to working with Rise Together again."

"Our coalition has sponsored numerous school presentations and programs within the past five years. For me, I always take something new away; however, when presented to teens, the impact of these presentations varies. I usually conduct small group discussions a week or two after each presentation and ask the students what they remember. They often look at me blankly and then to each other for help. The cost to impact analysis of these presentations forced me to reconsider the type of programming we introduce to the students. I heard of Rise Together before I first saw a condensed version of their presentation at a prevention conference. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive. They looked more like a rock band than educators. Five minutes into their presentation and I was captivated. Their stories brought me back to the struggles I faced as a teen. Three people with three different stories, and I was able to relate to each of them. Their presentation made me realize how fragile life is and how easily ones trajectory can be altered. These are things I had previously known, but I had lost touch with what it felt like to live in those moments. Six months later, I shook their hands as they walked into the first of our three-school tour. The students settled into their seats while a rap song I’d never heard blared over the PA system. I had staked my reputation with the schools on this presentation, and I prayed there was no profanity in the song. I looked back at the 700 students behind me and watched some bobbing their heads, some singing along, and others looking baffled by what was before them. The music trailed off and the introductions began. There was some slight commotion throughout the audience – some side talk and muffled laughter. Within 20 minutes you could hear a pin drop. Their words were enough to fill the gymnasium and engage everyone in the audience. I watched as the students opened up to the presenters. By the end our group was united. Many students and faculty members stayed after the presentation to talk and others left with posters stating: I am Hope, I am Loved, I am Heard. The presentation was a success, and yet, this is not the end of the story. Two months have now passed since the presentation and our students are still talking about it. I had one parent stop me in the hardware store and thank me because now their teens think life can get better no matter how bad it gets. Another parent stopped me in the grocery store and said their daughter opened up to her about her depression and now they’re working through it together...and the stories go on and on. I would highly recommend bringing Rise Together to your community. Rise Together is comprised of a stellar group of individuals. They are courteous, caring, funny, excellent public speakers, and extremely effective at reaching a diverse group of students. If you’re ready to make a change in your community this is a good place to start. Since the presentation, we’ve established a text-based crisis line, in-school support groups, additional in-school mental health services, and a community safe zone. In addition, our after-program survey results indicate an increase in the perceived risk of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol. We have also seen an increase in the willingness for students to reach out to teachers and county services to receive help with mental health concerns. This group of individuals met and exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Rise Together, for a great presentation. You are not soon forgotten."