About RYSE

RYSE emerged out of the needs articulated by local youth organizers after the tragic killing of four high school students in December 2000. The deaths galvanized youth and adult allies to address the root causes of violence in and around their communities. In 2002, Youth Together, a community based leadership development and educational justice organization organized a “Youth Speak Out Against Violence” forum to acknowledge the experiences and insights of young people in the community.  Youth voiced their views on the causes of, and potential solutions to, the violence experienced and acted out by youth. Young people pointed to problems including inadequate educational resources and insufficient employment opportunities.  Most frequently, however, local youth articulated a lack of “things to do” as a root cause of youth violence.

In the following months, Youth Together conducted a community-wide survey to gather information about resources needed in the community. Of the 1,500 surveys that were completed across West County, 100% of youth surveyed indicated a need for positive youth activities, after school programming and supportive and safe places “to hang  out.” Young people expressed the need for programming in the afternoon and evening that was culturally relevant and that included art, cultural and social activities as well as resources and support for current and future education and jobs.

In late 2005, almost three years after the survey was published and after dozens of presentations to public officials and agencies on the identified need for such space, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia identified a 6,600 square foot vacant county building in Richmond near a major bus line and County Health Center. In partnership with City, County, School District, community, and youth partners, Supervisor Gioia and Youth Together spearheaded a three-year effort to plan and secure resources for the building’s conversion into a comprehensive youth center.

As a core operating principle, RYSE is committed to maintaining safety for the full diversity of youth we serve so they are able to take healthy risks emotionally, politically, and physically. We hold youth and adults accountable for upholding each other’s safety while participating in Youth Center services and activities.  We also encourage our community members to keep our communities safe for our participants.  We understand that safety needs change, evolve and will look different for different youth populations. We will continue to assess, plan and ally with youth to develop a safety plan address these various needs.