NE10 AND RISE SEEK TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE

MANSFIELD, Mass. - The Northeast-10 Conference has announced a conference-wide partnership with RISE, a leading provider of educational programming that equips sports leaders to create positive change on matters of racism, social justice and equality.

The NE10 and all 14 of its member institutions will be provided with a range of programming, which will include leadership workshops, civic engagement education and town hall-style discussions geared towards educating and empowering the sports community to advance racial equity and inclusion.

"Partnering with RISE is a critical first step for the NE10 in its continued pursuit of fulfilling the Conference's strategic objectives to build alliances and collaborate with outside organizations that support and enhance inclusive campus cultures. We believe strongly that diverse and inclusive communities enrich our institutions and our shared experiences," said NE10 Commissioner Julie Ruppert. “We are excited for the work ahead as RISE engages and educates our members and we foster powerful conversations surrounding racial and social justice. We are committed to do the extensive work and understand we are just at the beginning of our journey.”

"It is imperative today that institutions across the country recognize the need for more education and action to address matters of racism, inequity and inclusivity both on campus and in their communities,” said RISE Chief Program Officer Dr. Andrew Mac Intosh. "Athletes, coaches and administrators have a powerful platform to be leaders on these issues, and we are excited to partner with the NE10 and its members to equip their entire athletic community to eliminate racism, champion social justice and foster more inclusive environments on their campuses and beyond."

“We are thrilled to be partnering with RISE - a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) education, champion for social justice and agent for meaningful and positive change,” said Meggan Dulude, Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at Saint Michae's College. “Our partnership with RISE is affirmation of our shared commitment to diverse and inclusive campus communities that value all people. Through our work with RISE, we aim to provide the tools, skills and knowledge necessary for engaging in critical conversations on matters of racism, prejudice and equality.”

RISE began its work this past fall with NE10 institutions, as the organization started facilitating virtual leadership sessions to assess campus cultures. The sessions have allowed student-athletes, coaches and staff to define challenges that might exist on campus, discuss strategies to overcome them and develop skills to become more effective leaders and champions for diversity and inclusion - within their own teams, schools and communities.

About RISE

RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. RISE programs build skills and create safe spaces to have difficult conversations. RISE equips students, athletes, coaches and administrators with the tools to be culturally competent, effective advocates for racial equity and leaders in addressing racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusion. RISE's vision is to create a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice.

About the NE10

The NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.

Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.