RISE, Denver Broncos and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Team Up for Youth Leadership Program
In-person Multi-week Program to Engage and Educate Local Denver Youth is in Full Swing
May 9, 2023
NEW YORK - RISE, the national nonprofit coalition of major U.S. sports leagues and media networks that uses sports to eliminate racism and champion social justice, is proud to announce that it has teamed up with the NFL’s Denver Broncos and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD) to create an in-person multi-week leadership program which is in full swing for Denver youth that aims to build their cultural competency skills. This is the third straight year these organizations have partnered for such a program.
The two-month program includes eight in-person RISE workshops that provide participants with a safe environment to learn about diversity and inclusion related concepts and teach them how they can be champions of change to improve race relations and eliminate racial discrimination and social injustices. The sessions, led by a RISE facilitator, engage youth in activities and discussion with one another, along with Denver Broncos players and staff and BGCMD staff. Program participants will include youth from Broncos Boys & Girl Club, Shopneck Boys & Girls Club and Suncor Boys & Girls Club.
Participants for the program include Nashara E. and Naja’Ray W., who have both participated in past Denver Broncos and RISE youth leadership sessions. The duo became peer leaders during the Broncos and RISE leadership program last year and they received national recognition via the 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Award for Community Service in recognition of the March for Peace.
"I think what's most important with these sessions is having a platform and opportunity for those kids to talk about real-world life issues and be heard on those issues from adults and even their peers,” added Broncos Safety Justin Simmons, who has taken part in the program the last three years.
“RISE provides a facilitated forum for our Club teens to discuss topics and issues impacting them that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to discuss in a thoughtful, structured way,” said Erin Porteous, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver CEO. “We deeply appreciate this opportunity for our Club members to have a voice and be heard on issues that matter to them.”
Program Sessions
April 5 - Session One: Identity Wheel
April 12 - Session Two: Stick to Sports (Shut up and Dribble)
April 18 - Session Three: Race, Racism, & Anti-Racism
April 26 - Session Four: Microaggressions
May 3 - Session Five: Actor, Ally, Accomplice
May 10 - Session Six: Civic Engagement
May 17 - Session Seven: Bias (Trading Places)
May 24 - Session Eight: Inclusive Leadership Culmination Celebration
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver changes lives. From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, we help kids succeed in school, develop good character and citizenship, and live healthy lives. At 20 neighborhood Clubs and our summer camp in Ward, CO, we provide our members with safe, supportive, fun, and enriching environments that inspire and empower them to achieve their greatest potential.
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's vision is to create a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice. Follow RISE on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @RISEtoWIN or learn more at https://risetowin.org
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