HOW WE EMPOWER
The sports community has a remarkable ability to transcend societal differences and can provide an essential influence to improve racial equity in our country.
We are committed to empowering athletes, students, coaches, administrators and professional staff with the tools, knowledge and experiences to address racism and champion social justice. We create unique opportunities for them to learn and amplify their voice to make a difference as effective advocates.
Bring RISE to Your CommunityCritical Conversations
We host strategic and programmed conversations to develop solution-oriented agendas that focus on provoking positive change in the community and nationally. These town hall-style programs incorporate multiple stakeholders and multiple perspectives, producing tangible outcomes and elevating relevant voices within an organization and the sports community. We use sports to convene the likes of athletes, students, coaches, executives, community leaders and law enforcement, to discuss ways they can create positive social change in respect to race relations, inclusivity, civic engagement and social justice.
Civic Engagement and RISE to Vote
We've engaged thousands of professional and college athletes, coaches and athletic staff through our nonpartisan RISE to Vote initiative, educating them on how to vote and why it matters and empowering them to use their voice to effect real change. We offer efficient voter registration and education opportunities and share how students and athletes can become more active citizens and inspire their fans and communities to do the same. Through digital campaigns, activations at major sporting events, town halls and critical conversations, we are empowering the sports community to be national leaders for improving civic engagement. We partner with nonpartisan voter registration organizations, as well as state election officials, to provide accurate and effective voter registration sessions and resources that address the specific needs of a given state.
Learn More"RISE gave a lot of information, there was time for questions and guys could really voice concerns about voting and how some don't have any experience in that arena but want to do right by their vote."
Chris Conley
NFL WR
"I wish I'd have had something like this when I was younger in the league."
Quincy Acy
NBA Veteran
Champions of Change Fan Experience
Champions of Change takes participants on an immersive, multi-sensory journey designed to educate, evoke empathy and inspire action. People who visit Champions of Change at major sporting events throughout the country or through our virtual experience learn about the historic intersection of sports and social justice, walk in the shoes of sports stars to hear first-person accounts of the role race has played in their lives and demonstrate their commitment to racial equity by taking the RISE Pledge to End Racism and learning how to become leaders for social justice in their communities.
Champions of Change
The RISE Podcast
With new episodes every other Tuesday, Champions of Change: The RISE Podcast gives athletes and leaders in sports a platform to tell their stories and share their perspectives on issues of race, social justice and diversity, equity & inclusion in sports. Our podcast features interviews on how athletes are making a difference in their communities, and the power of sports to bring people together, improve race relations and advance racial equity and social justice.
Learn MoreDiversity & Inclusion Sports Consortium (DISC)
We are a proud member organization of the Diversity and Inclusion Sports Consortium (DISC). DISC is a partnership among diversity and inclusion practitioners from the largest sports organizations in the country. Members engage in meaningful, thought-provoking and open dialogue; work together to exchange best practices for diversity and inclusion efforts in the sports industry; and produce ample resources and best practices to advance diversity and inclusion within sport. Other members include: ESPN, MLB, MiLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, WNBA, NCAA, NFL, PGA, PGA Tour, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, USTA and You Can Play.
Each member organization takes turns hosting the annual DISC Sports Diversity & Inclusion Symposium.
RISE hosted the sixth annual DISC Symposium in Detroit 2018.
How will you RISE to Action?
Join us and become a Champion of Change.
Become one of our professional or collegiate partners.
Bring RISE to Your Community
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