RISE was founded in 2015 with the purpose of harnessing the unifying power of sports to end racism and champion social justice. With a coalition of leading sports leagues and media outlets in the United States, athletes, educators, and social justice experts, RISE engages the sports community to promote values of respect, understanding, tolerance, and equality. Since then, RISE has grown exponentially, with programs in over 40 states, educating more than five million people and empowering nearly 500 partners across all sports. RISE’s vision is bold: to create a nation united through sports, committed to racial equity and social justice.

RISE is a national nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, advocate for social justice, and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires sports leaders to drive positive change in matters of race and equality.

EDUCATE

RISE provides knowledge and tools to address issues of racism, bias, diversity, and inclusion. RISE’s programs include a dynamic and interactive curriculum that enhances understanding of racial equity and fosters cultural competence. They equip professional, collegiate, and school athletes, coaches, and administrators with the necessary tools. The RISE curriculum covers topics such as identity, biases, diversity concepts, and athlete activism, and teaches skills like perspective-taking, empathy, critical thinking, and leadership.

The programs, offered virtually or in person, develop skills and create safe spaces to hold important and often difficult conversations about race, perceptions, and stereotypes that must take place for a community to grow. RISE empowers participants of all ages to become leaders in racial equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

EMPOWERMENT

RISE empowers athletes and sports leaders to become effective advocates for change. The sports community has a remarkable capacity to transcend social differences and can exert essential influence to improve racial equity in the country.

RISE is committed to equipping athletes, students, coaches, administrators, and professional staff with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to combat racism and advocate for social justice. They create unique opportunities for them to learn and amplify their voices to make a difference as effective advocates.