#OutsideIn shifts the focus from barriers to civic engagement to action, highlighting how young people are actively engaging in civic life today. When youth feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or unsupported—especially with limited time and energy—engaging in civic and political spaces can feel out of reach.
Featuring personal stories and experiences from organizations and individuals involved in equity, arts, tech, and advocacy, it offers inspiration and practical guidance.
Joining RISE supported my efforts to become more civically engaged as someone relatively new to Calgary. I was interested in developing my skills, building community and networks, and giving back.
I joined RISE because I value democracy, and the growing global threats against it have motivated me to take action. Through my involvement, I am committed to finding ways to safeguard democratic principles within my local and national community.
I am driven by the opportunity that local changemaking and community-led initiatives present when working towards equitable futures. I believe that young people are capable, adaptable, and well-positioned to realize and mobilize their communities; recognizing the need for sweeping systemic change and fostering the imagination amongst people that systems work requires. The RISE program speaks to these ideas and encourages creative and collaborative work between communities and people.
I joined RISE because it gives me the opportunity to create a project that gives back to our community in Calgary. Additionally, I am passionate about the democratic involvement of youth across our city. It's important for us to identify the barriers that youth face in voting and to empower them with the tools they need to overcome them. One empowered person can create an entire butterfly effect of change in our community.
As an introverted young person with a passion for addressing community issues that are close to my heart, I hope to challenge myself through RISE to step out of my comfort zone, become more involved in the community, and connect with community members and decisions-makers who have the power and influence to make meaningful changes (and make Calgary a healthier place for all living things to thrive and live).
After leaving university, I found it challenging to stay engaged with my community. Joining RISE gives me the opportunity to stay connected, contribute in meaningful ways, and collaborate with like-minded individuals while continuing to learn about the things I’m passionate about.
I joined RISE to further develop my community-building and -engagement skills, learn and collaborate with others, and create something meaningful with a group of like-minded people.
I joined because I thought this program would be able to give me the tools take initiative in community building. It's hard to know how to approach social movements when taking them offline. I'm hoping that Apathy is Boring can help bridge that gap.
When I ran for student council in high school, my tagline was: I believe in the potential in everyone. Years later, though cheesy, it still rings true. Joining the RISE program enables me to find ways to motivate other young people who are passionate about not just being an echo but a voice. Doing this with a cohort of aspiring leaders as passionate and dedicated as I am makes me excited for our future.
I joined RISE because of my passion for getting involved with local initiatives. As a a young adult, we have the chance to make improvements for our local communities and make it better. I believe our democracy should be reflective of what’s important to us. In order to have our concerns met, we need to be vocal and take action.
I'm excited to collaborate with other Calgarians to create a project that has a meaningful impact on youth in our city. I'll gain research and planning skills, gain a deeper understanding of my community, and access resources to address a problem with a tangible community project.