Become a Very Involved Person!

This pathway focuses on knowledge and resource sharing, storytelling, social connectivity, and collaboration. Keeping track of a wealth of information and synergizing it into telling stories of Southeast needs multiple residents involved to be done effectively. Our stories are the foundation for shaping the resident-centered narrative of our community which influences how the rest of the city sees and understands about the Southeast community. 

Your involvement might be...

• Sharing information regarding events, opportunities or resources into forms for tracking
• Capturing pictures or videos to share in multimedia storytelling
• Hosting social events like neighborhood cafes or urban walks
• Writing stories about what moves you
• Inviting community members to join events
• Supporting other outreach efforts like events, tabling, or phone calls
• Support and share all these wonderful things about the Southeast on our social media 

This pathway focuses on mental health support and resources, increasing awareness and availability of healthy food options, and ensuring cultural relevance in conversations around health outcomes. At RISE Southeast, we frame our resident-led priorities around the factors that impact our collective and individual health so that all residents can thrive. 

Your involvement might be...

• Working with RISE and/or community partners to host or support events like cooking workshops or mental health conversations
• Researching, developing, and/or capturing culturally relevant and nutritious meal options in collaboration with community partners
• Supporting the Cultural Health group around health access action groups in its initiatives. 
• Facilitating conversations around health stigmas

This pathway focuses on multi-modal transportation, infrastructure improvements, safety, and connectedness, especially at the neighborhood level. Strong neighborhoods means for residents that we are proud to showcase our spaces and places and connect with the greater Southeast community. We know that through advocacy with our neighbors, we can support improvements and celebrations that showcase our efforts together. 

Your involvement might be...

• Making reports through the GoCOS! App for unsafe conditions (i.e. large potholes, broken sidewalks, etc.)
• Identifying recommendations for trail and park conditions
• Supporting the Southeast Outdoors action group in its initiatives 
• Identifying missing sidewalk connectivity
• Creating neighborhood captain roles to foster neighborhood organizing and social networks

This pathway focuses on increasing opportunities for high paying jobs, diversifying businesses and offerings, and cultivating opportunities for skill building. Our sustainable and thriving future in the Southeast, rests upon the desirability of our community for residents and newcomers. The Southeast has the opportunity to unite our assets to ensure our community can grow in desirability and financial sustainability through investments in our businesses and education. 

Your involvement might be...

• Engaging community members on what they value in their businesses
• Visiting local businesses to review their services
• Capturing photos and videos to use in business promotions
• Hosting and/or advertising workshops to support job seekers
• Supporting the Economic Gardening action group in its initiatives 

Many of the strategic areas benefit from close interactions with elected officials, public servants, and policymakers (hereafter used interchangeably as “policymakers”) at all levels of government. Ballot initiatives and participation in elections also strengthen the impact Southeast has in creating its own change. 

Please note that as a 501(c)(3) organization, RISE Southeast cannot endorse candidates but may move to support specific issues as appropriate for its mission.

Your involvement might be...

• Writing to policymakers or newspapers on bills or issues
• Participating in citizens comment or other similar opportunities for policymakers to hear directly from constituents
• Canvassing for door to door conversations around getting out the vote or other issues
• Facilitating community conversations around specific legislative issues
• Supporting town halls
• Supporting resident leaders in their advocacy efforts

All strategic areas include elements of making Southeast Colorado Springs more attractive. The beautification pathway explores the ways this can happen through greenery, cultural art, litter management, and more. Our creativity and expression is relative to the inspiration found in the natural beauty of our area. Our safety comes from our efforts to reclaim spaces for a greener and vibrant future. 

Your involvement might be...

• Cleaning trash off of trails through different clean up days
• Identifying and reporting sites with high rates of dumping
• Participating in greening efforts such as springs in bloom or sponsoring a tree
• Pursuing public art opportunities for bridges, murals, and more 

The RISE Southeast Youth Advisory Council has been moving and shaking with building leadership programs and community advocacy and involvement. The pillars of the Youth Advisory Council program are: Education (opportunities around learning about careers, STEAM activities related to hands-on community issues, academic support), Personal Skills (financial literary, conflict management, public speaking, leadership development etc.), Engagement (community events, activating community space, understanding community issues, building relationships in community partnerships, etc.) and Community Health (identifying the factors and issues impacting our youth health and neighborhood health). 

Your involvement might be...

• Reaching out to the RISE Southeast team to offer any presentation or program enhancement for the current youth council program (see above). 
• Providing any services that can help enhance our Youth Council work–sponsorship, grant collaboration, food, transportation, supplies, professional clothing funds, trail clean up volunteering. 
• Providing internship opportunities or supportive pathways for our youth council to get involved in supporting the Southeast economy. 
• Volunteering with our work over the summer 2025! Dates and opportunities to come. 
• The Youth Advisory Council adopted part of the Sand Creek Trail from Chelton Rd. to Wildflower Park and will routinely host clean ups

Other expectations:  

Background checks and an introductory training will be required for certain youth support roles.