Vision
RISE transforms culture around bodies and beings from fear-based to fact-based, oppression to affirmation.
Mission
We champion responsible, inclusive, trauma-responsive wellness education.
Affirmation
RISE affirms people of all ages, colors, creeds, cultures, disabilities, genders, relationship statuses, national origins, and orientations.
Why Sex Ed for All?
Cindi Huss, RISE managing director, talks about how responsible, inclusive sexuality education can change culture for the better.
RISE offers responsible, inclusive sexuality education in Northeast Tennessee. We work to change culture by educating and empowering youth as young as kindergarten through older adults.
Truly comprehensive sex ed (CSE) leads to healthier, more respectful relationships, self-confidence, and more responsible decision-making.
We emphasize that:
Sexuality is a normal part of human life and loving.
Our bodies are good and beautiful, private and our own.
Normal changes happen as we grow, develop, mature, and age.
RISE is grateful to the organizations that have supported our work over the years, including Ballad Health’s Community Health Improvement Program, which works alongside organizations across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to support specific goals and strategies aimed at improving health outcomes for children and families in the Appalachian Highlands.
Other funders have included:
Appalachian Community Fund
Appalachian Replication Project/SexEdVA at James Madison University
Engage Kingsport
ETSU Elevates
Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church Endowment
Resist.org
United Way of the East Tennessee Highlands
UU Funding Program
Community members through their generous donations