Why Sex Ed for All?

Cindi Huss, RISE managing director, talks about how responsible, inclusive sexuality education can change culture for the better.

Vision

RISE: Healthy for Life sees a world where every person feels safe, supported, and confident talking and learning about bodies, relationships, and sexual health.

Mission

When people of all identities and life experiences receive basic respect and have the freedom to make informed decisions about their health and futures, communities are stronger & more resilient.

  • RISE: Healthy for Life helps people of all ages learn about and advocate for sexual and relationship health.

  • RISE supports guardians as their kids’ primary sexual health educators.

  • RISE models accurate, age-appropriate, inclusive, trauma-informed approaches.

  • RISE fosters curiosity and honest conversations about sexual health with individuals and within organizations.

Our bodies are good and beautiful, private and our own.

Normal changes happen as we grow, develop, mature, and age.

Sexuality is a normal part of human life and loving.

Affirmation

RISE affirms people of all ages, colors, creeds, cultures, disabilities, genders, relationship statuses, national origins, and orientations.

“RISE: Healthy for Life is bolder in their approach to sex education. The inclusivity that their platform provides drew me in immediately. RISE offers a safe space by allowing each person to learn from a unique place by including all values and belief systems and not just one perspective or ‘right’ way.”
— Khia Hudgins-Smith, original board member, continuing friend

RISE is grateful to the individuals and organizations that have supported our work over the years.

We have received generous funding and technical assistance from:

  • Appalachian Community Fund

  • Appalachian Replication Project/SexEdVA at James Madison University 2022, 2021

  • Ballad Health’s Community Health Improvement Program 2023-2025

  • Berea College Appalachian Fund

  • East Tennessee Foundation’s Youth Endowment Fund 2025-2026

  • Engage Kingsport 2024

  • ETSU Elevates 2026, 2024, 2023

  • In/Tend Sprout Challenge 2026

  • In/Tend Incubator 2026-2027

  • Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church Endowment

  • Resist.org

  • Southern Partners Fund 2025-2026

  • United Way of the East Tennessee Highlands 2022-present

  • UU Funding Program

  • UU Women’s Federation

  • Community members and local businesses through their generous donations—all day, every day!