About RISE

RISE Collective is a free of charge youth program that amplifies the voices of young women, non-binary and gender fluid youth in Hamilton.

What does it mean to RISE?

The RISE Collective is a weekly program that consists of activities, discussions and workshops surrounding the four key themes:

R​​
Reflect, 
  Rest,    Recharge   I​​​​
Influence, 
Integrate,  Imagine ​​S
Sustain, 
Support, Strategize E​​​​
Engage, 
Empower, Educate

The purpose of the program is to encourage youth engagement, build leadership skills, enhance community and promote change.

Programming is funded by the City of Hamilton and United Way.

Ready to RISE?

RISE is open to girls and gender-diverse youth and runs in intervals throughout the school year for youth aged 11-15 or 16-20. Program participants can receive volunteer hours, certificate of completion or giftcard incentives.

Key Topics include but are not limited to:

• Leadership & confidence building
• Finding your strengths & identity
• Connecting with community and working as a team
• Advocating for yourself and others
• Identifying societal issues and barriers
• Guest speakers

Programming is influenced by the youth and their interests. Check back to see what RISE is up to! 

Register Here  

RISE Leadership Camp 

The RISE Leadership Camp is a free of charge summer day camp offered to young women, non-binary and gender-fluid youth between the ages of 11-16. RISE Camp is linked to the YWCA’s year-round Youth RISE Collective and is intended to build leadership skills, enhance community and support young change-makers.

RISE Leadership camp will include a combination of interactive skill building games, collaborative discussions and youth-led activities.

Summer 2026 Dates: 

• July 13th- 17th
• July 27th- 31st
• August 10th-14th 

Register Here