RISE Collective
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 12 week 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.
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Meet Sarah (she/her)
Check-In Staff
Sarah is a Check-In Staff here at the YWCA and supports both our YWeLeap and RISE Collective Programs. She has worked with children and youth in many volunteer and professional roles. Sarah is passionate about supporting youth in the community and promoting access to well-being and mental health resources for all. She has a bachelor of Arts and Sciences with specializations in Neuroscience and Psychology and is currently working toward her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology. Sarah loves to read and spend time outdoors with her golden retriever Luna! You can reach her with any questions about RISE Collective or YWeLeap programming at SHoward@ywcahamilton.org
Ready to RISE?
RISE is open to girls and gender-diverse youth and runs in intervals throughout the year for youth aged 11-15 or 16-20. Program participants can receive volunteer hours, certificate of completion or giftcard incentives.
Key Topics include:
- Self-care and mindfulness
- Analyzing societal influences
- Finding your strengths and identity
- Recognizing your purpose
- Building connections and support systems
- Enhancing your community
- Leadership skills
- Youth-led activities and initiatives
Programming is influenced by the youth and will change often. Check back to see what RISE is up to!
Ready to RISE Leadership Camp?
The RISE Leadership Camp is a free of charge summer day camp offered to young women and gender-diverse youth. 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. 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
Dates?
Summer
2026 Dates coming soon!
Location:
Putman Family YWCA
52 Ottawa St. N
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RISE Collective workshops are funded by:
