The rhythm of change often begins with a single note—a bold acknowledgment of history and the promise of a brighter future. RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone embodies this rhythm, stepping boldly into the gaps created by systemic inequities and anti-Black racism to empower Black youth across Canada. This transformative initiative celebrates community, resilience, and the shared mission of eliminating barriers to mental health support for African, Caribbean, and Black youth.
At its core, RiseUp is rooted in an understanding of history and the responsibility to build a better future. It begins with acknowledging the Indigenous lands where these conversations unfold, recognizing the historical and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This commitment to reconciliation is echoed in RiseUp’s solidarity with Black youth, as it bridges communities and seeks to create spaces of healing, inclusion, and equity.
The genesis of RiseUp was spurred by the heightened awareness of anti-Black racism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This moment underscored the urgent need for accessible, culturally relevant mental health support for Black youth, who often face unique challenges, including systemic racism, stigma, and mistrust. Kids Help Phone recognized these gaps and committed to addressing them, leading to the creation of the RiseUp Action Plan.
The Vision for Change
RiseUp: Kids Help Phone’s Action Plan for Supporting Black Youth is a comprehensive blueprint (2023–2026) that reimagines mental health services for Black youth. It draws from Black Youth focus groups, leadership of the Black Advisory Council at Kids Help Phone, Black community leaders, Black led organizations and community partnerships, ensuring that the voices of Black youth are central to its development. By actively listening to their needs, RiseUp embodies solidarity, celebrates diversity, and works toward systemic transformation.
The Power of Leadership and Collaboration
One of RiseUp’s key strengths is its collaborative approach. The Black Advisory Council at Kids Help Phone (BAC), a 12-member body composed of African, Caribbean, and Black leaders, has played an instrumental role in shaping the initiative. Their insights, drawn from lived experiences, guide the direction of RiseUp, ensuring it remains authentic and impactful.
The BAC’s influence extends to everything from the vibrant branding of RiseUp—rooted in the colors and spirit of the Afro-diaspora—to evaluating the program’s progress. Their leadership underscores the importance of mentorship and representation, fostering belonging and inspiring confidence among Black youth.
“When Black youth see themselves reflected in positions of power, it inspires confidence and fosters belonging,” says one BAC member. Their contributions ensure that RiseUp is not only community-informed but also community-led.
Breaking Barriers: The Five Pillars of Change
Five key commitments, Innovate, Amplify, Increase, Evolve, and Empower, are the beating heart of RiseUp’s transformative work. These pillars reflect a holistic approach to supporting Black youth, recognizing their diverse identities and experiences while fostering empowerment and resilience.
- Innovate: Develop new strategies, such as mentorship programs and partnerships with grassroots organizations, to engage Black youth meaningfully. These efforts also include piloting content creation initiatives like podcasts that amplify Black voices.
- Amplify Awareness: Address the lack of visibility of mental health services through targeted campaigns, collaborations with Black content creators, and the creation of a RiseUp Network for Black youth.
- Increase Representation: Recruit over 100 African, Caribbean, and Black crisis responders annually, ensuring that the diversity of service providers reflects the communities they serve.
- Evolve Services: Expand culturally relevant programs and tailoring support based on feedback to ensure inclusivity and belonging.
- Empower Through Data: Building a RiseUp Data Dashboard to analyze trends and share insights that inform best practices, while protecting the service user privacy.
Aspiring for a Better Future
Looking ahead, RiseUp aspires to create a Canada where Black youth feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. This includes partnering with Black-led organizations, amplifying their work, and fostering spaces of belonging. Barbara Ukwuegbu, Manager Black Youth Initiative, a program supported by the Slaight Family Foundation emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “We need to amplify the work of Black organizations and learn from their experiences. Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
Another aspiration is to enhance the cultural competence of service delivery. By tailoring services to reflect the identities and experiences of Black youth, RiseUp aims to foster spaces where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
A Call to Action: Building a Collective Movement
Eliminating anti-Black racism and building equitable mental health services requires a collective commitment. Everyone has a role to play—whether through raising awareness, volunteering, or supporting initiatives like We Rise: A Black Engagement Program – Kids Help Phone, a Canada-wide network of volunteer Champions aged 15 and up in African, Caribbean and Black communities that connects youth to resources and critical supports.
“We must move beyond leaning solely on Black communities to fix systems they didn’t create,” emphasizes one RiseUp leader. “It’s a shared responsibility that requires all of us to act.”
There are many opportunities for those seeking to get involved. Volunteer programs, such as the Black crisis responder initiative, offer individuals a chance to support young people directly. Meanwhile, the RiseUp Action Plan provides a roadmap for organizations to partner with Kids Help Phone to create a better future for Black youth.
Looking Ahead
The work of RiseUp is far from finished. As Kids Help Phone celebrates 35 years of impact, RiseUp is a testament to the organization’s ability to evolve and innovate. By centering the voices of Black youth and fostering solidarity across communities, RiseUp addresses today’s challenges and lays the foundation for a future of equity and inclusion.
For more information about RiseUp and ways to get involved, visit Kids Help Phone RiseUp. Together, we can rise and create a world where Black youth thrive, are celebrated and are empowered to lead the way forward.
