Testimonials From Our Community Partners
The Voice Project
"As someone who has worked with youth in Portland for the past 15 years, I am thrilled when I encounter cultural and community leaders who are taking action to change the ways we work with youth. I see UPRISE Collective as a pinnacle leader in the area of liberatory and participatory approaches to youth programming. When I found myself in a position to connect youth with community leaders, UPRISE Collective of course came to mind. They have facilitated workshops with youth artists I work with in a program called Voice Project, which is at Circus Project, for the past 3 years. UPRISE Collective brings a critical perspective, engaging and accessible activities, and most importantly centers youth voice. Each year I ask students which workshops they want to return or not and Uprise is always on the list to invite back."
- Rhen Miles, MSW, CSWA, Pathways Manager
- Rhen Miles, MSW, CSWA, Pathways Manager
An attendee of our Conflict Resolution Workshop:
"UPRISE Collective worked with us to facilitate a training on Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution for our staff. From the beginning of our communications with UPRISE, it was clear that they embody their values of community care and solidarity in every aspect of their work. They worked with us to provide staff training despite our limited budget, and were flexible and accommodating to the unique needs of our community. Throughout the two-day training that UPRISE hosted for us, they created space for us to learn, connect, and reflect on our work as a team. As facilitators, they struck a balance between sharing their own vast knowledge and experience, and leaving flexibility for us as participants to take the workshop in the direction that made the most sense for our group. We left the training feeling more equipped to navigate the complicated world of conflicts, and with a sense of strengthened relationships and support."
-Sarah Richardson
"UPRISE Collective worked with us to facilitate a training on Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution for our staff. From the beginning of our communications with UPRISE, it was clear that they embody their values of community care and solidarity in every aspect of their work. They worked with us to provide staff training despite our limited budget, and were flexible and accommodating to the unique needs of our community. Throughout the two-day training that UPRISE hosted for us, they created space for us to learn, connect, and reflect on our work as a team. As facilitators, they struck a balance between sharing their own vast knowledge and experience, and leaving flexibility for us as participants to take the workshop in the direction that made the most sense for our group. We left the training feeling more equipped to navigate the complicated world of conflicts, and with a sense of strengthened relationships and support."
-Sarah Richardson
Portland State University, School of Social Work
"It was such a joy to work with Stephanie Roberson and Brianna Bragg of the UPRISE Collective. I had the opportunity to collaborate with them on a workshop entitled "Decolonizing Self Care: Why Moonwalking Away is Okay" for over 100 social work students, faculty, staff, field instructors, and community members. Their presentation was incredible! People were so grateful for a BIPOC space to explore the topics of self-care and community care, and Stephanie and Brianna brought such wisdom, care, and thoughtfulness to the conversation. They have a strong, bold facilitation style that is so needed. Not only do they create spaces to learn and process, but also to take action. I am grateful to be in community with The UPRISE Collective."
-Marina Barcelo, Student Inclusion Coordinator, PSU School of Social Work
-Marina Barcelo, Student Inclusion Coordinator, PSU School of Social Work
Portland Gay Men's Chorus
"The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus partnered with The Uprise Collective in launching our work in addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The chorus is committed to understanding and addressing the impediments that limit our ability to attract and retain talented musicians as well as building a diverse and sustainable audience. The Uprise Collective did a tremendous job in not only assisting us in building an equity lens framework but in providing us insightful and challenging educational opportunities allowing us to gain valuable perspective on how a broader more inclusive framework helps to create and sustain DEI work moving forward. The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is proud of the work we accomplished over the past year and of our partnership with the wonderful team at The Uprise Collective. We look forward to working with you again in the near future."
-Richard Jung, Executive Director
-Richard Jung, Executive Director
Portland State University, School of Social work
"The UPRISE Collective is essential now more than ever. Their approach to community power and liberation is rooted in a celebration of a history of resistance that is often erased by the dominant discourse. Their work with me and my students has modeled a deep love of community and a joy in the hard work of social change. The belief that liberation and healing are possible is a powerful, necessary belief and the UPRISE Collective embodies that belief in all of their work. Any time I am able to share space with them is truly an honor and a boon to my spirit."
-Matt Chorpenning, MSW, Associate Professor
-Matt Chorpenning, MSW, Associate Professor
