Rise Above Colorado

A major effort of Rise Above Colorado is co-creating murals alongside teens across the state to represent their communities and how they fill their world with good. These stunning community projects are tied to the organization's efforts to change the narrative through positive community norming and its far-reaching media campaign called "Fill Your World With Good."

Built on the success of the Colorado Meth Project starting in 2009, which helped reduce teen Meth use by 50%, Rise Above Colorado is a statewide prevention organization that measurably impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance misuse to help youth make empowered, healthy choices. Rise Above Colorado proactively collaborates with teens, educators and community partners to provide credible information and a virtual space to help teens realize their full potential. 

Testimonials

"I personally have had people close to me that have misused substances and I can personally say that it does affect mental health, but having Rise Above as a resource, I was able to work through my mental health issues and choose healthier coping mechanisms than drugs and alcohol. One of the healthy decisions I was able to partake in was the 50th statewide mural, and I am very proud to say I was able to help directly create the mural, and because of that I was able to take part in creating a sense of community, hope, and inspiration; affecting youth, and adults in the area, as well as anyone driving by."

Allison Dame 

Teen Action Council Member, 2021-present

"We all need something or someone to help us 'rise above.' When I first discovered Rise Above Colorado I didn't know how much the organization would change me and my outlook on life.

I joined Rise Above's Teen Action Council as a high school sophomore and from the first day I heard the personal stories about the impact of drug addiction I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to help this organization and cause. During my three years I was able to educate Colorado youth about the dangers of substance use and addiction while also celebrating the healthy choices most teens make by embracing our passions and natural highs. Through Rise Above Colorado I helped create and facilitate statewide youth summits that helped teens build life skills like confidence. I was making a difference.

But I also needed help and Rise Above was there for me. Due to multiple events during my sophomore year, I was depressed. I suffered for months in pain and loneliness. I would cry for hours and lost interest in everything I loved. I continued life with a mask on and I didn't know what I needed to help me heal until I attended one of Rise Above's Teen Council meetings. That day we were being trained on how to talk to a friend in need and we were practicing it as a group with each other. I shared what I was going through, tears and all. My Rise Above family helped me talk through it and that was the beginning of my healing process.

Rise Above has not only helped me but also let me share my experience with depression to help others. This year our Teen Council built a new "by teens, for teens" website (IRiseAboveCO.org) to give Colorado youth the facts and tools to make healthy choices and I wrote a piece on depression. I think it's so important that our site doesn't just address substance use, but also mental health issues like depression that can lead to addiction.

I'm proof that Rise Above Colorado is making an impact on our state's youth, whether they receive our resources online, in school, or through our Teen Council. I am so proud to have been part of such an organization and now to be able to give back. I founded my own nonprofit organization that held a fundraiser for Rise Above this year and I hope you'll join me in supporting the organization during this season of giving.

Thank you for your support!!"

Sincerely,
Apoorva Gundu
Teen Action Council member, 2014-17