On November 20th, youth, elders, and community leaders from Fort Collins to Pueblo came together at our annual Youth Unity Rising Summit that Colorado Rising for Communities co-hosted with the Denver Indian Center, Denver Public Schools Sustainability, and other partners. Together, we created space to build meaningful connections, shared stories and visions for climate justice and healing, and honored the importance of Indigenous stewardship to heal the Earth for future generations.
The day kicked off with a resource fair, where students connected with over 20 local community organizations offering service opportunities, jobs, internships, and other resources. Afterwards, the Summit opened with a blessing and traditional songs from Indigenous elder, Dr. Tink Tinker, creating a reflective and welcoming space for all participants. Indigenous youth leaders Mia TallBull and Joslyn Running Wolf, followed with storytelling, grounding the day in history, reflection, and inspiration. Community members and youth led workshops on environmental stewardship, advocacy, justice, artivism, leadership development, and more. Finally, the Youth Leadership Panel has featured the voices of young leaders who are standing for climate, land, water, and future generations. This year, we were honored to welcome Linwood Morton, Brianna Flores, Annabelle Carlston, River Casias, Daisy Ortiz, and Bodhi Cabeen to share their wisdom.
We had a successful day on so many levels:
- 125+ youths attended, from 23 different schools, with 10 youth speakers and 16 youth facilitators.
- 150+ attendees, 10 sponsors and 26 participating organizations
Detailed agenda, workshop info and impact report here!
In 2026, we will continue expanding our Youth Rising programming, working closely with our community partners to co-create empowering spaces and ensure diverse youth voices are not only heard but truly centered in environmental spaces. We are growing Colorado Rising’s Youth Advisory Committee as we explore new ways to inspire youth leadership across Colorado. To stay up to date, sign up to receive emails from us.
Special love to our partners and sponsors:
- The Denver Foundation
- The Colorado Health Foundation
- City of Denver – Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR)
- Denver Indian Center Inc
- Denver Public Schools Sustainability
- Denver Public Schools Students For Climate Action
- State of CO DNR – Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS)
- State of CO DNR – Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
- State of CO DNR – State Land Board (SLB)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- East Sustainability Club
- Good Trouble Climate Network
- Black Parents United Foundation
- Climate Democracy Initiative
- Colorado Young Leaders
- 350Colorado
- Moms Clean Air Force
- Environmental Learning for Kids
- Spirit of the Sun
- The Parks People
- Mi Familia Vota
With your support we will continue to #RiseUp as we build community and youth power against fracking and push for a just transition away from fuel fossils, especially for the communities most impacted. Make your year-end donation to Colorado Rising for Communities!
Thank you for rising with us, believing in young people, and investing in a healthy future where our communities and the Earth can thrive as one.
