Building Power. Uplifting Youth Voices. Advancing Climate Justice.
Colorado Rising for Communities is expanding our youth leadership development programming to support young people in taking an active role in addressing critical issues through advocacy, education, and community engagement. We recognize that a real shift is needed in how youth are included in the climate movement. Centering young people, especially those from historically marginalized communities, is essential to building a more equitable and inclusive future for environmentalism. Youth are the ones who will carry this work forward, and it’s our responsibility to help create the foundation for them to step into their power.
We created the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to mobilize, educate, and empower young people to become proactive leaders in the climate movement. Grounded in environmental justice, the YAC recognizes that true sustainability requires addressing the systemic inequities that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Our commitment is to build pathways for youth to shape equitable, community-centered environmental solutions through youth-led projects that advance environmental sustainability, justice, and policy change.
Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a space for young people ready to take action. Members earn a stipend to help lead projects, plan events, create campaigns, build community, and push for climate solutions that are fair and rooted in justice. We’re so excited to work with these young leaders to build power and make change with others!
Member Benefits
- Experiential Learning Project for Denver Public Schools Seal of Climate Literacy
- Build leadership, organizing, facilitation skills, and more
- Lead media, outreach, or civic action
- Gain access to trainings, mentorship, and civic engagement opportunities
- Make your voice heard in decisions that impact our future
- Receive a stipend, internship, or volunteer hours
- Collaborate with an amazing team of youth and adult allies
Empowering youth at the intersection of justice, sustainability, and community care.
2025 YOUTH UNITY RISING SUMMIT:
Colorado Rising for Communities, Denver Public Schools Sustainability, and the Denver Indian Center would like to welcome you to join us on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 for the third Youth Unity Rising Summit.
The Summit is a free one-day event held in collaboration with the Denver Indian Center, Denver Public Schools (DPS) Sustainability, DPS Students for Climate Action, our Youth Advisory Committee, 350Colorado’s Youth Action Committee, Climate Democracy Initiative, Black Parents United Foundation, Colorado Young Leaders, Spirit of the Sun, Good Trouble Climate Network, Moms Clean Air Force, and Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK).
This event is sponsored by Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the following State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources Divisions – Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS), Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and the State Land Board (SLB).
This event is designed for any youth ages 11-18, especially middle and high school aged youth from underserved communities who are passionate about justice, sustainability, and our environment. Participants will gain empowering tools, resources, and inspiration to become leaders and make a real impact in our communities.
The 2025 Youth Unity Rising Summit will offer an inclusive and accountable space with immersive learning experiences through youth-led workshops, empowering resources, and an interactive youth panel discussion. By sharing diverse ways of thinking and caring for each other and the environment, the Summit encourages youth to create positive change through meaningful action.
We recognize that advocacy looks different for everyone – whether it’s fighting for climate justice, protecting and restoring Mother Earth through environmental stewardship, or being involved in community care and healing. Together, we’ll uplift the next generation of leaders by offering intersectional teachings that connect leadership, justice, and environmental stewardship. Breakout sessions will explore topics like environmental justice, community advocacy, inclusive health, wellness, and more.
One of our core values is to build a strong sense of belonging and community– advancing equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility for all. We aim to foster a culture where every participant feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach both individual and common goals. This event is intentionally designed to welcome people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religions, national origins, immigration statuses, abilities, political beliefs, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Join us for the third annual Youth Unity Rising Summit– a youth-led and community-driven day of action! Enjoy workshops, giveaways, free food, and the chance to connect with youth and community organizations.
Individual Youth:
REGISTRATION CLOSED!
WE HAVE REACHED CAPACITY!
Educators, Schools, Other Groups:
REGISTRATION CLOSED!
WE HAVE REACHED CAPACITY!
2025 Youth Unity Rising Summit!
Date:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
TIME:
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION:
Westwood Community Center, 1000 S Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 (map)
Event Agenda:
- 9:30 am Doors Open, Check-In. Resource Fair!
- 10:30 am Welcome & Keynote Speakers
- 11:15 am Workshop & Breakout Sessions
- 12:30 pm Lunch & Youth Leaders Panel
- 1:30 pm Community Meet & Mingle
- 2:00 pm Event Ends
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS & CO-SPONSORS:
- 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
JOIN US FOR A RIVER CLEANUP PROJECT FOR YOUTH:
Colorado Rising for Communities, Denver Public Schools Students for Climate Action, River Sisters Congreso, Fortaleza Familiar, Patagonia Denver, and Denver Parks & Recreation would like to welcome you to join us for a family friendly, youth-led, South Platte River Cleanup happening on October 26th from 10 am – 12 pm!
- Date: Sunday, October 26th
- Time: 10 am – 12 pm
- Location: Shoemaker Plaza, in Denver. Between REI and the S. Platte River (map)
All supplies for the river clean up will be provided— just bring a water bottle, close-toed shoes, and shade protection. There will be prizes and a costume contest too! We’d love to see you there, please feel free to share this with your networks!
Check out Past Youth Summit Events:
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
We wouldn’t be here without the contributions of the greater community! Click below to find out how you can contribute in support of our mission. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity!
