What Is RISE Now?

RISE Now: Building Civic Power - From Community to Collective Change is a four-part series that brings San Diegans together to understand and navigate the systems that shape our lives. Whether this is your first community meeting or your hundredth—there's a place for you here.

What Happens at Each Forum?

Each RISE Now gathering brings together everyday residents, community leaders, subject matter experts, advocates, elected officials, and neighborhood voices for a powerful experience:

1. Community Gathering & Grounding

Connect with your neighbors and center ourselves in shared values and purpose.

2. Moderated Panel Discussion

Hear diverse perspectives on issues affecting our region right now. Our panels feature local experts, advocates, and residents who co- create these conversations together—ensuring community voices shape the direction and substance of every discussion.

3. Facilitated Applied Learning

Practice the skills you need to make your voice heard. This isn't lecture-style learning—it's hands-on, interactive, and immediately useful.

4. Call-to-Action

Leave with concrete next steps you can take right away, plus connections to ongoing efforts and organizations working on issues you care about.

RISE Now - Beyond Voting: The Many Ways to Exercise Civic Power

Multi-Level Civic Participation: Discover the many ways to engage that align with your values, interests, and skills—from organizing your block to testifying at public hearings to joining advocacy coalitions.