Introducing UpRising
 

So, you want to change the world? We can help. Co-founded in 2008 by our Chair, Rushanara Ali, MP, UpRising was set up to address the systemic underrepresentation of young people from working-class and ethnic minority backgrounds in positions of leadership. We believe that youth leadership can tackle pressing social challenges and encourage positive change.

The majority of those with power and influence in Britain today come from a narrow range of backgrounds. The Social Mobility Commission has found that inequality is now entrenched in Britain from birth to work, and that social mobility has remained virtually stagnant since 2014. We stand for:

 

• Changing the Face of Power: We work with young people from backgrounds that are underrepresented in positions of leadership. Our vision is for leaders to reflect the rich diversity of our society, as this facilitates innovation and creativity.
• Championing Diverse Leadership: We create much-needed opportunities for underrepresented young people to follow their leadership ambitions and excel. We encourage young people to develop their own collaborative and relational style of leadership.
• Empowering Young People: We connect young people, often those facing structural disadvantage, with their wider communities and enable them to tackle inequality. We provide a safe space for them to explore and practice leadership, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their goals and fulfil their career aspirations.

This year would have marked the 10th anniversary since UpRising Cymru was founded. For me, it was a life-changing opportunity that taught me about civil society and campaigning. It empowered me to become a proactive community member and helped me build a valuable network. During my time with UpRising, I co-created the #WildCardiffHour social action campaign and was even honoured for my 'Longest Service' at a Senedd graduation ceremony. For countless young people like myself, UpRising is more than a charity; it's a launchpad for future leaders.

 

A 15-Year Legacy of Change-Making
 

The impact of UpRising is clear through its history of innovation and growth:

1. Founded in 2008 by Rushanara Ali MP, the organisation delivered its first program to a cohort in London.
2. From 2010 to 2013, UpRising expanded to Birmingham, Bedford, Manchester, and Luton, and even hosted its participants at 10 Downing Street.
3. In 2014, UpRising became an independent charity, launching its "My Voice, My Vote" campaign to support first-time voters.
4. In 2016, it developed its Environmental Leadership Programme and contributed to democratic activities ahead of the EU referendum.
5. In 2017, UpRising won the UK Social Mobility Award for 'Impact Management Programme of the Year'.
6. From 2019 to 2020, it developed the Future Generations Leadership Academy in Wales and adapted all its programs for online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. By 2023, over 5,000 young people had benefited from UpRising's work, impacting over 20,000 individuals in their communities.
    

Stories of Transformation
 

The stories of four UpRising alumni powerfully illustrate the transformative impact of the program.

The story of my friend Sion Sleep from Swansea perfectly illustrates UpRising's power. Despite having a Master’s degree in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change, Sion struggled to find work and a sense of purpose. UpRising’s Cardiff Environmental Leadership Programme was the turning point. It provided him with practical skills in activism and campaigning, helping him overcome his "biggest fear" of public speaking and ultimately leading to his first job with Natural Resources Wales. Sion continues to be a changemaker, leading a plastic-free campaign with Welsh rugby teams. As he says, UpRising taught him "where the power lies, how to tap into where the power lies to be able to amplify my voice... most efficiently."

 

 

Another example is Bobby Seagull, who grew up on a council estate in East London and felt a deep passion for educational equality. He recalls a teacher telling him he could be a dentist, while an equivalent student at Eton would be told they could be Prime Minister. UpRising's Leadership Programme gave him a network of like-minded people and the skills to effect change. He went on to co-found a social enterprise that supported thousands of students, became a successful teacher and media personality, and continues to campaign for numeracy and libraries. Reflecting on the program, Bobby says, "I genuinely think one of the biggest aspects of a programme like UpRising is that they can help inspire people to realise that they’re not the only ones struggling to make change."

 

 

Najma, from the multicultural Grangetown area of Cardiff, felt "a little bit lost" after finishing her university studies. She joined UpRising's Leadership Programme, which provided her with invaluable skills in project management and a new network of friends who shared her interests. Today, Najma works for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, a role she credits directly to her UpRising experience. As she states, "I’m in my current role because of my UpRising experience."

 

 

Finally, we have the inspiring story of Zarlasht Halaimzai. After arriving in the UK from Afghanistan at age 15, Zarlasht applied for the first UpRising program. It was her starting point in civic engagement and leadership, giving her the chance to meet community leaders and politicians. In 2016, she co-founded The Refugee Trauma Initiative, an organisation that provides psychological support to refugees. For this work, she was awarded the inaugural Obama Fellowship for civic leadership. As Zarlasht herself says, "Ten years on, I still use the skills I learned on the UpRising programme."

 

 

A Note on Leadership and Redemption

While recent events surrounding the resignation of Rushanara Ali MP from her cabinet role have been widely discussed, I believe it is important to remember that UpRising's mission is founded on the principle that people can come from any background to achieve greatness. The organisation she helped build has always been about empowering individuals to learn, grow, and lead.

Just as UpRising taught its participants to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities, I believe in Rushanara Ali's ability to continue her legacy of service. Her journey from a child of immigrant parents to an MP and a co-founder of this vital youth organisation remains a powerful testament to the very ideals UpRising champions. We should not forget that true leadership is often forged in moments of adversity, and I have every confidence that her commitment to serving others will continue.

 

 

A Call to Uphold Our Commitments
 

The discontinuation of these programs has left a void in youth empowerment and leadership development, depriving many young people of these transformative opportunities. The UK government must ensure our youth have the resources and platforms to step up as the leaders of tomorrow.

Restoring UpRising UK would directly adhere to this responsibility by honouring key national and international commitments:

The Social Value Act (2012): By investing in an organisation that demonstrably improves the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our communities, the government would be upholding its legal duty to consider social value in its spending.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015): UpRising's work in Wales, including its partnership with the Future Generations Commissioner, is a clear example of a program that prioritises the long-term well-being of its people. Restoring the organisation would be a vital step in upholding this groundbreaking legislation.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015): UpRising's mission is directly aligned with several of the UN's global goals, including ensuring quality education, reducing inequalities, and fostering decent work.
 
To safeguard the future and ensure the continued growth of our communities, it's crucial to revive and fund UpRising UK so that it can continue nurturing future generations of leaders. By supporting the movement to bring back these essential programs, you can play a part in reshaping leadership for the youth.

Sign this petition to urge the relevant authorities and stakeholders to reinvest in the UpRising UK Youth Leadership Programmes and ensure a brighter, better-equipped generation of leaders.

https://onemillionmentors.org.uk/uprising/