A program that captures important solution-focused conversations relevant to urban communities in the now.

RISE Now’s facilitated dialogues are designed to highlight the issues and needs of impacted community members and identify solutions from those actively engaged with the communities. RISE Now is centered around emerging leaders who are leaning into the work of real systemic change.

Building Civic Power—From Community to Collective Change

is made possible in partnership with

Building Power Through Knowledge, Connection, and Action

RISE Now is where San Diego comes together to learn, organize, and create change. Through four quarterly community forums in 2026, we're making civic engagement accessible to everyone—because your voice matters every day, not just on election day.

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.

We believe civic engagement doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. From policy creation to community organizing, from local school boards to county government, there are countless ways to make your voice heard and create the change you want to see.

One County. Four Regions. Four Conversations That Matter.

Each quarter, RISE Now will host a forum in a different region of San Diego County:

South Bay
Central San Diego
East County
North County

Every forum is designed to address the specific needs and issues of the host community, ensuring conversations are relevant, timely, and actionable.

Program Sessions

Session 1:
**"From Registration to Representation: Making Every Vote Count"**

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Focus: Voters' Rights & Participation
Location: South Bay at ARTS in National City

Moderator

JoAnn Fields

Panelists

Nicole Lillie, Executive Director, Our Time to Act
Huy Tran, Community Organizer

Session 2:
**"Policy by the People: Turning Community Needs into Legislative Action”**

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Focus: Policy Creation & Community-Led Advocacy
Location: The San Diego LGBT Community Center

Moderator

Roxanne Kymaani, PhD

Panelists

Amanda Brown, CEO, AB Livewell
Jacob Duarte, Community Organizing and Power Building Strategist at The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Mekayla Nariño Reimagining our Futures San Diego

Session 3:
**"Navigating the System: A Community Guide to Engaging with Government Structures”**

Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Focus: Government Functions & System
Location: Nan Couts Cottage, 5045 Memorial Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942

Moderator

Roxanne Kymaani, PhD

Panelists

Dr. Ryan Fan, Advocacy and Campaign Manager, Majdal, the Arab Community Center of San Diego
Huy Tran, Community Organizer
J'Nyka Faulkner, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Alliance San Diego
Rosa Olascoaga, Deputy Chief of Staff, City of San Diego District 9 Office

Register

Session 4:
**"Beyond Voting: The Many Ways to Exercise Civic Power"**

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Focus: Multi-dimensional Civic Participation
Location: North County

Register

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.

Four Topics. One Powerful Framework.

Every RISE Now forum explores four interconnected themes, tailored to what's happening in your region:

Voters' Rights & Participation
Understand your power at the ballot box and beyond—including voter registration, election information, and how to arrive at the polls informed and prepared for November 2026.

Policy Creation & Community-Led Advocacy
Learn how policies are made and where community voices can shape decisions on education, environment, children and families, and other regional priorities.

Government Functions & Systems
Navigate local, state, and federal government with confidence—know who makes decisions, how to reach them, and when your input matters most.

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.

Who Should Attend?

Everyone. Seriously.

RISE Now centers multi-generational, multi-cultural, and intersectional identities because we know the best solutions come from diverse voices working together.

You belong here if you are:

Someone looking for ways to participate in your community
Experiencing housing insecurity and need your voice in policy decisions
A parent concerned about schools, safety, or neighborhood resources
A longtime resident with decades of wisdom to share
Someone who's never been to a community meeting before
Unsure where to start, but ready to learn
Ready to connect your values to meaningful action

Civic engagement education and participation is for everyone. No matter your background or experience level—there's a role for you in shaping our shared future.

Why RISE Now?

San Diego is at a critical moment. Our communities need collective support, investment, education, and strong platforms that elevate diverse voices. RISE Now creates those spaces.

We're Focused on What Matters Most:

Education – From early childhood to college access
Environment – Climate action, clean water, and healthy neighborhoods
Children & Families – Resources, safety, and opportunity for all
Regional Issues – Housing, transportation, economic justice, and more

We Meet You Where You Are:

Priority outreach focuses on historically underrepresented urban neighborhoods and communities that have been traditionally marginalized and under-resourced. We bring forums directly to your region, making participation more accessible and conversations more relevant to your daily life.

We Build Lasting Change:

RISE Now doesn't end when the forum ends. Through micro-collaborations and multi-tiered post-event activations, we support ongoing organizing and advocacy work. We partner with: