- Youth Leadership Program Culminates During Week Leading to Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
RISE, the national nonprofit organization that uses sports to eliminate racism and champion social justice, along with the U.S. SailGP Team and Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS), are collaborating with Good Shepherd Services (GSS) to educate and empower students to become leaders in social justice.
The RISE leadership program, which started earlier this month and features 30 student participants from GSS and HRCS, features RISE modules that inspire youth to be leaders in addressing racism and improving race relations covering topics such as identity, equality vs. equity and sport as a vehicle for change. The diverse group of students also learn to sail and gain experience on the water through training from HRCS, and will have the opportunity to sail with and be coached by U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley on June 3.
The three-part program will culminate during the week of June 17 leading to the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix weekend, during which participants will attend SailGP’s Inspire program for further hands-on learning around the sport of sailing, RISE education, and a meet & greet with the U.S. SailGP Team on June 19. The SailGP Inspire program is an outreach initiative that has helped diversify the sport of sailing for youth.
Topics from the RISE program curriculum include: Understanding Our Identities, in which participants reflect on labels they use to identify themselves and their importance, Equality vs. Equity where participants learn about the difference between the two terms and how they pertain to achieving fairness, as well as the roles they play in society, and Sport as a Vehicle for Change where participants examine examples of athlete activism and discuss their own leadership.
“We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with these organizations to use the sport of sailing as a vehicle to empower youth and build connection across communities,” said RISE Chief Executive Officer Diahann Billings-Burford. “To be able to create spaces that build trust and create pathways for positive communication for these participants, all while learning more about a growing sport, is truly incredible.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s partnerships with HRCS and RISE, and the ability to bring them together in New York City,” said U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley. “This program will have a lasting impact on these kids: the work HRCS does to introduce youth to the sport that changed my life, and RISE’s mission to open lines of communication on key topics around race and equality while using sport as a vehicle for change.”
“Our partnership with RISE, the U.S. SailGP Team and Good Shepherd Services aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting leadership and academic success in New York City youth,” said HRCS Executive Director Robert Burke. “By equipping our students with both the knowledge from the youth leadership workshops and the skills gained through sailing, we are empowering them to navigate not only the waters but also the societal challenges they will undoubtedly encounter.”
About RISE
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. RISE programs build skills and create safe spaces to have difficult conversations. RISE equips students, athletes, coaches and administrators with the tools to be culturally competent, effective advocates for racial equity and leaders in addressing racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusion. RISE's vision is to create a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice. Follow RISE on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @RISEtoWIN or learn more at https://risetowin.org.
About the United States SailGP Team
SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The global championship features 10 national teams – including the United States – battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe. Energized by prestigious new owners and investors across U.S. professional sports, entertainment and technology, the U.S. SailGP Team is led by co-owners Ryan and Margaret McKillen, and Mike Buckley as CEO. Seven-time world champion Taylor Canfield is the driver, and the U.S. squad has an All-American roster of talented athletes. Visit SailGP.com for more information.
About Hudson River Community Sailing
Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) is a New York-based nonprofit youth development and community sailing organization. HRCS develops leadership and academic success in New York City youth through partnerships with public schools, and it provides maritime education and recreation to the city at large. Core to the organization’s work is the belief that everyone can learn to sail, and that sailing provides a unique opportunity for growth and discovery. HRCS is a U.S. Sailing Certified Community Sailing Center. For more information, please visit http://hudsonsailing.org/.
About Good Shepherd Services
Good Shepherd Services is one of the largest nonprofit youth and family services providers in New York City, operating over 90 programs that support more than 30,000 residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Guided by social and racial justice, Good Shepherd is located in communities that continue to face significant challenges due to longstanding and often systemic barriers, providing resources that build on their inherent strengths and expanding access to opportunities that help them thrive. For more information, please visit https://goodshepherds.org/.
