RISE Volunteers

2020 Annual Report
Written By McKenzie Ring

RISE welcomed 175 unique volunteers to events in 2020! Due to the COVID‑19 pandemic we were only able to host two in‑person events—one in January and one in February. Combined, those events brought 14 new unique in‑person volunteers.

In March, RISE made a huge pivot, turning future in‑person coaching days and pitch competitions into online, modified events.(See how other nonprofits successfully moved online during COVID‑19 (UNV)) This not only kept our recurring volunteers engaged, but created an opportunity for new volunteers to be introduced to RISE, a leading reentry program for ex‑offenders, and remain active. By hosting new online events, RISE welcomed over 75 unique online volunteers and brought 95 previous volunteers online as well. (Read how the Second Chance Act is transforming reentry programs across the country.)

We found online‑modified events to be extremely successful and beneficial for our RISE Builders. The feedback received from volunteers was thorough, thought‑out, and extensive. We look forward to continuing online opportunities in addition to our in‑person events in the future.

Recruiting RISE volunteers to participate in online events has been a great introduction for new volunteers and will lead to increased participation in future in‑person volunteer events. Additionally, through the new online system, we've had volunteers participating from nine states and two countries—underscoring the reach of our community re‑entry initiatives.

“Today, I finally got to go back to prison via Zoom to do mock interviews with some of our lady Builders & see some familiar faces from my RISE volunteer family. To say I have been struggling lately with severe depression would be an understatement. So, when I tell ya I get more out of the RISE program than our Builders do, it is the truth. I’m so proud of their hard work despite COVID changing everything. These women were AMAZING today and renewed so much of my depleted hope. Today, I am happy.” – RISE Volunteer

(Local news outlets are already covering RISE’s success—see the story from 3 News Now.)

McKenzie Ring

McKenzie Ring has over 20 years of experience helping businesses and organizations reach maximum audiences for growth. Specializing in social responsibility, digital marketing, photography, and content creation, McKenzie uses that experience to educate the public and grow a network of volunteers, donors, employers, and support for people returning to the community after incarceration.

Specializing and trained in documentary-based work, McKenzie has been an award-winning Midwest photographer and content creator for much of her professional life. She is passionate about bridging unlikely communities and building empathy through storytelling.

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