RISE Volunteers
As 2021 comes to an end, RISE continues to be blown away by the tremendous support of our volunteers.
During times of isolation and uncertainty for everyone, RISE volunteers consistently exemplify RISE values in each service opportunity that presents itself.
RISE received record donations from volunteers and had an AMAZING Giving Tuesday outcome.[3] Additionally, volunteers provided holiday gifts for 20 program graduates and their families, with just a few days’ notice, ensuring the end of 2021 was a bit brighter and less stressful for our reentering friends.
Prior to COVID‑19, in‑person volunteer events were standard practice in RISE programming. This practice was in place to humanize the incarceration experience while building empathy and connections for participants prior to reentering society. Due to COVID‑19 and NDCS[1] procedural changes, in‑person volunteer events were suspended and/or permanently changed at all facilities. This change led RISE to develop an online volunteer portal to continue providing volunteer experiences and building community empathy.
Despite restrictions based on health concerns, NDCS staffing shortages, and facility overcrowding, RISE saw 117 new volunteers, many of whom utilized the new online volunteer portal. This portal also allowed RISE to provide volunteer opportunities to individuals from other states and countries around the world following the same best‑practice principles shared by the National Alliance for Volunteer Engagement.[2]
While RISE saw more new volunteers, RISE did see over 60 volunteers return. RISE theorizes that the low return rate was due to volunteers no longer having access to NDCS facilities.
We look forward to the year ahead and creating new volunteer options, not only through the in‑prison program, but via the RISE Business Academy and the RISE Youth and Family Program.
