Why I was drawn to work with RiseUp Partnership and AmeriCorps

I was drawn to RiseUp Partnership because I've always enjoyed working with youth and wanted a chance to use my voice to make a difference. I've had experience working with young people through mentoring and volunteering, and those experiences have shown me how much I enjoy building connections and being someone youth can look up to. Growing up, I saw firsthand how much of a difference it makes to have caring adults show up consistently, and that's something I hope to be for the students I work with here.

Through RiseUp Partnership, I'm hoping to gain more hands-on experience with planning and coordinating events, while continuing to grow my skills and experience working with youth. I also want to get better at thinking on my feet and adapting when things don't go exactly as planned, since that's such a big part of event work. Beyond the practical skills, I hope to walk away with a deeper understanding of what young people in this community actually need and how to help meet them where they are. I'm excited to see how this role helps shape my future, whether that's in youth development, nonprofit work, or something I haven't discovered yet.

Abby Beyers
Groundwork Fellow