blue rising
From Pain to Power
Blue Rising is a Colorado-based 501c(3). We believe young people should be able to take healthy risks, explore life and make mistakes safely without life-altering consequences that change their futures. We envision a world where kids can enter adulthood without the emotional scars and trauma that are part of struggling to recover from a high-potency THC marijuana addiction, having friends or family members die from fentanyl poisoning, and experiencing the anxiety and grief that comes from the ever-present threat of gun violence. This generation of kids is facing new and complex challenges that threaten the trajectory of their lives. The risk landscape has changed. Commonsense policies and programs need to be developed, and adapted to keep up with the fast-paced changes.
WHO WE ARE
Blue Rising’s approach to change bridges the gap between those in pain and those in power. We build strong and diverse coalitions that include families impacted by high-potency THC, fentanyl, and gun violence, who work alongside passionate community members. Fighting for a future where young people remain healthy, whole, and hopeful requires multifaceted and nuanced approaches. This is why at Blue Rising, we move boldly and nimbly to create and implement policy and programmatic solutions that help families take back their power and use their voices to address the issues that limit opportunities and cut lives short.
WHAT WE DO
We learn from the lived experience of impacted families and use what we learn to educate elected officials, develop, pass and implement policies at the state level and when appropriate, at the local level. Statewide policy sets expectations and lays a consistent foundation across city and county lines protecting young people regardless of where they live. We seek to find common ground between both political parties whenever possible. Our impacted families are from across the political spectrum and we believe that we must come together, beyond politics, to solve the most pressing issues that impact youth and young adults across the state.
EMPOWERMENT
Empowering impacted families to use their voices to change policy on high potency marijuana, the fentanyl crisis, and gun violence drives our work at Blue Rising. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where those affected by these issues can share their experiences, support each other and work towards a better future. We provide resources, education and advocacy to ensure that each voice is heard, and together we push for change.
IT SHOULDN'T BE THIS HARD TO GROW UP IN COLORADO
Blue Rising takes on the issues that keep parents up at night worrying about their kids' safety and future. Whether it be easy access to dangerous drugs, or the threat of gun violence, we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
OUR PRIORITIES
bridging the gap between those in pain and those is power
Since the legalization of marijuana, we have seen significant increases in potency levels and reports of addiction and mental health issues. At Blue Rising, we believe in a cleaner, healthier future for our communities. That's why we work hard to create stronger regulations and policies around marijuana use, while continuing to educate families and policy makers about the real-life dangers of this drug. We believe that it's important for everyone to understand the potential risks associated with marijuana use, and we are committed to promoting a safe and healthy society for all.
FENTANYL POSIONING
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller which is 100 times stronger than morphine, 50 times stronger than heroin, and is the most common cause of opioid deaths in the United States. Because the drug is cheap, lightweight, and powerful, in recent years fentanyl has come to contaminate a large portion of the illicit drug supply in the United States, and is now killing people who never intended to take it in the first place — people who may have never touched opioids before in their lives. These deaths are called fentanyl poisonings, and they are becoming shockingly common.
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
At Blue Rising, we are committed to reducing gun violence in our state. We have seen too many mass shootings and a disturbing increase in youth gun violence that is affecting our youth across the state. The statistics are alarming- gun violence is the number one killer of children. We believe that there needs to be a stronger framework for legally purchasing firearms, but we also need to enhance efforts to reduce the flow of illegal guns on the streets. We are dedicated to making a real difference in our community and fostering a brighter future for our children.
Fentanyl is the number one killer
of people ages 18-45
As an organization, Blue Rising is committed to making a positive difference in the world. Our focus is on tackling the epidemic of fentanyl poisoning among college students, and we do this by advocating for a wide range of measures that are designed to raise awareness of the issue and prevent further deaths. Our organization works with colleges across the state to establish new protocols and educational programs about the risks of fentanyl. We believe that by working together, we can bring an end to this preventable tragedy.
YOU CAN'T OUTSMART FENTANYL
STATE WIDE COLLEGE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
Support Our Work
At Blue Rising, we believe that together we can make a difference.
We work tirelessly to address issues that limit opportunities and cut lives short for our youth and young adults., We can't do this work alone. We depend on the generosity and support of our community to make a lasting impact With your help, we can create change one step at a time. Donations to Blue Rising Community are tax deductible.