2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 58
Commending RISE for Youth.
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 2, 2026
WHEREAS, RISE for Youth, an independent organization founded in 2018, is committed to ensuring every space that impacts a young person's life encourages growth and success, while promoting the creation of healthy communities and community-based alternatives to youth incarceration; and
WHEREAS, the work of RISE for Youth centers youth and their communities to challenge and dismantle racial and social injustice while reflecting a commitment to transformative justice by outlining interconnected strategies and outcomes necessary to create lasting change; and
WHEREAS, RISE for Youth's theory of change is grounded in community input and driven by the voices of impacted youth and families, underscoring the critical link between comprehensive youth support systems, policy advocacy, and equitable opportunities; and
WHEREAS, as a leading voice for youth justice in the Commonwealth, RISE for Youth leverages its position to create opportunities for the fuller engagement of youth and families at every decision-making juncture in its effort to transform the legal system; and
WHEREAS, RISE for Youth, through its multifaceted work and vital programs, including legislative and direct advocacy, the Youth Leader Advocacy Network, and the Youth Development Academy, has positively impacted the lives of countless youth, families, and communities across the Commonwealth; and