Let’s Rise Up! Together
Rise Up! Strengthening Food Systems and Environmental Stewardship is funded in part by Canada Service Corps. Renforcer les systèmes alimentaires et la gestion de l’environnement est financé en partie par Service jeunesse Canada.
Rise Up! acknowledges with deep gratitude that we live, work, and learn on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as British Columbia. As an organization working at the intersection of public health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, we are grateful that the land and waters has been cared for since time immemorial by diverse Nations whose sovereignty, cultures, and ways of knowing continue to shape these territories today. We recognize that our work goes beyond the places we live and impacts the lives of nations across British Columbia and Turtle Island.
Centering youth voices, uplifting communities, and strengthening food systems and environmental stewardship for a thriving, just future.
Our passionate Rise Up! Team at the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC) believes that when young people lead with heart, knowledge, and connection, communities grow stronger.
Our program supports youth aged 15–30 to engage in meaningful, place-based service that reflects their values and passions —from community gardening and food justice to environmental action and land stewardship.
We recognize that not everyone calls it “volunteering.” For many, caring for land, water, food, and community is part of a deeper responsibility rooted in culture, kinship, and survival.
We honour these ways of knowing and doing as we approach our work through Albert Marshall’s concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk in Mi’kmaw language)—blending Indigenous and Western ways of understanding to support equity, justice, and healing.
As we rise up together, we commit to centering equity in all we do. We acknowledge the colonial foundations of agriculture, food and land-based systems, and we strive to create spaces where youth —especially Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, and other equity-deserving young people —can reclaim their power, reconnect with the land, and shape a future that is nourishing for all.
Now Welcoming Applications
Are you passionate about food, the environment, and making a real impact in your community? Join the Rise Up! program and help strengthen food systems and environmental sustainability in BC!
The program is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027
program year.
Youth Volunteers (15-30 years old)
Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 program year!
- Gain hands-on experience volunteering with community organizations or businesses across B.C., such as farms, gardens, food hubs, food banks, meal programs, and environmental initiatives.
- Build valuable life, school and career skills while connecting with inspiring mentors and like-minded peers from across B.C.
- Give back and be part of the local and global movement working for our people and the planet.
- Join the Rise Up! program and help strengthen food systems and environmental sustainability in BC!
- All spots in the Fraser Region are now filled for Cohort 2 of Rise Up! Thank you to everyone who showed interest in getting involved in the program! If you have any questions, please reach out to the Fraser Regional Lead at fraser.riseup@phabc.org.
The Latest Scoop
As Rise Up! continues to grow, so do the opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive together! From regional gatherings and provincial events to virtual webinars and learning circles, our events are open to youth volunteers, host organizations, and community partners across BC.
About
Rise Up!
The Rise Up! Program began in Fall 2023 as a 6-month pilot project led by the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC), with generous support from Canada Service Corps. The goal was to connect youth aged 15–30 with meaningful volunteer opportunities in local food systems, grounded in learning, community action, and mentorship.
Through partnerships with 13 host organizations across the province, 33 youth were placed in community gardens, cooking programs, food justice initiatives, and more. Youth also took part in a learning journey about food systems, leadership and civic engagement, and traveled around the province for gatherings to connect with like-minded youth and community partners!
Today, Rise Up! continues to grow as a youth volunteer service program focused on strengthening food systems and environmental stewardship. With the support of a new digital platform built in partnership with Meaningful Work, youth can now easily find and apply for service placements that align with their passions and values.
Host organizations benefit from streamlined tools to engage volunteers in meaningful, community-based work thanks to our continued partnership with CityHive. At its heart, Rise Up! remains a collaborative effort to foster youth leadership, support local food systems, and build stronger, more resilient communities across BC.
A Program for Public Good
Rise Up! is a program of the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC) which is a voluntary, non-profit, non-government, member-driven organization that provides leadership to promote health, well-being, and social equity.
Leafing so soon? Never miss a beet!
Subscribe to
PHABC’s Newsletter
Stay connected through the community grapevine! Subscribe to PHABC’s newsletter to get the latest dirt on public health projects, advocacy, events, and more!