Rise Up! Youth Organizing Conference

2024 Dates: July 27 + 28

Join us at SMYAL’s 2024 Rise Up! Youth Organizing Conference!

Rise Up! is a free conference that explores what it means to be a young queer organizer today. This year’s theme is Art in Activism: Igniting Change Through Art + Organizing. Our lineup of speakers, workshops, and performances will inspire and empower you to make a difference through your art and activism.

Workshops will focus on everything from the intersection of race and queerness, to creating sustainable activism, to exploring how we can expand our scope to include transformative and healing justice in our organizing.

Rise Up! is open to queer and trans (and allied) youth ages 13-24, and prioritizes the voices, organizing, and safety of BIPOC queer & trans youth.

Rise Up! 2024: Art in Activism

Saturday, July 27
Virtual (Whova), 10am – 8pm Eastern Time

Sunday, July 28
In Person (Washington, DC), 11am – 6pm Eastern Time
Note, July 28 programming is open to local DC-area youth only.

Get ready to ignite change through art and organizing, as we come together to fight for equality and justice. From zine-making to theater workshops, our lineup of activities will inspire and empower you to take action like never before. Rub shoulders with inspiring leaders, connect with fellow activists, and make your voice heard in our exclusive digital and print zine.

It’s time to rise up and make a difference – are you ready?