RISE NETWORK

Create Conversations

A Strategic Partnership in Workforce Development & Community Safety

Create Conversations is a transformational platform developed by The Rise Network Community Development Corp., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The initiative brings together business owners, educators, government officials, and community leaders to drive authentic dialogue and implement actionable solutions that strengthen communities.

Our primary focus is workforce development, student mentorship, youth violence reduction, and building sustainable communities prepared for long-term growth.

Our Mission & Impact

Our mission is to empower student success through mentorship, leadership development, and community collaboration.

Research consistently shows that students with mentors are more likely to:

By combining mentorship with real-world leadership exposure, Create Conversations helps students and communities achieve lasting transformation.

The Collective Mentorship Model

The Collective Mentorship Model is a proven, data-driven solution designed for national replication.
This intensive four-year program empowers 50 student leaders through four integrated pillars:

National Proving Ground

Augusta, Georgia serves as the pilot city for this initiative because its challenges and opportunities reflect those faced by mid-sized cities across the United States.

Success in Augusta will create a scalable blueprint for national deployment.

Investment Strategy

Our investment model supports a $575,000 Optimal Year 1 Budget, ensuring a sustainable and high-impact launch.

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This funding secures the core professional team required to successfully launch, manage, and operate the program from day one. It establishes a strong staffing foundation that enables immediate execution, supports strategic planning, ensures consistent program delivery.

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This funding supports essential infrastructure, technology, and program resources to ensure a high-quality experience for student leaders. Core staffing will be fully onboarded only after at least 50% of enhancement funding is secured to ensure program readiness and accountability.

Partnership Opportunities

Create Conversations offers multiple partnership levels, allowing individuals, organizations, and corporations to contribute to a shared vision of workforce development and community safety.

Partnership Tiers

  • Community Supporter — $1,000
  • Executive Leadership Partner — $2,500
  • Leadership Development Partner — $5,000
  • Strategic Leadership Partner — $10,000
  • Community Leadership Partner — $25,000
  • Visionary Leadership Partner — $50,000

Every contribution supports the unified funding goal and strengthens the program’s impact.

How Your Investment Creates Impact

Your partnership directly supports critical program activities that drive student success:

  • Empowering student leaders through mentorship and leadership exposure
  • Funding workshops, curriculum development, and skill-building programs
  • Supporting community leadership events connecting students with decision-makers
  • Producing national thought-leadership content and impact reports

C-Suite Partnership Impact Delivery

Each partnership level translates into measurable program outcomes:

  • Mentorship logistics and leadership engagement coordination
  • Curriculum development and workshop planning
  • Cohort program design and violence-prevention initiatives
  • Community partnership recruitment and leadership events
  • National storytelling platforms and long-term strategic operations

All investments are pooled to strengthen the program foundation and ensure sustainable implementation.

Why Partner with Create Conversations

Across all partnership levels, participants benefit from:

  • Clear program structure with minimal operational burden
  • Transparent reporting and measurable outcomes
  • Authentic leadership engagement opportunities
  • Alignment with workforce readiness and community development goals

Start the Conversation

We welcome the opportunity to share more about our work and explore partnership opportunities that align with your commitment to leadership, stewardship, and community investment.

For inquiries, please contact us directly at 917-336-2773.