UpRising

Website: www.uprising.org.uk

The UpRising programme works with talented young people aged 19-25 from diverse backgrounds to open pathways to leadership. Equipping participants with the life skills, knowledge, power and confidence to transform their communities for the better, Uprising helps them to become future leaders.

The programme was launched in East London in 2008, and has since spread to Birmingham and Bedford. Participants receive regular training sessions as well as the opportunity to understand and participate in the realms of government and media. Mentors work one-on-one with participants to support them through the process. Local campaigns are also run by all participants to test their skills.

Since its inception, UpRising's participants have launched anti-BNP campaigns, become school governors, sat on grant committees and successfully pushed for changes in legislation. UpRising is led by Director Alveena Malik who has extensive experience working on social justice issues and delivering social action projects.

Previously, she was Principal Associate at the Institute of Community Cohesion and Head of Communities and Integration Policy at the Commission for Racial Equality. She is Chair of Maslaha and advisor to the Law Society's Equality and Diversity committee.