Blue Rising
From Pain to Power
This generation of kids is facing new and complex challenges that threaten the trajectory of their lives. Blue Rising is a Colorado-based non-partisan nonprofit working to protect youth from the escalating threats of high-potency marijuana, fentanyl poisoning, social media harms, and youth violence. Through policy advocacy, education, and peer support, we drive system-level change while equipping families to take action. By centering lived experience and building cross-sector coalitions, we are creating a future where young people are protected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
WHO WE ARE
Blue Rising’s approach to change bridges the gap between those in pain and those in power. We build strong and diverse coalitions that include families impacted by high-potency THC, fentanyl, and gun violence, who work alongside passionate community members. Fighting for a future where young people remain healthy, whole, and hopeful requires multifaceted and nuanced approaches. This is why at Blue Rising, we move boldly and nimbly to create and implement policy and programmatic solutions that help families take back their power and use their voices to address the issues that limit opportunities and cut lives short.
WHAT WE DO
We address these issues through a strategy grounded in education, policy change, and the power of lived experience.
Centering Impacted Youth and Families:
Healing and advocacy go hand in hand. Blue Rising’s impact is rooted in the lived experience of its leaders, staff, and board. Many have been personally affected by the very challenges the organization addresses, which gives Blue Rising a deep sense of urgency and credibility. Rather than speaking for families, we create platforms for them to share their own stories in legislative hearings, media interviews, and public forums. This direct engagement builds trust, shapes policy, and drives real change.
We create space for families to engage in advocacy in ways that feel authentic and empowering. Their stories guide our campaigns, influence our policy agenda, and remind decision-makers of what is at stake.
OUR PRIORITIES
Bridging the gap between those in pain and those is power
Since the legalization of marijuana, we have seen dramatic increases in potency levels, leading in some cases to addiction, psychosis, suicide, and other mental health issues.
Science, not industry interests, should drive policy decisions on protecting the public health from the harms from easy access to high potency marijuana.
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At Blue Rising, we believe in a healthier future for our communities. That's why we work hard to create stronger regulations and policies around high-potency marijuana use, while continuing to educate families and policy makers about the real-life dangers of this drug. We believe that it's important for everyone to understand the potential risks associated with high-potency marijuana use, and we are committed to promoting a safe and healthy society for all.
FENTANYL POSIONING
Is it a pill or is it poison? 7 out of 10 counterfeit pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller which is 100 times stronger than morphine, 50 times stronger than heroin, and is the most common cause of opioid deaths in the United States. Because the drug is cheap, lightweight, and powerful, fentanyl has come to contaminate a large portion of the illicit drug supply in the United States, and is now killing people who never intended to take it in the first place — people who may have never touched opioids before in their lives. These deaths are called fentanyl poisonings, and they are becoming shockingly common.
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY
Blue Rising is one of the few organizations that highlight how social media platforms have become unregulated markets for drugs and firearm sales. We educate lawmakers and communities about how young people are being targeted for these unlawful sales and advocate for better protection and accountability.
YOUTH VIOLENCE
At Blue Rising, we are committed to reducing youth violence in our state. We have seen too many mass shootings and a disturbing increase in youth gun violence that is affecting our youth across the state. The statistics are alarming- gun violence is the number one killer of children. We believe that there needs to be a stronger framework for legally purchasing firearms, but we also need to enhance efforts to reduce the flow of unlawful gun sales on the streets. We are dedicated to making a real difference in our community and fostering a brighter future for our children.
Stay informed. Take action.
Join the Blue Rising newsletter and be part of a growing community dedicated to keeping Colorado’s youth healthy, whole and hopeful.
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Get the latest updates on our work tackling societal threats that jeopardize young lives.
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Hear real stories and insights from families impacted by these crises and learn how we’re building coalitions and influencing policy to turn pain into power.
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Be the first to know about legislative updates, research findings, education campaigns, and ways you can get involved.
Your email means more than staying informed—it means joining a movement determined to protect young Coloradans and shape a brighter future.
Fentanyl is the number one killer
of people ages 18-45
Blue Rising is focused on tackling the epidemic of fentanyl poisoning among college students. We do this by advocating for a wide range of measures that are designed to raise awareness of the issue and prevent further deaths. Our organization works with colleges across the state to establish new protocols and educational programs about the risks of fentanyl. We believe that by working together, we can bring an end to this preventable tragedy.
YOU CAN'T OUTSMART FENTANYL
STATE WIDE COLLEGE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
How You Can Help
At Blue Rising, we believe that together we can make a difference.
We work tirelessly to address issues that limit opportunities and cut lives short for our youth and young adults. We can't do this work alone. We depend on the generosity and support of our community to make a lasting impact. With your help, we can create change one step at a time. Donations to Blue Rising Community are tax deductible.
Here’s how you can take action:
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Give: Provide unrestricted operating support or designate funds for specific programs, such as our college-based fentanyl education campaign or statewide legislative advocacy efforts.
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Partner: Collaborate on legislative briefings or educational campaign efforts that advance protections for youth and reduce access to dangerous substances.
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Advocate: Help amplify our message by sharing real stories and policy priorities in your networks, from school districts to business leaders. Lived experience is a powerful tool for change.
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Connect: Introduce Blue Rising to others who might be interested in supporting our mission, donating, or partnering with us.
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Your support transforms pain into power. Every story shared, dollar given, and door opened strengthens our movement and helps ensure young people across Colorado can grow up safe, supported, and free from preventable harm.