Program: Launch

Young Born Leaders

Shaping Tommorrow’s Leaders

We were founded in 2018 to ensure academic and professional success for low-income and marginalized communities. Our membership and associates experience different identities that are distinctly unique and foster a greater cultural understanding.

We are dedicated to assisting at-risk youth in low-income and marginalized communities with academic needs. We pride ourselves on providing collegepreparation and support coupled with personalized guidance to our membership, especially for first-generation students.

Donate Here

Violence Prevention Network

The RESTORE project aims to prevent violent extremism by harnessing the powerful role of trusted community leaders. We believe, whether social workers, school counselors, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, or therapists, these community leaders can play a crucial role to support ideologically motivated members of our communities to reject hate and abandon violence and instead engage in new ways of thinking and acting.

The RESTORE training offers evidence-based tools and methodologies for working with ideologically motivated individuals. It is crucial to our RESTORE model that participating community leaders stay embedded in the personal and/or professional contexts in which they already have legitimacy and authentic relationships. So participating in the RESTORE training does not mean taking on an entirely new professional role, but allows community leaders to integrate a new purpose and new competencies within their existing work.

We are looking for you, if…

  • you know or work with folks who may be immersed in or exploring ideologies that justify hate and violence under the guise of protecting self, family, community or nation, or
  • you know or work with folks who may be becoming convinced of conspiracy theories that can lead to hateful actions against certain groups of people, or
  • you feel a calling to join efforts to prevent radicalization to violence in your community and/or your professional context, and
  • you want support in how to make sure vulnerable individuals don’t give in to hate, instead
  • you want to strengthen their ability to tolerate folks who may not share their opinions.
  • you can imagine working with individuals who are vulnerable to extremist messaging without resorting to shaming or humiliation, and
  • you are valued, supported, and trusted within your community and by the folks with whom you work.

If this sounds like you, we would love for you to apply for the RESTORE training!

What will I learn as part of the RESTORE training?

The training provides the unique opportunity to build upon existing professional skills and experiences and apply new methods and approaches to working with ideologically motivated individuals.

  • You will gain understanding of different possible paths of radicalization to violence, information about violent extremist groups and violent ideologies, and how to engage with individuals vulnerable or already ideologically committed to extremist views.
  • You will be introduced to proven approaches, tools, and methods by our trainers and coaches, who have decades of experience working directly with violent extremists.
  • You will gain a network of other professionals working in the field of preventing violent extremism.

Quick facts about the training:

  • The training runs from May 19 to September 25, 2023, and consists of both in-person and online, synchronous and asynchronous components, with 10.5 days of full-time, in-person training as well as ten 2-hour online live training sessions (for a total of 104 “in-class” training hours).
  • The three in-person training modules will run from Friday to Monday. Location of in-person training days will be Pittsburgh, PA.
  • The training, all course materials, meals, and accommodation (if needed) are offered free of cost to a limited number of trainees. Additionally, both needs- and merit-based scholarships / sponsorships are available to compensate trainees (and/or their employers) for time spent in training.
  • A maximum of 15 carefully selected trainees will be accepted to participate in the RESTORE training.
  • Trainees, who successfully complete the training may be invited to join our 12-month RESTORE pilot project. Compensation for participating in the RESTORE pilot project will be offered to successful trainees and/or their employers based on case load and previous experience.
  • Application deadline to participate in the RESTORE training is April 14, 2023. Please email us at usa@violence-prevention-network.com to receive more information about the training and apply here.

 

Donate Here

Appalachian Science Communicators

The Appalachian Science Communicators is a dynamic group of science communicators in the Appalachian region. Founded in early 2019, AppSciComm seeks to provide science communication support and camaraderie in a traditionally underserved part of the country. We welcome science communicators of every ilk – practicing journalists, institutional writers, freelancers, talkative scientists, students, podcasters and everyone in between.

A social and professional network, AppSciComm hosts regular meet-ups and events centered around the communication and understanding of science.

Facebook group

Twitter: @AppSciWri

Donate Here

The Mon Water Project

Our Watershed: The hidden creek beneath us…

Water is constantly involved in any single stage of the Water Cycle.  Be it rain, condensation, snow, or a flowing river, water is on the move.  When it is moving, water always flows downhill.

In the beginning it may only be the trickle of a spring, coming up from the Groundwater.  As you follow the flow of that crick over hollows and hills, that basin ridge outline is called a Watershed.  Watersheds are the collection points for all the water as it flows off the land in a river system.

In an urban and developed city like Pittsburgh, those watersheds are still here, however they now are hidden below our feet, in pipes.  We call them sewersheds, and they connect us, from the highest hill to the point of our three rivers.  Sewersheds follow all the same rules as watersheds.

The Mon Water Project will focus on the watershed basin, flowing through a sewershed, along the Monongahela River.

Our Basin: The geography of our watershed…

The Mon Water Project is home to 4 Mile Run (4MR), a watershed/sewershed located four miles from the point in Pittsburgh on the Monongahela river. Both sewers and cricks in the Oakland, Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, Schenley Park, and Hazelwood neighborhoods flow through this pipe system. This pipe system is hidden beneath our feet, under roads, houses and sidewalks.

On dry days, the water in these pipes flows down under Greenfield Avenue, making its way through larger and larger pipes ,deep underground, to the Allegheny County Sewer Authority (ALCOSAN). That is our regional WasteWater Treatment facility. There it is treated and released in the Ohio River.

On Wet days, the entire system’s contents flow out into the Monongahela River through the M-29 outfall, a big discharge pipe, under Hazelwood Green. Similar, smaller unnamed streams and pipes are under and throughout Hazelwood. They discharge on wet days to individual outfalls counting up to M-40, near Glen Hazel. Combined, these systems make up the Monongahela peninsula of Pittsburgh and the Basin for the Mon Water Project.

Our Spring Water: The trickle of an Idea…

The MWP creates connections across governments, agencies, non-profits, businesses, and residents to direct resources to develop and implement integrated water resource plans based on One Water principles in 4MR and neighboring watersheds.

Our Groundwater: The foundation to build from…

MWP will use principles based on a philosophy known as One Water.  One Water is the focus on all aspects of water, with equal value and importance, seeing the water cycle as continuous, and water systems as overlapping. This approach removes traditional water permitting “silos” and allows a community to address many issues at once.

Our Tributaries: Working together as a community…

Our work centers environmental justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as we build community power for the management of our watersheds.

Our Floodwater: The challenges of urban restoration are substantial…

Over five years ago, Pittsburgh Water Sewer Authority was looking to address flooding, manage stormwater, rehabilitate old infrastructure, and decrease water pollution to the Monongahela river. They began the design, modeling, and implementation of the 4 Mile Stormwater Project.  The project is hoping to improve the quality of life, protect property, and change the hydrology of a watershed affecting the lower half of the neighborhood in Greenfield, known as the micro-neighborhood “In the Run.” The Run historically floods with only a half inch of rainfall. It isn’t just any flooding, its manhole popping raw sewage that flows directly into homeowner basements, central streets, and neighborhood cornerstone businesses. Residents in The Run neighborhood have had to silently endure the issues for years.  When the PWSA 4MR Stormwater Project was being developed, the residents of The Run worked hard to advocate for their community needs.  With a unified voice they asked for real and last solutions.

Our Water. Our Work.

The Mon Water Project will build on the current ‘swell’ of resident and organizational movements that grew from the 4MR Stormwater Project. MWP will work to develop a unified strategy for ALL our water resources, partner to implement projects that protect the residents of our most vulnerable communities, and build an educated coalition of neighbors that advocate for science based solutions in our cricks and hollows.

The path forward is clear (unlike the muddy waters of the Monongahela) and with the support of New Sun Rising as a fiscal sponsor, starting in October 2022, The Mon Water Project is ready to officially launch.  Follow us, join us, and support us as we flow towards a future that is truly sustainably alongside the Monongahela River.

Will you join us?

Donate Here

Boom & Bust

Watch as seven residents of western PA travel to the Gulf Coast region to explore what it looks like to live alongside a petrochemical plant. Take a journey along with them as they ask the hard questions and wrestle with the complex history of our past and issues facing Beaver County’s future.

Boom & Bust is produced by RiverWise, in association with New Sun Rising and the Genesis Collective, and created by filmmaker Christopher Padgett of Human City Creative. The project is completely self-organized and self-funded.

Many local community and environmental organizations play an important role in helping residents become more informed and inspired about the public health impacts of industry. While these efforts are very important, the Boom & Bust film was not conceived primarily as a public health, environmental science, or activist project. The goal of the film was to travel to Louisiana, witness what people were experiencing, and to share reflections on what we learned.  During the screening events we will capture audience feedback in order to strengthen community connections and mobilize citizen action.

 

Watch the Trailer

Read the FAQs

Share Community Feedback

 

Screening Schedule

Thursday, July 28th, 2022 at 7 pm 

Iron Horse Theater, 348 Maplewood Ave, Ambridge, PA 15003

 

Monday, August 8th, 2022 at 7 pm

Virtual Screening via Zoom, Register for the August 8th event

A conversation will be held after this screening for those who wish to participate.

 

Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 at 7 pm

The Tull Family Theater, 418 Walnut St., Sewickley, PA 15143, Register for the August 10th event

Concessions will be available for purchase from the Tull Theater during the screening. 

Drinks and conversation are scheduled at the conclusion of this screening for those who wish to participate.

 

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 at 7 pm

Phipps Conservatory – Botany Hall, 1 Schenley Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Register for the August 23rd event

Drinks and a conversation are scheduled at the conclusion of this screening for those who wish to participate.

 

 

This project is inspired by

strengthening community movement by challenging prevailing narratives

Solar Workforce + Education Program

The Solar Workforce + Education Program is located at the Millvale Food + Energy Hub, and includes a variety of learning and training programs. The Hub’s state-of-the art 26 kwH microgrid, coupled with an advanced power control system, building automation, and Energy Discovery Zone, serves as a learning tool for a wide range of abilities, age ranges, and interests: from the casual to highly technical.

The facility offers opportunities for students, adults, and industry professionals to examine the emerging role of clean, renewable energy in promoting sustainability, career pathways, and reducing the damage caused to our environment and health by carbon-based energy generation.

The Solar Energy Workforce + Education Program consists of:

  • Solar Energy Workforce offers training, certification, and hands on experience with a professional solar installer to prepare small, local electrical contractors and others for entry into the growing clean energy industry

    Interested in Becoming a Solar Installer? Submit an Interest Form

  • Teen Solar Fellowship introduces students to the technical skills, career experiences, and valuable connections that can help them to succeed in the installation industry or as a stepping stone to higher education.
  • Energy Discovery Zone provides educational opportunities through microgrid system demonstration, solar and electrical STEM learning tools, and an interactive microgrid dashboard for teens, adults, and industry professionals

 

 

The project is spearheaded by New Sun Rising and Moose MODE Inc, in partnership with the Triboro Ecodistrict and Millvale Ecodistrict Collaborative. Funding provided by the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. System contractors include: EIS Solar, Steel City Energy Conservation, Sigma Luminous, GRID Institute at University of Pittsburgh, and AYA Instruments.

Solar Workforce Training Flier-1
 Status of PA's Solar Workforce(5)

Launch Sustainability Grant

The Vibrancy Funds support people building culture, sustainability, and opportunity within their community.

New Sun Rising ran this funding opportunity in 2018 to launch organizations and collaborations who build Vibrant Communities. Through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the following program seeks proposals which promote innovation, engagement, and equity in the Pittsburgh region.

LAUNCH SUSTAINABILITY

New Sun Rising believes that developing the community software (people + connections) and hardware (physical infrastructure) is critical to enhance natural systems and quality of life in our region. By improving the coordination of available resources, we help early stage projects improve sustainability in their community.

Projects which enhance community sustainability are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 to $8,000 Launch Sustainability Grant. While not necessary to apply, preference may be given to NSR Vibrant Communities (Allentown, Beltzhoover, Etna, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside neighborhoods, Sharpsburg, Stowe Township, Wilkinsburg), NSR fiscally sponsored projects, and Ignite Sustainability workshop participants.

In addition to the grant, Launch Sustainability Grantees will receive six months of support including:

  • Monthly coaching with subject matter experts
  • Access to project development resources
  • Support to strengthen their business plan or grant proposal

Questions will be answered by emailing vibrancyfunds@newsunrising.org or attending one of the following information sessions at the Millvale Moose, 112 Sherman St, Milllvale, PA 15209:

  • July 17, 2018 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
  • August 8, 2018 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Projects supported by this grant can start September 1st, 2018 and must end by March 30th, 2019.

CRITERIA

In acknowledgment of the importance and role of sustainability in our rapidly changing region, successful applicants will be established non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with a project demonstrating the following:

Equity: activities are aligned with, help to identify, or create community values
Collaboration: creates connections or opportunity for those with barriers
Adaptability: incorporates human-centered design by positioning clients as decision makers

Application deadline is 11:59 PM on August 10th, 2018. Grantees will be notified on August 20th, 2018.

Launch Culture Grant

The Vibrancy Funds support people building culture, sustainability, and opportunity within their community.

New Sun Rising is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to launch organizations and collaborations who build Vibrant Communities. Through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the following program seek proposals which promote innovation, engagement, and equity in the Pittsburgh region.

LAUNCH CULTURE

New Sun Rising believes that embracing the unique characteristics and knowledge of people is critical to promoting equitable change in our region. By building awareness of our culture, we can better understand the shared values that lead to trust and resiliency.

Projects which engage, explore, or express culture in their communities are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 to $10,000 Launch Culture Grant. While not necessary to apply, preference may be given to NSR Vibrant Communities (Allentown, Beltzhoover, Etna, Knoxville, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Northside neighborhoods, Sharpsburg, Stowe Township, Wilkinsburg), NSR fiscally sponsored projects, and Ignite Culture workshop participants.

In addition to the grant, Launch Culture Grantees will be provided 3 monthly coaching sessions. Questions will be answered by emailing vibrancyfunds@newsunrising.org or attending one of the following information sessions at the Millvale Moose, 112 Sherman St, Milllvale, PA 15209:

  • April 4, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • April 24, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Projects supported by this grant can start May 1st, 2018 and must end by November 30th, 2018.

CRITERIA

In acknowledgment of the importance and role of culture in our rapidly changing region, successful applicants will be established non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with a project demonstrating the following:

Equity: activities are aligned with, help to identify, or create community values
Collaboration: creates connections or opportunity for those with barriers
Adaptability: incorporates human-centered design by positioning clients as decision makers

Application deadline is 11:59 PM on April 25th, 2018. Grantees will be notified on May 1, 2018.

Ruff Writers

Are you looking for a way to connect with children through positive life stories? The RUFF Writers Project is about connecting people of all ages with children’s picture books as an anchor for conversations, then taking the next step to record and write hand-written “RUFF” drafts keepsakes. Shared in schools, libraries, after school activities and in your home, even rough times hold nourishing memories when savoring life stories. RUFF means RELATIONSHIPS USING FACTS and FANTASY.

Reach us at ruffwriterbooks@gmail.com to learn more about preserving important little stories across the generations. Request to join our email list for activity material pages. “Revisions,” a traveling exhibit of books by local authors and illustrators is a free resource for libraries in Western Pennsylvania.

Our funding hope: Launch a RUFF Writers web site with free dementia friendly family literacy resources and provide “Book Kits” of paper materials to underserved communities.

When growing up on a farm in Ohio, we learned that one person can make a difference and small efforts add up, like the blocks on a handmade quilt, to warm our insides as much as our outsides. Now I’m a grandmother of five and hope to pass on stories and memories that help uplift our children throughout their lives. Our stories of living through adversities may also give comfort and strength.

Thank you for your help.

Jane Miller, Founder

Listen to two different versions of our theme song here: 

1) https://betterworld.bandcamp.com/track/lemons-into-lemonade 

2) MP3 of Lemons Into Lemonade sung by Fee Brown

Here is “A Sample” of RUFF Writers Materials PDF. RUFF Writers Materials 1.1

 

Thank you to our summer donors: For each $11 donation, please email ruffwriterbooks@gmail.com with the name of person you wish to honor/memorialize. Names to appear in the credits our theme song video “Lemons Into Lemonade”

Donate Here

Launch Sto-Rox

Catalyzing community change through social businesses, nonprofits, and collaborative initiatives

Launch Sto-Rox is a cohort of startup organizations whose values align with the Sto-Rox community’s priorities for development. Beginning in March 2018, participants will strengthen their business plan, build their leadership, connect with peer and professional networks, access funding, and engage the Sto-Rox community.

 

MEET THE TEAMS

The Joinery supports the development of small businesses and projects through co-working, office, and production space.

Strong Ambitious Women motivates young women to develop self-esteem and a positive identity.

Zellous Hope Project inspires hope for low-income men with barriers to seeking and obtaining employment.

PittMovers provides moving assistance with a personal touch for clients within Allegheny County.

Right Vibez fuses power yoga and dub (instrumental reggae) for a unique energizing and restorative experience in a transformative setting.

Digital Bridges closes the digital divide by using technology and digital literacy skills to decrease poverty and nurture strong social connections.

1st Layer is a branding, design, and printing shop incorporating workforce development training for teens.

Peddler’s Paradise creates a unique space for artisans and craft makers to connect and sell their products.

Gazette 2.0 provides crucial communication resources for the community.

 

ABOUT

Launch Sto-Rox is a Vibrant Communities program of New Sun Rising, held in partnership with the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation and Focus on Renewal, and supported through the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation.

Launch Wilkinsburg

Launch Wilkinsburg is a civic innovation lab, supporting the development of a vibrant community through social businesses, nonprofit projects, and community engagement.

Meet the Projects

 

Vibrant Communities Focus

Launch Wilkinsburg is committed to equitable community development and implemented in partnership with the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce.   In order to determine which areas of impact are top priority, we reviewed community planning documents, surveyed stakeholders through our Vibrancy Index, and held an interactive public forum. This local stakeholder insight and discussions identified community values and priorities for development including:

  1. Community Awareness + Engagement
  2. Arts + Culture
  3. Vacant Properties + Lots
  4. Main Street Business Development
  5. Education
  6. Safety + Crime Reduction
  7. Environmental Sustainability
  8. Public Spaces

Additionally, the Ignite Wilkinsburg workshop connected over 30 startup leaders and mentors to further their plans, strategic connections, and identify resources.

Media coverage

Read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article

KDKA Sunday Business Page

Pittsburgh City Paper

Launch Hilltop

Launch Hilltop is an inspiration dojo, where a collective of passionate, driven entrepreneurs challenge perceptions to drive personal and community change.

Meet the Projects

Vibrant Communities Focus

Following neighborhood discussions and assessment with local stakeholders, the Hilltop neighborhoods anchored by the Allentown business district were selected as New Sun Rising’s second Launch community.

New Sun Rising’s Launch Hilltop provides services and programming to a number of organizations and initiatives committed to promoting inclusive neighborhood redevelopment, in partnership with local stakeholders such as Work Hard Pittsburgh, the Hilltop Alliance, Pgh Works, RE360, and others. New Sun Rising works closely with these partners, businesses and community projects to create positive opportunity and change with the community.

Learn more about the Allentown’s priorities for development through the Equity Cafe series: Discovery, Dream + Design, and Destiny

Listen to audio stories from community members