Play as a Gateway to Empowerment
We are born knowing how to play, and when activated, it has the capacity to change our lives for the better. Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute recognizes the potential that play has to inspire growth, facilitate engagement, and create joy. With a mission to inspire and equip 10,000 leaders worldwide, the Black literary nonprofit has created R.I.S.E.: The Card Game. The powerful card game celebrates Black heroes who chose to R.I.S.E. to advocate, lead, and create lasting change. The game was created as a solution to the lack of culturally relevant, justice-centered learning tools for Black youth and reflects PPGJLI’s mantra of “We see a problem. We create a solution.” R.I.S.E.: The Card Game is more than a game. It is a gateway to empowerment.
It empowers LEADERSHIP
R.I.S.E. represents the 4 qualities of respect, integrity, self-awareness, and engagement. These qualities guide PPGJLI’s efforts to help students discover their leadership potential and serve as change agents in their communities. They also create the framework that guides PPGJLI’s unique leadership model. The model, developed by PPGJLI’s founder, Dr. Artika Tyner, ignites social change as community members of all ages grow to view themselves as leaders with the capacity to address their challenges and realize their power to advance social change. With its focus on Black excellence, the game serves as a bridge connecting history and role models to each player’s powerful potential. The four R.I.S.E. qualities take the place of the four suits in a traditional set of cards. Each card tells a story. Each story sparks imagination, and every game played helps build a legacy of leadership.
It empowers EDUCATION
Built on the idea that learning Black history is not something to be done only on special occasions, but to be celebrated daily, the game provides players with Black men and women who, in the face of seemingly unconquerable adversity, have made their mark on the world. This includes Black civil rights heroes, artists, musicians, and beyond. When we learn Black history, we learn about ourselves. We learn about what is possible when the human spirit takes over and capable, ambitious people set out to pursue their boldest dreams. With its lighthearted art, each card tells a story of notable lives in a fun, relaxing way and helps build a legacy of learning.
It empowers INTERGENERATIONAL BONDING
R.I.S.E.: The Card Game not only fulfils an unmet demand for fun, play-based learning materials about Black history, it is also designed to be used across generations. People of all ages can pick up and play the straightforward game together. It can be played in classrooms, living rooms, and community centers, encouraging generations to bond over events and narratives worth passing down. Realizing the positive influences of this intergenerational approach, PPGJLI uses it throughout its programming. Whether empowering First Educators or initiating virtual or in-person intergenerational reading circles, PPGJLI aims to promote positive bonding experiences. With the advent of modern options such as social media, video games and streaming services, this becomes increasingly more valuable and helps build a legacy of supportive relationships.
It empowers FUTURES
Because play is considered to be a biological necessity and one of the earliest forms of learning, it has the capacity to shape not only individual futures but the future of society as a whole. Through his 35 years of clinical practice and scholarly research, Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, has found that play is not only part of an evolutionary drive to survive but a powerful way to build trust and connection as it tends to occur in a safe and fun atmosphere. He hopes that one day “play will be seen as a fundamental public health necessity for overall well-being.” R.I.S.E: The Card Game inspires potential and connection which further increases the drive and hope for the future.
R.I.S.E. to support TODAY
The R.I.S.E. Card Game provides a way for adults to play with children in meaningful ways. It offers tools to cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and social justice awareness while honoring and commemorating the inspiring lives of Black men and women. You can be a part of its development and progress by supporting its Kickstarter campaign. The campaign has a goal of raising 10,000 dollars and aims to get at least 700 R.I.S.E. Card Games into classrooms and communities that need them most. This is more than a donation—it's an investment in future changemakers.
PPGJLI is building pipelines of success for K–12 students by providing access to resources that affirm identity, foster confidence, and ignite a passion for justice. You are invited to join the movement today. With every R.I.S.E. set that is placed in a child’s hands, you are nurturing and empowering a leader who will shape a brighter, more equitable future.
Other ways to support EMPOWERMENT
Join Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute’s Difference Maker Circle.
Your monthly donation will support the non-profit’s leadership programming, which includes book giveaways, literacy programs, and
writing workshops designed to empower the next generation of leaders.
Buy a book from PPGJ Press & Bookstore.
For every book you buy from the PPGJ collection, a book will be donated to a child. 61% of low-income families have no books in their homes
to empower their children.
*A special thank you goes out to the marketing agency and game co-designer who helped make this project possible: Leaderpromos Marketing Agency and Merle M. Rasmussen of Viking Games.