A free, guided program by RISE Reporting — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — that empowers young people to capture their elders' life stories and preserve them as a keepsake video forever.
RISE Social Legacy is a structured, step-by-step experience designed to help a young person sit down with a grandparent or family elder, capture their story, and turn it into something families will treasure forever.
It's not just a video. It's a living document of identity, memory, and values — passed from one generation to the next. Using nothing more than a phone or laptop, guided interview questions, and a few family photos, a young person becomes the investigator, content creator, and narrator of their family's story.
The result is a 2–3 minute film — interview footage, archival photos, student-written narration, and music — ready to share and preserve for decades. Currently in free beta, with an optional $20 donation to help RISE reach more families. No special equipment. Just 30–60 minutes of interview time and a willingness to listen.
Researching family history, forming thoughtful questions, and uncovering untold stories that have never been recorded — until now.
Filming the interview, collecting archival materials, editing footage, and assembling a finished film using real multimedia production skills.
Writing and recording their own narration — connecting past to future in their own voice, linking generations with authentic perspective.
Digital natives, often disconnected from their roots. They build real multimedia skills while developing a meaningful relationship with their elders and learning where they come from.
Seniors hold a lifetime of wisdom and values that risk being lost. This project gives their stories a permanent home — and the profound gift of being truly heard.
Sandwiched between generations, parents guide and support — giving something meaningful to both their children and their own parents at once. A rare gift in both directions.
Families can participate independently with parent supervision — perfect for homeschool families and self-starters.
Embedding the program into classroom curriculum through California VAPA enrichment funding and donor support — access for every student, during the school day.
Through donor funding, we partner to embed values-centered curriculum — shared at churches as a way for families to connect across generations.
We partner with organizations serving older adults, inviting their families to participate and helping seniors feel connected to their family's digital life.
All you need is a phone or laptop, 30–60 minutes, a few family photos, and a grandparent or elder who's ready to be heard. We'll guide you through every step.
Free to participate. Optional $20 donation helps RISE reach more families.