Rising Hearts October Blog Updates
Happy Fall Equinox! Preparing for a busy season. Friendly reminder, friends and community! Indigenous Peoples are putting in the heart work year round, but October and November are busy busy!
Indigenous Peoples Day and Native Heritage Month are approaching - meaning, if you’ve been planning on hosting some sort of event that involves Indigenous voices, your invites and planning should’ve gone out weeks or even months ago! I know last minute opportunities can happen, that’s understandable and all of it is within reason, understanding and compassion. If you are hosting an event, be sure you’re checking these boxes at a minimum (and this goes beyond opportunities outside of these months and for Indigenous Peoples):
+ Do the outreach and your research
+ Have a budget (if asking for free labor and energy, be transparent, let them decide)
+ Let Indigenous voices be part of the planning
+ Be sure to evaluate internally, your DEI policies, hiring policies and opportunities that are available or not available, Board / Council representation, for Indigenous, POC, underrepresented bodies, especially if you’re a brand/company (we do wonder, and a lot of the time, we do ask)
+ Transparency and honesty
+ Begin the planning early on, include in in the next FY Budget
+ If virtual, still pay, if in person, pay and support with travel/lodging support if you can, product support too if desired
+ A true understanding of the person you are asking and / or the organization / group they represent - their heart work and passion
+ Don’t take offense if we have to say no (I’m sure we can help recommend others too! I’ve received some rude responses when I’ve had to say no, they acted like they were doing me a favor… 🙄)
That’s my minimum list, would love to hear from community, what is on your checklist when being approached to speaking opportunities and event collaborations!
Reminder, we have 4 Indigenous runners at the 2024 New York City Marathon this year, scroll down, learn more! Donate to Kali and Jordan’s efforts for a meaningful program that will hopefully make an impact for families and loved ones needing financial support.
AREAS OF FOCUS: Updates
We are prioritizing our Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate Collective through our own fundraising and partnerships, to support our athletes in their running and advocacy.
Our Running On Native Lands Initiative is in constant growth. The toolkit is almost done with some notable updates, potential new partners that we are in communications with, and we have created a more formalized process in becoming a partner. We have upcoming opportunities to screen our Know To Run series along with our Going Beyond a Land Acknowledgement workshop, it allows us to meet more of community, help educate, and learn from community. So, we are looking forward to our annual virtual/in person Running On Native Lands community gatherings this month!
Rising Hearts Stories has been created under new production company Narrative Shift, centered, on community, environmental, racial and social justice efforts, important campaigns that shift the narrative, offer ways to inform, and help shine a light on the celebratory moments in community with our partners and ideas we help co-create! The official launch of this company, that founder, Jordan Marie Whetstone is helping to co-create and lead. Rising Hearts Stories, will have it’s own space on the website and on our own! We look forward to this opportunity and growth.
- Rising Hearts
SELF CARE REMINDER
As we observed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and with all the advocacy that supported Orange Shirt Day, "Every Child Matters," it's important to bring attention to our community's collective efforts toward healing and wellness. This time of year can present deep emotions and memories, reminding many of us of the trauma our ancestors faced and the impact it still has on us today. These emotional and mental responses may manifest in our own bodies, carrying the weight of trauma and grief passed down through generations. The dialogue we create is rooted deeply in our blood memory, often evoking difficult thoughts and emotions not only for survivors and their descendants but for all Indigenous people and allies.
In navigating this time, we must be mindful of our own healing. It begins by acknowledging and allowing these heavy emotions to surface and creating safety. We are encouraged to seek external resources such as therapy, ceremony, sweat lodge, and powwow, while also cultivating our internal resources such as coping, grounding, and positive affirmations. By recognizing the spirit, mind, and body as interconnected, we can take steps toward healing and truth, both individually and collectively. Let us move forward with compassion and awareness, honoring our journey and the strength of our ancestors.
-Son Sanchez, Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate
Coming to Lenapehoking Lands!
We are running with purpose and so excited to be getting to that start line with so many other Native runners from Native Strength Revolution, Native Women Running and many others participating that we may not know about.
To learn more about who we are, our why and purpose for coming together, visit www.risinghearts.org/rh-nycmarathon. Over the next month, we will be rolling out more spotlight content of our runners!
Tentative Schedule of Events:
+ 11/1: Meet and Greet: Location: 350 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Itinerary: + Welcome everyone + Land Blessing + Blessing of Runners + Drum group + Meet and greet + Sign making
+ 11/1: 4pm Parade of Nations | Opening Ceremonies for NYC Marathon (More details TBD)
+ 11/2: Collaborating with Native Strength Revolution to participate in their morning shakeout run and meditation session!
8am: Shakeout running with Native Strength Revolution | Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.
1 Bowling Green, NY, NY 10004
10am: PreHab/Mobility/ Recovery/ Rest Class @ Lifetime Fitness Wall Street, 29 New St, New York, NY 10005 (5 min walk)
+ Organizing special CHEER SPOT on marathon route for all Indigenous runners and friends to see their family, loved ones and friends! Stay tuned.
YOU ARE LOVED FUNDRAISER
FUNDRAISER FOR LOVED ONES AND THEIR FAMILY:
Join Jordan Marie Whetstone (Lakota) of Rising Hearts and Kali Mequinonoag Reis (Seaconke Wampanoag), in helping to bring more visibility for the families and their loved ones as they hope to raise $100,000 or more, to donate back to the families, advocates, survivors, and organizations focused on ending this violence and creating a safer future for Indigenous Peoples through the You Are Loved community grant program. After the New York City Marathon, Jordan will be running the 2024 California International Marathon to continue fundraising for this grant support program!
The Passion:
Jordan, of Rising Hearts, and professional runner, dedicated her 2019 Boston Marathon to 26 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Since then, she has been on a mission, running for justice - running with purpose, in bringing more visibility to the movement, the families, their loved ones, the advocates, and the community organizations within the MMIR space. Since 2020, Rising Hearts has helped raise over $200,000 collectively through their virtual wellness campaigns for families of missing and murdered loved ones, advocates, survivors, organizers and community heart working organizations. More resources are needed to support the efforts of fundraising, court costs, search and rescue, data, travel for hearings, listening sessions, legal fees, mental health and wellness services, community organized efforts, financial support for cost of living, and more.
The You Are Loved Community Grant Program:
This community grant program is a direct services pathway for families, advocates and organizations to submit your request for on a rolling basis. We hope to raise the $100,000 + to get this program started, with a long term goal of sustaining this resource for community and outside agencies to continue to donate to or fundraise for.
Applications will go live December 15, 2024 on a rolling basis, need basis and urgency basis:
+ Examples of Need Basis: mental health and wellness costs / access, printing costs, banners, shirts for awareness / memorials, direct assistance for family / families, impact campaign / storytelling that will directly uplift and support loved one / families
+ Examples of Urgency Basis: Funeral costs, vigils, search and rescue, DNA testing to expedite progress in loved ones case, MMIR based conference / Federal listening session
How To Learn More + Donate:
To donate, you can start now! Visit www.risinghearts.org/youareloved and you’ll find more information about the You Are Loved Community Grant Program and starting October 15, 2024, you’ll have access to Jordan’s and Kali’s RUNNING FOR JUSTICE page for the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon to learn more about who they are running for, their why, resources to learn from and more.
Stay Up To Date:
Subscribe to the Rising Hearts newsletter - www.risinghearts.org or visit our blog www.risinghearts.org/blog for updates about fundraising, follow us at @rising_hearts on IG | @nativein_la | @kali_ko_reis
You Are Loved logo made by Nicol Hodges (IG: nicolhodges ) and RH Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate
Meet the Artist behind the You Are Loved Logo!
Nicol Hodges is a versatile multimedia artist passionate about hand drawing, acrylic painting, and graphic design. Creativity has been a part of her life since childhood, inspired by her father’s love for art and photography and her mother’s exceptional sewing talent. Nicol’s art is deeply personal, often reflecting her life experiences and her passion for her community.
When invited to contribute to the "You Are Loved" campaign, Nicol thought about the powerful love she feels for her daughters. Her artwork for the project symbolizes this bond: a heart representing love, hands symbolizing a mother’s nurturing support, and intricate braids inspired by both her own and collaborator Jordan Daniels’ shared cultural appreciation for braiding.
Nicol’s talents are in high demand—she’s currently working as the illustrator for an upcoming book, Runners with a Purpose, which celebrates runners who make a positive impact in their communities. She’s also the founder of The Risers Hub, a health and wellness platform where she helps others achieve their wellness goals and live authentically through healthy habits. Through coaching, accountability, and her podcast, Nicol is dedicated to inspiring others to rise to their fullest potential.
To learn more about Nicol’s journey and work, visit nicolhodges.com.
Community Spotlight
About the Film:
Carlisle 200 follows Native bikers Guarina Lopez (Pascua Yaqui) and Tsinnijinnie Russell (Diné) on a 200-mile prayer ride from Washington, D.C. to the cemetery at Carlisle Indian Boarding School in Carlisle, PA. Through rain and shine on the long gravel trail, Guarina, Tsinnijinnie, and fellow activist-bikers honor the 190+ children buried at Carlisle and raise awareness of the history and ongoing impact of the residential boarding school system on Indigenous communities.
Watch:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/carlisle200
You can fill out a screening request form for larger audiences likes schools and received a free code to watch.
https://www.bravespaceproject.org/carlisle200
Starting today- end of November, the film costs $5.99 to rent, after that the prices goes back up. For larger audiences, please fill out the screening request form on the website.
Support:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=8G3JG9WSWDJU8
Follow: @bravespace_media | @native_women_ride | @guarinapalomalopez | @erinjoynash | @sanj___ | @tsinbean | @komahcheeto
RUNNING WITH THE LANDS | RUNNING FOR RISING HEARTS
Short Bio:
As a Colorado native Marisol has always been immersed in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. She finds solace, peace, and her power being connected with nature and all it has to offer. She found running - or rather running found her post-pandemic. As a complete amateur, she stumbled along trying to find the ease and “fun” in this sport. As her endurance and confidence built through her relentless pursuit to become better, she was soon gone with the wind. Now nearly five years into this journey, she has had the opportunity to be a part of a diverse coalition of run groups, (Trailtions, LatinosRun, FullCircle Run Club, and Lohi Tri), the pleasure of connecting with her community, and continually pursues the privilege of pushing her physical limits to the test.
The Run & Your Why:
In just 3 short weeks, Marisol and a small group of like-minded individuals will set off to complete a self-supported Rim to Rim to Rim effort in the geologically revered Grand Canyon Nation Park, AZ. This running ultra is not for the faint of heart as it will entail: ~50 miles on feet, ~20,000ft of total elevation change, and nearly 15-18hrs to complete.
Why would anyone attempt such a thing? For her, it’s a journey of personal divine intervention. A quest to expose one’s ego in terms of conscious thought, to foster and build deep genuine connections, and to explore her true capabilities in what running could unlock – not only physically, but mentally & spiritually as well. However, most importantly, it’s to bring awareness to the individuals, who want to go the extra mile in supporting Native communities beyond a land acknowledgement - but to expand that support and advocacy in creating a running community and outdoor environment to be more encouraging and open.
What does running on the lands mean to you?
For Marisol, Running on Native lands means to navigate through these open spaces as a “visitor”. To show up, to learn, to champion, and give visibility to the first peoples. It’s imperative to shed light on these efforts and to build a foundation on this low barrier entry sport to be inclusive, safe, supportive, diverse, accessible, and affordable. This initiative serves as an additional justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (JEDI) commitment to help many runners, not just Indigenous people, feel more included and respected when coming into the running and outdoor spaces.
How can people support:
Running on Native Lands is a program that aims to make land acknowledgements at trail AND road race events a common and inclusive practice and encourages those who become a partner to go the extra mile by giving back to the communities which the land is borrowed from. With a partnership, they will help facilitate to connect race and event directors (even brands and companies) with the local communities and encourage event attendees and coordinators to rethink the way we view trails, races, urban and rural areas, and our connection with the lands by recognizing the lands we are privileged to run on ARE stolen.
UPCOMING RUNS
Rising Hearts will be making a donation through this virtual run to Native Wellness Institute, Urban Indigenous Collective and Rising Hearts.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION:
+ Date: October 11-14, 2024
+ Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Trifecta
+ Stickers to purchase!
+ Donate an entry!
+ Donate instead of register
+ Download digital BIB
+ Create a virtual team or join one
+ Beneficiaries: Native Wellness Institute, Urban Indigenous Collective, and Rising Hearts
FILMS & SCREENINGS
Know To Run: Yatika is touring with The Trail Running Film Festival!
Get Tickets here: https://trailfilmfest.com/tour/
November 7th REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA
PERMANENT CEASE FIRE
All eyes on Rafah, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, and on so many communities experiencing genocide, injustice, displacement, by an oppressor. And we have so much to learn as an organization, as individuals, as we continue to learn more about frontline communities harmed by the dangerous roots of colonialism. We may not always get it right, but we appreciate those we follow and those that share resources with us, as we do our best to signal boost them across our platforms as often as we can. Many feel lost, don’t know what to do, and we believe coming into this space of advocacy, needs to happen on your own. We must first care, and many do, must become aware and educated as much as we can, participate in actions, donate, and more. We don’t judge or think less of you or define what that looks like. We are seeing this across the virtual spaces so much, creating tension, criticism for it not being done the right way, which happens all the time and never finding the right way depending on who is criticizing. We have to foster a community of support and a sense of safety, especially for people who are new to advocacy spaces.
Humanity is in grave danger - we have to save it.
Here are some links below that that we have collected for you as starting points or continuous support. We will do our best to keep adding to them.
+ Permanent Cease Fire in Gaza
+ Call your representatives
+ We are taxpayers, our money is funding this genocide
+ Donate to aid / support those on the ground / families
+ Divest from pathways fueling and funding this genocide
+ Get out and vote
WEAR THE HEART WORK
RUN REFLECTIONS
Running with Purpose Athlete Advocate, Jinghuan Liu Tervalon
“Be patient when you sit in the dark. The dawn is coming.” Rumi.
Recently, a friend and I talked about how running is a privilege. She is going through her menopause. A good day is a run with little physical discomfort or illness for her. I have recently been in the deep end of grief and sadness. My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year. Anticipatory grief is the psychological term professional therapists use to describe my state: a partner is physically present, but mentally and emotionally absent.
To live with this reality is confusing at best, and frustrating at its worst. Like with any challenge, I turn to my runs for clarity and answer. I spend many miles wondering how this will all end: listening to podcasts about Alzheimer’s stages, wondering if and when we’ll need home care, and how to make sure a family with two kids can still function with one parent. At times I was so consumed with my grief that I had forgotten about my kids’ sadness. At times a leaf would trigger a conversation I had with my husband in the past, one that he no longer recalls, and that would throw me back to my pity of my current situation.
The track has been my salvage. There are a few places where I feel utterly at ease with my body, mind, and soul. It’s the 400-meter track, the swimming pool with sparkles and splashes, and the library with old books’ smell. When I step on the track, I’m back to a self that’s unburdened by the future. I breathe and embrace the pain that comes with 800-meter repeats that eventually make my legs crumble. A special treat is always a workout with my dear friend, who, despite her menopause, can still kick my butt on any track day.
When we step on the starting line, she calls it. “Ready? Let’s go.” We’d hit our paces. Usually she leads the first few reps to keep the pace in check, and then she’ll have me lead the rest of the repeats, so I can push the first lap. She’d overtake me on the second lap. When we finish, our hands are on our knees. We’re catching our breaths like fish just released back to water.
The 800s are such a distance to master because they require aerobic and anaerobic energy at nearly a 50/50 split. It’s a delicate balance of speed, endurance and strength. When I finish, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment usually hits me. As wobbly as my legs are, I feel stronger inside. I think about all the things I am capable of handling. I can finally face my grief, frustration and sadness. It’s fall in Los Angeles. Sunrise doesn’t come until almost 6:30am. After the workout in darkness, my friend and I hug and run a little cool-down when the sun is just coming out. She reminds me to keep my head up. I believe her because my heart opens as widely as it can, ready to embrace a new dawn and a new run.
RUN FOR RISING HEARTS
Thanks to the 11 runners we have, turning their passion into purpose! Using running to fundraise for Rising Hearts! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running! We hope to find 9 more runners for 2024.
2024 RACES YOU CAN SELECT AND FUNDRAISE FOR RISING HEARTS (THERE ARE MORE RACES OUTSIDE OF THE ONES BELOW YOU CAN SELECT):
WANT TO RACE FOR RISING HEARTS OUTSIDE OF THESE WE HAVE SELECTED?
Not seeing a race you want to run in this list? Check out all of the Wander Project events and choose the “Your Choice” option. They will reach out to learn more about your charity of choice and once you let them know that you’ll be running for Rising Hearts, they will make sure your funds come to support our mission!”
Athletes who want to support Rising Hearts for a race that is not listed, can sign up for any of the events on The Wander Project calendar: https://www.wanderproject.org/event-partners/ and pick 'Your Choice' for charity and then fill out the form to indicate they want to support Rising Hearts: (FAQ page here: https://www.wanderproject.org/athletes/frequently-asked-questions/)
Joshua Tree Half
When: November 2, 2024
Time: 6pm
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/joshua-tree/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Monument Valley Marathon:
When: November 16, 2024
https://runsignup.com/Race/UT/MonumentValley/MonumentValleyMarathon
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Four Corners:
When: December 5th - 8th, 2024
https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/TeecNosPos/FourCornersQuadKeyah
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
NOTE: A few 2025 races are available as well!
CALLING ON CHARITY RUNNERS -
RUN FOR RISING HEARTS!
Hello Community!We are reaching out to you all for interest in running the 2024 California International Marathon! We have an opportunity to turn passion into purpose, and help close out the 2024 year in raising funds for Rising Hearts. No better way to do it than thru movement!
After, we will follow up and connect:
Runners will receive: gear from On (or other potential partners), GUdie bags, RH singlet and merch, and Zoom community call.
CIM-Affiliated Charity Program Overview:
15 Rising Hearts guaranteed entries into the 2024 California International Marathon
5 Entries are reserved for RH Athlete Advocates and community partners (100% comped, no fundraising required)
Charity | Fundraising Entries
1 entry is 100% comped ($500 minimum level.)
8 entries are available at Blue Level ($165 + fees) and to be paid by the participant (no refunds, transfers or deferrals)
Every participant must commit to raising at least $500 for your organization. (This excludes the 5 community member entries. There is no fundraising requirement for those.)
You are welcome to have a higher level
Interested participants, please reach out:
Will pay RH $250 to receive an access code to register for the marathon.
After payment to RH, $250, they can register and pay for CIM at the Blue Level and pay for registration.
Participants are required to pay for the remaining charity donation before race day, either by fundraising or paying the amount themselves (remaining, $250)
PODCAST SPOTLIGHTS
Hey, it’s your girl Nicol, and welcome to The Riser's Hub!
IT'S HERE... SEASON 3
New Episode Alert: The Risers Hub Podcast
Special Guest and Ambassador: Carolyne Ouya Program Manager at Futures Without Violence!
Are you experiencing "change" in your life?discussing In our latest episode, I’m diving into the transformative power of change with the amazing Carolyne Ouya—mental health advocate, marathoner, and future counseling psychologist. We’re discussing how change impacts your mind, body, and soul, and sharing actionable tips to help you navigate life’s transitions with confidence and grace. If you're on a journey to wellness, empowerment, and self-improvement, this is the episode you don't want to miss. Tune-in and rise with us!