Milwaukee has a rich history that displays the power of collective action. From the organizing traditions of Black churches and neighborhood associations to the leadership that fueled local civil rights efforts, our city’s progress has never been the result of one voice, but the result of many.
That same spirit lives on in collaborations like the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition. Substance misuse prevention is often framed as an individual issue. But it is a community issue that touches us all. For communities in Milwaukee that have limited access to health care, economic opportunity, and prevention resources, collaboration is a necessity.
History teaches us that when systems fail to protect our communities, we build our own supports. Mutual aid societies, grassroots coalitions, and church-led initiatives have long filled the gaps left by disruptive policies. Today, that same model of shared responsibility is what makes collaborative initiatives so powerful.
Resilience through Collaborations
The RISE Drug Free MKE coalition brings together schools, mental health workers, health care providers, nonprofits, first responders, parents, and youth to align prevention efforts across the city. Instead of duplicating services or competing for visibility, partners share data, coordinate outreach, and center community voice. That approach matters especially in neighborhoods that have too often been under-resourced.
Prevention cannot be forced. It must be informed by lived experience and provided with care. When young people see adults working together across sectors, it sends the message: your future matters enough for us to unite around it.
Sustainable change requires trust and consistency. It also requires acknowledging that our health outcomes are connected to broader issues, such as economic stability, high-quality education, and neighborhood investment.
Milwaukee’s Black community has always demonstrated resilience through collaboration. The question before us is whether we will continue that legacy intentionally.
The challenges facing our city are too complex for any one organization to solve alone. But when we stand together—across institutions and across neighborhoods—we strengthen the foundation for the next generation.
Collaboration is not just a strategy. In Milwaukee, it is part of our history. And it must remain part of our future.
