About

Who We Are

RISEUP is a grassroots think tank based in Westchester County, NY, dedicated to empowering residents in America’scentral cities for active civic participation. Guided by a diverse board that includes leaders from progressive advocacy groups and communities of color, RISEUP uses a state-of-the-art web platform to facilitate policy research, civic projectmanagement, and public dialogue.

Our key activities include:

• Publishing interactive maps and infographic
• Producing a quarterly journal entitled Incite.
• Hosting dynamic community forums These efforts foster informed and collaborative solutions to urban challenges,
leading to tangible improvements in community engagement and governance.

Our Misson

RISEUP (Research Initiatives for the Strategic Empowerment of the Urban Populace, Inc.) is an independent grassroots
think tank dedicated to addressing the challenges of America’s central cities through research and strategic initiatives.
Currently, we operate a state-of-the-art web platform that provides interactive maps, reports, and policy proposals. By
collaborating with citizen scientists, community leaders, educators, and policymakers,

Our Vision

RISEUP envisions a future where every urban community is empowered with the knowledge and resources needed to
shape their civic environment. As a grassroots think tank, we strive to be the leading resource for community organizers,
civic leaders, educators, and policymakers by providing innovative research, strategic insights, and collaborative
platforms.Our goal is to cultivate informed and engaged leaders who can drive sustainable social and environmental
change in cities across the nation.

Our Team

Robert Baskerville

Executive Director

Robert Baskerville is an independent scholar, educator, and social entrepreneur dedicated to helping dis advantaged communities harness the potential of the information revolution to tackle today’s most pressing social challenges.

Harold McKoy

Vice President of Strategic Planning & Partnerships

Harold McKoy is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning finance, education, and entrepreneurship. He graduated from St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC, with a BA in Pre-Law/Poli Sci. His career journey began at Goodwill Industries,

What Our Partners Say About Us

RISEUP has been instrumental in bringing our community together. Their interactive maps and infographics make complex issues easy to understand, and their forums provide a space for meaningful dialogue. Thanks to their support, we’ve seen real progress in addressing local challenges.

Maria Lopez

The Incite journal and RISEUP’s community forums have opened my eyes to the power of civic engagement. The tools and resources they provide are unmatched, empowering me to take an active role in shaping policies that impact my neighborhood.

David Carter

Working with RISEUP has been a transformative experience. Their innovative approach to policy research and public dialogue has strengthened our advocacy efforts and helped amplify the voices of communities that are often overlooked.

Lena Johnson

RISEUP is redefining how grassroots organizations operate. Their focus on collaboration and cutting-edge technology has made it possible for residents to connect, learn, and act on issues that matter most. Their work is creating a brighter future for our cities.

James Washington

RISEUP’s forums and resources have inspired me to get involved in my community. I’ve learned so much about urban challenges and how to contribute to positive change. They’re truly making a difference for the next generation.