How do I sign the Consent Form for Parents/Guardians?

When your child/ward fills out and submits the Finalist Registration Survey (they will receive a unique link for this survey in their congratulations email), they will be prompted to provide your contact information, including your email address. We will send you links to the Parent/Guardian Survey and the Parent/Guardian Consent Form to this email address—so be on the lookout in your inbox. 

Most parents/guardians will receive a digital Consent Form from PandaDoc, an e-signature provider, and be able to sign it electronically. We will include instructions in the email. 

For parents/guardians who need to print or translate the document, the Rise Team will be in touch with translated materials and, if needed, work with partner organisations in your country to assist. 

What support is available for my child/ward during Finalist Day?

We will provide support leading up to the Finalist Day, including informational resources, best practice tips, and technology checks. 

In advance of Finalist Day, the Finalist will set up their “Finalist Space” in a room with limited distractions, access to WiFi/mobile data, and access to plug in their device. They will download and set up Zoom. They will also read the “Finalist Day Materials,” and prepare for their presentation and interview. Instructions for all of this are available in their Finalist Handbook. 

On Finalist Day, we will have technology support in case of any technical glitches, as well as trained facilitators who can answer questions. The Rise Team will also be present to assist where necessary.

If my child/ward has a health condition, will this affect their participation or success in Finalist Day?

If your child/ward has a health condition—including mental health conditions—that you believe may impact their ability to participate or for which we may need to make accommodations, please contact us, or have them contact us, at finalists@risefortherworld.org. We will also be collecting this information in the forms that Finalists fill out ahead of Finalist Day. We are committed to setting up all of our Finalists for success!

You can learn more about our approach to keeping all Rise participants safe in the Rise Safeguarding policies here and in our Privacy Policy here.

If you have any questions regarding the wellbeing of your child/ward please contact the Rise Designated Safeguarding Leads at safeguarding@risefortheworld.org. 

If my child/ward has no access to suitable technology for Finalist Day, what provision is available for them?

We ask all Finalists in the Finalist Registration Survey if they have adequate technology and internet access to allow for approximately 5 hours of online Zoom activities on Finalist Day. If they answer no, we will begin a planning process with them, you, and any relevant local partner organisations to enable your child/ward to participate in Finalist Day.

Do I need to be available and in close proximity to my child/ward during the Finalist Day?

Once the Finalist Day begins, Finalists must complete all of the activities on their own. Parents/guardians are not permitted to assist their child/ward with any of the activities during Finalist Day; this would constitute cheating and possibly disqualification under the selection rules.

If your child/ward needs to travel to technology to enable them to participate in Finalist Day, we will require you to travel with them and to maintain responsibility for their safety throughout the entirety of the travel, including overnight stays.

How can I support my child/ward before and during the Finalist Day?

Ahead of Finalist Day, it may be helpful for you to read the contents of the Finalist Handbook, as well as the Rise safeguarding and policy documents that we provide, so you can discuss the details and requirements with your child/ward. We want to ensure all Finalists feel prepared and excited for their Finalist Day, so advance preparation will be key! 

For Finalist Day, you can help ensure your child/ward gets a good night’s sleep in advance. There will be a break in the day’s activities to allow for eating a quick snack or light lunch, which you may also be available to support them with.

How will I be kept informed about the logistics and processes of Finalist Day?

The Finalist Handbook contains all of the information that Finalists will need ahead of the Finalists Days, such as important deadlines, technology help and support, and materials to prepare for Finalist Day. However, each Finalist will also have their specific schedule of events for the day, including a list of activities. This will be emailed to them directly as it is specific to each Finalist. They will receive this email 1-2 week(s) before their Finalist Days.

How can I ensure the safety of my child/ward during Finalist Day?

All of the Rise representatives—which includes the evaluators, interviewers, Rise Team, and other adult volunteers—are trained and background-checked. We have Rise Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) that are available to assist if Finalists ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe before, during, or after the Finalist Day. We also have a formal complaint and concern policy to allow you to file a complaint and ensure it is handled in an appropriate and timely manner. 

You can learn more in the Rise Safeguarding policies here and in our Privacy Policy here, and contact the Rise DSLs with questions at safeguarding@risefortheworld.org. 

Will expenses towards ensuring my child is adequately resourced for the Finalist Day be reimbursed?

As the Rise Finalist Day is taking place online this year, we expect that there will not be any expense incurred for the majority of Finalists as they will already be set up to join an online event. Some Finalists who do not have adequate technology and/or internet connection at home may need to travel (local health regulations permitting) somewhere that has adequate facilities; those applicants should contact the Rise Team directly. Upon demonstrated need, Rise will reimburse (in some cases via a local partner organisation) any travel and food costs required for this and any overnight stays needed (in rare cases) upon submission of receipts. If a child/ward requires any additional technology or access to data or internet connectivity, they should already be in discussion with the Rise Team as a result of the Finalist Registration Survey responses. If you believe your child/ward is not adequately equipped for the Finalist Day and they are not already in touch with the Rise Team, please email finalists@risefortheworld.org as soon as possible. 

Do Finalists receive an award? 

All Finalists who complete the Finalist Day activities will become eligible to participate in educational and social impact courses, offered through Rise, to level up their skills and grow their networks. They also gain access to funding on a competitive basis.  They will be contacted after the Finalist Day with more details on how to claim this benefit. 

When will we know the outcome of Finalist Day?

Rise selects up to 100 Global Winners to provide opportunity for life as they work to serve others. The announcement is made towards the end of the year. Click here to read more about the benefits.