Root Rising
Root Rising is a student-led intergenerational leadership club that unites youth and elders to create, serve, and learn side by side.
Through shared projects, cultural celebrations, and acts of kindness, members cultivate empathy, leadership, and belonging — strengthening community bonds and celebrating the power of connection across generations.
 Damen Heath |  Madeline Cain |
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Founder & President
Hi, my name is Damen Heath. I am a junior at San Marin High School, and the founder and president of the Roots Rising Volunteer Association.
The most valued thing in my life is my roots — my family and the beautiful place I get to call home. My goal is to create a community, together with Helen Bond and as part of the Sunflower Roots Inc. Project, that connects generations from different backgrounds, cultures, and stories. We aim to build understanding of where we came from and who we are today.
Our roots are not only our family and ancestors, but also the experiences we live through as we grow up. The Roots Rising Volunteer Association creates bonds between the young — who are still discovering their roots — and the old, who have the opportunity to share their roots and help shape ours.
Co-President
Hello, my name is Madeline Cain. I am a junior at San Marin High School and a Co-President of the Roots Rising Volunteer Association.
I place so much value on my roots because they have allowed me to grow into the person I am today. I am fortunate to come from a loving and strong family, and they are responsible for the best parts of me. But I don’t define family as only those related by blood. To me, family is anyone who loves you, encourages you, and guides you through life’s challenges.
We started this club to build bridges between younger and older generations. I believe the older generations have so much wisdom to offer — they have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and can share lessons that inspire us. My hope is that through this club, we can close the divide between young and old, and discover new families in unexpected places.