Rice Initiative for a Sustainable and Ethical Today (RISE Today) is a Rice University student organization that examines sustainability through a broader lens. RISE Today’s mission statement outlines goals to promote sustainable and ethical lifestyles at Rice University and in the city of Houston. Through means of education and activism, RISE Today leads and educates on social justice topics such as the Fair Trade campaign, anti-human trafficking, and conscious consumerism.

RISE Today aims to educate students on what they can do to limit their support for companies that use forced labor. Profits drive the human trafficking industry, and consumers can help by voting with their dollar. Through educational events and product fairs, RISE Today can educate Rice students on how to cast their vote. RISE Today also aims to transform Rice into a Fair Trade university. The organization’s overarching goal is to have Rice University pass a resolution saying it will dedicate itself to expanding the use of Fair Trade products in campus facilities such as the bookstore and serveries. Some examples of Fair Trade products already on Rice campus are the coffee in the serveries and coffeehouse and the Alta Gracia clothing brand in the bookstore.

Created in 2018, RISE Today is made up of a dedicated group of Rice students that continue to advocate for globally-minded social justice. Our past events include hosting the 2019 Fair Trade Fair and Dressember 2020. To join, contact us at risetoday.rice@gmail.com, and we will provide more information on meeting times and how to get involved. New members are always welcomed!