CHANGE WITHIN REACH

Rise builds movements and communities, aiming for a society that is fairer and more equitable.
We bring change within reach, one issue at a time, in each community.

VIETNAM: ‘We hope young people who have voiced their anger and frustration will turn it into activism’

In August, Vietnamese officials confirmed that former lawmaker Nguyen Sy Cuong would face no charges over a May 2025 crash that killed 18-year-old student Do Ngoc Phuong Thuy, known as Mina. The case had faded from view until a censorship row involving the Culture Ministry, headed by Cuong’s wife, put it back in the spotlight. The ministry’s attempt to block posts naming him only fuelled public anger. Young people rallied around Memorial Tree 55, a roadside tree at the crash site on Hanoi’s Nguyen Huy Tu Street, and renamed it the Justice Tree. Despite surveillance and intimidation, their campaign continues…

UNRBHR Forum 2026: Building Trust and Collective Action for Workers’ Rights in Southeast Asia

On 16 September 2026, Vietnam Rise was honoured to co-organise a session with Human Resources Without Borders (RHSF) and Tenaganita at the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum (UNRBHR).

Vietnam Rise Officially Launches the Digital Resilience Helpdesk

Vietnam Rise is pleased to launch a digital security helpdesk service. This helpdesk service is part of the Terali Project, a partnership of four civil society-focused helpdesks that aims to improve digital security for East and Southeast Asian civil society. Focal countries include Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Tibet, Cambodia, and Hongkong.

Why Rise?

The civic space in Vietnam continues to deteriorate, particularly for those working to promote human rights and democracy. Environmental degradation and climate change is a multi-generational challenge. Rise believes that social movements are a powerful vehicle to create positive and lasting social and democratic change in Vietnam.

Solidarity in community

When individuals recognize their struggles are not solitary, they gain confidence to engage in community action. Rise provides training programs aimed at identifying and building capacity for local communities and movements.

changing mindset

Movements must be able to ignite social conscience, cultivate public indignation, and push public opinion to confront worsening social conditions. Rise works to change what no longer fits within ourselves, our families, and our communities.

taking creative action

The more innovative and accessible the actions, the greater community participation and public attention they garner. Creativity is essential both in offline activism and in utilizing online tools effectively.

Our Programs

Movement Building Training

Drawing from social movements from around the world and in Vietnam, Rise’s training curriculum combines in-person gatherings and virtual experiences to share best practices, strategies, and action to build people power.

Movement Incubation

Investing in people and initiatives to catalyze social change is Rise's top priority. We support movements by providing seed grants and coaching at all stages, from brainstorming to project implementation.

network building

Movements in Vietnam face complex challenges that no single entity can solve alone. Rise, in partnership with allied organizations, works directly with affected communities. Rise serves as a nexus to connect communities and forge solidarity. Learn more about our annual event Social Movement Festival.

RISE HELPDESK

Our digital security helpdesk aids human rights defenders, independent journalists, and community organizers engaged in civic or rights-based work in Vietnam. We address common incidents (e.g., account compromise, social media censorship, emergency data lockdown support) and offer preventative digital security tools.

Meet Our Team

Rise was founded and is led by three female activists drawing experience from movement building in Vietnam and around the world. Our team is comprised of community organizers, artists, human rights defenders.