Five & Rising Movement Launches to Transform Social Sector in the U.S.

Launch of the Five & Rising Movement

Today marks a significant moment for the social sector in the United States with the launch of the Five & Rising Movement. This ambitious initiative aims to unlock the full economic potential of the social sector and challenge the limitations posed by outdated funding and operational models. At the forefront of this groundbreaking endeavor is the Progressive Life Center (PLC), an organization dedicated to serving children and families throughout Maryland. PLC has been chosen as one of the initial pilot communities to lead this transformative movement.

A Call to Rethink the Social Sector

The Five & Rising initiative has been spearheaded by Social Current, a strategic partner that collaborates with over 1,800 human and social service organizations across the U.S. and Canada. The movement derives its name from the substantial 5.2% share the social sector contributes to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure underscores the significant economic force of this sector, while also highlighting the many challenges it faces.

In a country where over 12.5 million jobs are supported by the social sector—contributing an astonishing $1.4 trillion annually to the economy—Five & Rising seeks to evolve the narrative surrounding social services. Outdated perceptions and restrictive funding models have historically stymied growth and innovation within this essential sector. Depending on the old norms continues to hinder potential advancements, which is exactly what this movement aims to change.

Empowering Local Leadership

Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson, President and CEO of Social Current, explains, "The launch of Five & Rising marks a turning point for the social sector. This movement is about rewriting the rules and proving what's possible when we invest in communities that are ready to lead." This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of local leadership but also aims to facilitate scalable strategies that enable communities to address their most pressing challenges.

Inspired by the documentary UnCharitable directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, which critiques traditional views on how the social sector operates, the Five & Rising Movement will engage communities across the nation. It seeks collaborative opportunities to develop systems that reflect the sector's true scale, ultimately enhancing its ability to generate lasting impact.

The Role of Progressive Life Center

Established in 1983, Progressive Life Center is a non-profit organization that has consistently aimed to improve the delivery of human services to individuals and families. Each year, PLC provides culturally competent, evidence-based services to over 1,000 children and families across the Mid-Atlantic region. The organization focuses primarily on four core areas: Child Welfare, Economic Mobility, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Juvenile Justice Services.

Through the Five & Rising initiative, PLC aims to initiate impactful pilot efforts within Maryland, particularly focusing on its foster care programming. By convening a diverse coalition of foster care providers, government agencies, legal experts, insurers, and individuals with personal experience, PLC plans to create innovative and sustainable solutions. While Maryland will serve as the core pilot location, the organization will also draw insights from its teams in Pennsylvania and Delaware, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Diana Banks, President and CEO of Progressive Life Center, remarked, "Being chosen as part of this national launch is both an honor and a responsibility. For over four decades, PLC has worked alongside children, families, and providers to ensure foster care is a system that heals and does not harm. Five & Rising enables us to elevate this vision on a national level, proving that investment in real care costs can lead to healthier families and communities."

Educational Initiatives and Sustainability

In its pilot year, Progressive Life Center will team up with two other pilot communities—Center for Community Impact in Northwest Ohio and ChangeMakers in Hawaii. All communities will engage in a comprehensive yearlong curriculum designed to enhance organizational resilience, reframe adverse narratives, and strengthen their influence in the social sector.

This educational initiative is expected to promote collaborative solutions that merge the strengths of philanthropy, government, private business, and community members to tackle local challenges effectively. By doing so, they hope to create a scalable model for collective action that can be replicated nationwide.

Conclusion: A Vision for Change

Progressive Life Center's involvement in the Five & Rising Movement serves as a beacon of hope for reimagining foster care and social services as a whole. As the movement unfolds, it will showcase how communities can lead efforts to invest in healing, family connection, and resilience. The movement aims to assemble systems that not only protect children but also promote transformative change across the nation.

To learn more about the Five & Rising Movement and how you can be part of this transformative era in the social sector, visit FiveAndRising.org.