RENTON, Wash – The Seahawks announced today the 2022 Seahawks Game Changers presented by Symetra, a program that engages youth and teens through interactive leadership discussions opportunities. The Seahawks, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Symetra will collaborate on the multi-week educational program aimed to inspire the next generation of Game Changers in our community.

During this season's Seahawks Game Changers program presented by Symetra, participants will engage in a curriculum designed and facilitated by RISE, a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. RISE's dynamic, interactive curriculum uses sport to increase an understanding of racial equity and build cultural competence. It covers key diversity concepts and topics such as identity, bias and privilege, and teaches skills such as perspective taking, critical thinking and leadership.

"Sports have a unique ability to unite people of all backgrounds and create opportunities to engage in meaningful work that can address matters of racism and discrimination," said RISE Chief Program Officer Dr. Andrew Mac Intosh. "It starts with education, and at RISE, we are equipping the sports community at all levels with the knowledge and tools to be leaders for advancing racial equity, inclusivity and social justice. When organizations like the Seahawks and Symetra, who are committed to action, support and amplify this work, they play an essential role in bringing diverse communities together to achieve long-term impact and sustained change. We are proud to partner with them and the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County to help empower both youth and adults through the Game Changers program this season."

Weekly discussion topics from the RISE curriculum will include:

• Week 1: Understanding our Identities
• Week 2: Diversity Concepts
• Week 3: Equality vs Equity
• Week 4: Privilege
• Week 5: Native American Legacy In Sports
• Week 6: Sport as a Vehicle for Change
• Week 7: Community Building: Goal Setting
• Week 8: Be a Champion of Change

"We are excited to present the 2022 Seattle Seahawks Game Changers program and the rich curriculum designed by RISE for Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. Our collective partnership is grounded in our shared commitment to social justice and empowering youth, and we believe the Game Changers program offers a unique and potentially life-changing experience that can help develop youth leaders and inspire them to empower their peers and communities," said Sharmila Swenson, vice president, Public Affairs and Social Impact at Symetra.

"We are proud to partner with Symetra, the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and RISE to provide youth with access and opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on topics such as social justice, racial inequality, equity and building community," said Karen Wilkins-Mickey, Seahawks Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. "Our goal with the Game Changers program is for the youth participating, to come together in a safe environment and by the end feel uplifted and empowered to be champions of change."