How do you build a statewide youth prevention response from scratch—in a rural state, with no funding, no established anti-trafficking infrastructure, and no access to schools? This workshop offers a transparent, step-by-step look at how Uprising, a grassroots nonprofit based in Wyoming, strategically developed one of the most recognized youth trafficking prevention networks in the Rocky Mountain region. Co-presenters Terri Markham, Executive Director of Uprising, and Elizabeth Scaife, skilled strategist and Uprising collaborator, will share the foundational work it took to become a trusted prevention partner across school districts, youth programs, and state systems. This session will go beyond programming content and dig into the strategic backbone—how to build credibility, set goals and accomplish outcomes that align with state policy priorities, secure small wins that grow over time, and position your organization as a necessary resource in a space where prevention is often an afterthought. Attendees will learn how Uprising leveraged survivor voices, strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and rural resilience to grow a network from the ground up. We’ll also highlight how this work extended far beyond classrooms, mobilizing entire communities around youth safety—engaging parent coalitions, treatment centers, tribal communities, MDTs and businesses in the prevention effort. Whether you’re a new agency looking to launch your first prevention initiative or an established group hoping to expand your reach, this session will provide a replicable framework and practical guidance on how to start small, stay strategic, and build something transformative.