EmpowerMT believes that safe communities start with safe schools and supported, empowered, young people. Most programs will be offered virtually and, as always, are FREE to the community.
Youth Forward & Be You Crew: The mission of Youth Forward (ages 13-19) & Be You Crew (Ages 9-14) is to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth to connect with peers, discuss issues relevant to their lives, explore identity, and learn more about the ever-expanding LGBTQ+, Two-Spirit, & Gender diverse community and how other identities intersect. This space and the connections made within Youth Forward & Be You Crew are intended to empower and support queer youth leadership.
ABY (Association of BIPOC Youth): EmpowerMT recognizes that being a student of color in predominantly white schools is a very isolating experience and therefore wants to give BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) youth an opportunity to connect with each other. This group will give students of color an opportunity to feel supported in their racial identity, learn a more racially diverse and inclusive history, and take action against mistreatment/discrimination.
Youth Advisory Council (YAC): (must receive nomination letter to sign up.) EmpowerMT is committed to developing youth leaders and values creating an authentic representation of our constituencies at all levels of the organization. In order to achieve these objectives, EmpowerMT established its Youth Advisory Council. EmpowerMT youth programs participants, volunteers, and staff select outstanding youth from all of EmpowerMT’s programs with diverse backgrounds and experiences to create the perfect team each year. The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of students from ages 10-21 to ensure a diverse range of expertise.