
PRESENT Leaders
Too often as young people we are told we are the future leaders. People say this as though after years of school, hardship, working our way through a broken system, and reaching some mysterious age of adulthood we might then have the credentials to make an impact. Because of this we grow up feeling the effects of injustice, yet thinking there is nothing we can do to change our world until we are older. “When I grow up I’ll help people,” we say, “Once I get my degree I can fix this.”
The truth we have witnessed time and time again here at NCBI is young people are absolutely leaders right here, right now. While age can be a relative term depending on one’s life experiences, there is something really special and powerful about youth. Instead of an age range, youth is really a state of mind. It’s a vivacity to meet new people and experience new things. It’s a craving to explore the complexities of human relations. It’s a willingness to make mistakes and still love yourself. It’s a voice that cheers us on and tells us to be silly and bold. And most importantly, youth is the state of having an open mind and open heart. Sometimes as we grow older we get used to our routines, we think we are done learning, we get burnt out on mistakes and heartbreaks, and we begin to hurt each other by closing off.
That’s why we believe it’s so rewarding and important to support our leaders here at NCBI through our youth programs. Our goal isn’t to create future leaders, our necessity is to lend confidence, skills, and warmth to young people right now so that they lead our state more and more every day. With the right support, we all are present leaders.
Amidst the heartbreaking violence this month, we have been reminded of our need for youth leadership more than ever. That’s why we’ve decided for this month’s E-News to highlight two of our favorite youth programs:
|
|
Similar Articles

As protests continue across the world in response to the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade, EmpowerMT offers...
FacebookTwitterLinkedinPinterest
“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So...

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the...
” How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”- Anne Frank “Empowerer” Spotlight: Abby Donald! This...
“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.” -Ani DiFranco “Empowerer” Spotlight: Carla Mettling! ...
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” –Mary Anne Radmacher “Empowerer” Spotlight! This month our spotlight shines...

Dear Empower Montana Supporters, As we reflect on our first full year after changing our name to Empower Montana, we are reminded of the...
“It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what...
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.