Heading back to school can be a stressful time of year! New teachers, classmates, homework and even schools! That’s why we’re here to remind you of the resources we offer here at Empower Montana! Here is an overview of the work we do within Montana’s schools:
EPIC Empowering People Inspiring Change:
EPIC is an after school program in which students have a place to be themselves without judgement and grow as leaders. In EPIC, students will learn, teach, and problem solve around issues of mistreatment in our schools and community.EPIC is offered after school starting September 26th at Hawthorne and Lowell Elementary as well as Washington, C.S. Porter, and Meadow Hill Middle Schools. For more information visit our website or contact Claire Michelson at claire@empowermt.org.
Youth Forward:
Youth Forward is a safe and supportive drop-in space for youth 13-18 who identify as LGBTQ+. Youth Forward takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs LGBTQ+ youth through weekly activities such as interactive discussions, peer-to-peer support, leadership development, guest speakers, and community engagement.Youth Forward meetings every Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm at Empower Montana located at 1124 Cedar Street. For more info contact our staff at 406-541-6891 or email info@empowermt.org.
Also, stay tuned for information about an upcoming pilot program for youth in grades four through seven who identify as LGBTQ+ or want to learn more about supporting their peers. The series will run one night a week for five consecutive weeks and will focus on positive identity development and fostering support in and out of school. The tentative dates are set for Thursday from 4:30-6pm from October 19th through November 16th.
School and Educator Workshops:
Another fundamental part of our youth work is the workshops we offer to students and educators. We work alongside Montana’s youth and educators to implement age-appropriate violence prevention programs for youth grades k-12, and train Montana educators in effective prejudice and violence intervention practices. EmpowerMT youth programs are a sought out training resource by schools across Montana; since founding in 1998 thousands of youth and educators have received EmpowerMT training to build safer learning communities. To read more about our offerings visit our website!
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