EmpowerMT

                                                    Empowering Youth Leadership Institute

EmpowerMT creates a more just and inclusive society by developing youth and adult leaders work to end mistreatment, correct systemic inequalities and strengthen communities across Montana.

EmpowerMT envisions a Montana where each person is respected, where differences are understood, where youth, institutions, and communities share a commitment to correct injustices, and where all people have the opportunity to thrive without the risk of violence or oppression.

 Youth Advocacy Day 2025 - Helena, Montana 

From left to right: Mars Jaeger, Queer Youth Specialist and Youth Advisory Council Member; Rajiem Seabrook, Director of Strategy and Social Impact; Jess Monis-Hernadez, Director of Youth Engagement; Heidi Wallace, Executive Director

Ten years ago this year, EmpowerMT (then NCBI-Missoula) established Youth Forward due to increased instances of homophobia and transphobia noticed by educators and experienced by students. Youth Forward has served queer youth in Missoula and surrounding communities such as Alberton, Polson, Frenchtown, and more. Since then, the group has remained a part of EmpowerMT’s programming as the need for support within the LGBTQ+ youth community is still needed. 

The mission of Youth Forward, 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+ and Two-Spirit community and how other identities intersect. This space and the connections made within Youth Forward are intended to empower and support queer youth leadership. Youth Forward helps build a network of support to hold up youth who may be vulnerable, isolated and marginalized. Learn more about our work by following the links below and watching the impact video below.