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<p style="text-align: center;" dir="ltr"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" dir="ltr"><strong>Empower Montana Kicks off Rainbow Campaign with 9th Annual Diversity Day</strong></p>
<p><strong>Press Contact:</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Heidi Wallace: Executive Director </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>406-274-0810</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>heidi@empowermt.org</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Missoula, MT</strong>- </span><span>On April 12th 2010, Empower Montana’s youth leaders were instrumental in helping to extend protection against discrimination to LGBTQ community members under Missoula’s Non-Discrimation Ordinance. Since then, the second Saturday in April has been declared Diversity Day to commemorate that youth led victory, honor the impact of youth engagement, and celebrate Missoula’s enriching diversity. </span></p>
<p>The 9th Annual Diversity Day themed, “Remember Me” will be held at the Missoula Art Museum on Saturday, April 14th from 6-8pm. Local youth from Empower Montana’s elementary and middle school after school programs, EPIC (Empowering People Inspiring Change) as well as Youth Forward and Be You Crew, (Empower Montana’s two LGBTQ+ youth groups) will be presenting three main projects: EPIC Middle school students will be showcasing their poster campaign to break stereotypes, and shine a spotlight on those who break them. EPIC Elementary school students will be presenting a video project on remembering the importance of youth leadership. Youth Forward and Be You Crew will be sharing a video project capturing messages they want their older selves to remember as they age. In addition to these presentations Empower Montana will host a reading called, “Remember Me.” In the reading, select community members will share with the audience reflections and writings about their experiences as a young person.</p>
<p>Spencer Czech, Empower Montana’s Youth Programs Specialist offered this reflection on Diversity Day. "I think Diversity Day is awesome because it's not only a celebration of human differences, but also an opportunity for young people to use their voices, feel validated in their beliefs and gain confidence as leaders.”</p>
<p>Diversity Day 2018 will kick off Empower Montana’s Rainbow Campaign. Each week from April 14th through June 8th, Empower Montana will educate the public and increase awareness of their programs designed to build a more just and inclusive community. Community members to follow along, participate and support this campaign at www.empowermt.org/rainbowcampaign.</p>
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