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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></h1>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>EmpowerMT’s 12th Annual Diversity Day</strong></p>
<p><strong>Press Contact:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kelsie Severson: Associate Director of Development & Growth </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">406-274-6648</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">kelsie</span><a href="mailto:heidi@empowermt.org"><span style="font-weight: 400;">@empowermt.org</span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Missoula, MT- </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">On April 12th, 2010, EmpowerMT’s youth leaders were instrumental in helping to extend protection against discrimination to LGBTQ community members under Missoula’s</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Non-Discrimation Ordinance. Since then, the second Saturday in April has been declared Diversity Day to commemorate that victory, honor the impact of youth engagement, and celebrate Missoula’s enriching diversity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To honor this anniversary, we are gathering virtually to celebrate youth leaders across Montana through narrative and storytelling on </span><strong>April 10th, 2021, from 6-7:30 pm live on EmpowerMT’s YouTube page</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Youth from EmpowerMT after-school programs will showcase the importance of diverse storytelling and share their own stories for change. Often youth’s knowledge is dismissed based on their age and not given a chance to share their story or use their voice. EmpowerMT amplifies youth empowerment and leadership and this project allows youth to dismantle the stereotype surrounding their capacity to create change and reclaim their autonomy and self-worth. We will also celebrate youth leaders across Montana by presenting the 2021 Youth Lead Now Awards. EmpowerMT has identified young people around the state of Montana who use their leadership to inspire change in their communities. These youth will be featured in a video speaking on their efforts to create positive change in their community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Evyn Kolczak-Hardy, EmpowerMT’s Youth Advisory Council member, offers hope for Missoula and Montana’s future. “[EmpowerMT] really opened my eyes to the possibility of change that I could have, the chance that I could have an impact on somebody’s future in a positive way gives me hope, and I’m excited to see the changes in my local community and more young people getting involved.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can support this year's community celebration or one of our many free youth after-school programs. To learn more about Diversity Day and how to promote this annual celebration, please follow this link: </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">www.empowermt.org/community/diversity-day/</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">EmpowerMT creates a more just and inclusive society by developing youth and adult leaders who work to end mistreatment, correct systemic inequalities, and strengthen communities across Montana.</span></p><img width="1px" height="1px" alt="" src="http://email.mg2.lglcrm.net/o/eJxdjssOwiAQRb-m7CSdKYywYFGr_kaDFJFYaNJHjH8vaty4ufdmkjk5g_FWXAlZNFgj1E1TstFCcODtvm2780l3gPJIiipRp4B8DKObE89-ZWX2ycYx5tDHoZKHSh7NuxClgEZhGeXEZpPiskzbaHduSmnLcX3usn8sBXmJYbk_C41Pc2Crsc5NW157kKiI3YzWNYk9eQWXKw2g0WryDsCi10oQfCR-T38SH8bX4QW-2EOx"></body></html>