SWMT Youth Partnership Encompasses Whitehall Students

Southwest Montana Youth Partners is a nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Montana. Its mission is to facilitate and promote quality, affordable youth programs. The Youth Leadership Program is an initiative for seventh to ninth-grade students and is finishing its pilot year. The third cohort of students included students county-wide. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Program is to allow young people to explore and practice personal leadership skills and create positive change in their lives and communities.

The youth had the opportunity to interview the Mayor of Whitehall, Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh, who inspired the youth with her perseverance in a formerly male-occupied position. Mayor Mary helped program participants see the value of community leadership and the difference one person with strong ideals and passion could make. Whitehall Community Librarian Jeannie Ferris illustrated to the kids the unique role libraries play in healthy communities. Physical Therapist and school board member Jenelle White taught the students that leadership sometimes calls to you and that being a good citizen means stepping out of your comfort zone to serve the common good. Southwest Montana Youth Partners believes that early investment in children improves all of our futures, and with the help of our community leaders, our Youth Leadership Program works to bring this idea to life.

The community is invited to the final Youth Leadership Program to hear directly from the youth about what they have learned and why it is important. The event occurs on March 1st at the Whitehall High School in the multi-purpose room from 3 PM to 5 PM.