EmpowerQ Youth Groups: A Safe Space for Growth and Connection

From October through March, the EmpowerQ LGBTQ+ Youth Groups offer a unique opportunity for young people in South Florida to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and form lasting connections with their peers. These weekly Saturday sessions are more than just meetings—they are interactive, fun, and transformative experiences designed to empower LGBTQ+ youth to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond.

Our youth groups are held in four key locations across South Florida: South Miami, Wilton Manors, Miami Shores, and Miami Beach. Each session is designed to foster personal growth, leadership, and resilience through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions. By offering a supportive and inclusive environment, EmpowerQ provides a safe space for youth to explore their identities, learn practical skills, and thrive in a community that celebrates diversity.

EmpowerQ Curriculum: October to March

Each month, EmpowerQ focuses on a critical theme, ensuring that participants leave with practical tools for success in life, school, and community. Here’s a look at what our youth will explore during the program:

• October 2024: Self-Management Skills for Success
  Our first module introduces youth to the essential skill of self-management. Participants will explore strategies for managing emotions, stress, and time, along with techniques for setting achievable personal goals. Through activities like SMART goals workshops and time management challenges, youth will gain the confidence to take control of their lives and plan for the future.
• November 2024: Leadership and Teamwork
  Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about working effectively with others, communicating well, and stepping up when needed. This month, youth will learn the fundamentals of leadership and teamwork through group activities and role-playing exercises, exploring how to be both strong leaders and valuable team players in their communities.
• December 2024: Decision-Making Skills
  Life is full of decisions, and this month, EmpowerQ participants will hone their decision-making abilities. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based challenges, youth will learn how to evaluate options, consider ethical implications, and make responsible choices that align with their values. Whether navigating social situations or making academic choices, these skills will empower them to think critically and act with confidence.
• January 2025: Cultivating a Growth Mindset
  The start of the new year brings an opportunity to explore the power of a growth mindset. Participants will delve into the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Through guided activities and discussions, youth will reflect on their own experiences and develop strategies to embrace setbacks, persevere through difficulties, and continually strive for improvement.
• February 2025: Bullying Prevention and Advocacy
  Bullying is a serious issue that affects many young people, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. This month, EmpowerQ focuses on giving youth the tools to stand up against bullying—whether it’s happening to them or to others. Participants will learn about the different forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, and explore effective strategies for prevention, intervention, and advocacy. By the end of this module, youth will be equipped with the confidence to promote kindness and inclusion in their schools and communities.
• March 2025: Digital Citizenship and Online Safety
  In today’s digital age, knowing how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly is crucial. During this final month of part one of the EmpowerQ program, participants will explore topics such as digital footprints, online privacy, and ethical behavior in digital spaces. Through scenario-based discussions, youth will learn how to protect themselves online, make smart choices about what they share, and contribute positively to digital communities.

EmpowerQ isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about creating a lasting impact on young lives. Here’s what sets us apart:

Interactive Learning

Every session is designed to be hands-on and engaging. From role-playing leadership challenges to brainstorming personal goals, youth are encouraged to actively participate, collaborate with their peers, and apply what they learn in real-life scenarios.

Safe and Inclusive

At EmpowerQ, every young person is valued for who they are. Our youth groups are safe spaces where all youth can express themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion. We prioritize respect, inclusivity, and emotional support, ensuring that every participant feels seen, heard, and valued.

Skills for Life

The skills we teach—self-management, leadership, decision-making, resilience—are not just for the here and now. These are lifelong tools that will help youth navigate academic pressures, social challenges, and future careers. EmpowerQ is about setting young people up for long-term success.

Building Community

Perhaps most importantly, EmpowerQ fosters a strong sense of community among LGBTQ+ youth. By connecting with peers who share similar experiences, participants build meaningful friendships and a support network that extends far beyond the weekly sessions. This sense of belonging is critical for mental health, personal development, and self-confidence.

Project Pride: April and May

After six months of skill-building, youth will have the opportunity to put what they’ve learned into action through Project Pride. In April and May, EmpowerQ participants will work on creative, project-based initiatives that reflect the themes they’ve explored throughout the program. Whether through digital presentations, art installations, or community service projects, participants will showcase their growth, leadership, and creativity.

Project Pride culminates in a celebratory showcase event, where the best projects will be highlighted and awarded. Winners will receive special recognition and free tickets to the highly anticipated Safe Schools Prom—an inclusive and affirming prom experience for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. In addition to their projects, students will have opportunities for field trips, enrichment activities, and scholarship integration to support their educational and personal goals.

Why Choose EmpowerQ?

For Youth:
EmpowerQ is a place where you can be yourself, learn new things, and connect with others who understand your experiences. Whether you want to become a better leader, handle stress more effectively, or just make new friends, EmpowerQ gives you the tools to grow. You’ll gain skills that will help you succeed not just in school but in life—and have a great time doing it.

For Parents:
As a parent, you want the best for your child. EmpowerQ provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where your child can develop essential life skills, build confidence, and find a sense of community. Our program is designed to help LGBTQ+ youth navigate the challenges they face with resilience and support. By participating in EmpowerQ, your child will be better equipped to handle academic pressures, social dynamics, and the broader world with confidence and self-assurance.

Join Us for EmpowerQ

EmpowerQ Youth Groups run from October to March, with weekly Saturday sessions in South Miami, Wilton Manors, Miami Shores, and Miami Beach. Whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s development or a young person ready to take on new challenges, we invite you to be a part of EmpowerQ.

Together, we’ll create a stronger, more resilient community of LGBTQ+ youth, empowered with the skills and confidence to thrive.