Empower YOUth

Looking to get involved with EmpowerYOUth this summer? We are offering a wide variety of opporunities this June! EmpowerYOUth is a youth-led collective focused on providing independent skills instruction, advocacy training, and opportunities for social interaction and relationship building.

All EmpowerYOUth events are FREE and open to youth aged 14-24. For more information, reach out to Lead Youth Coordinator, Maddy Randolph at [email protected].

Last night, EmpowerYOUth met to “clean our kitchens” and face our inner critics.🧑‍🍳 Through some cheesy Gordon Ramsay references, a discussion on the power of positive talk, and a group HYPE activity, our participants found ways to improve their own thoughts regarding theirselves! We donned our mini pom-poms and became our own #1 cheerleaders. 📣 Thank you so much to everyone who was able to make it and we will see you again next week for Virtual Trivia Night 🧠

🎡 OPEN CALL: COMMUNITY CARNIVAL PERFORMERS, ARTISTS & VENDORS

We’re planning an exciting Community Carnival this July, and we’re looking for talented performers, artists, and vendors to help bring it to life! This event is so more than just a celebration; it’s a fundraiser supporting local food pantries, a historical lesson on the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, and a reclamation of the Carnival.

Admission is simple: attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or hygiene product to donate.

Our Mission:
To create a space that is fully accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all, while building a strong sense of community. This carnival is designed so everyone, of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages, can participate, connect, and enjoy.

We’re seeking:
Live musicians (bands, solo artists, DJs)
Performers (dance, spoken word, theater, cultural acts)
Face painters, balloon artists, and similar fields
Interactive entertainers (magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, etc.)
Community vendors

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, July 25th, 2026
📍 Location: Whetstone High School (4405 Scenic Dr, Columbus, OH 43214)
⏰ Time: 10:00am-6:00pm

What You’ll Be Part Of:
A community-driven fundraising effort supporting neighbors in need
An event intentionally designed with accessibility and inclusion at the core
A welcoming, high-energy space centered on connection, creativity, and joy
Promotion through our outreach and social media

How to Apply:
Please complete our Participation Interest Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mtl_XNaE_EiZQXOe51jePIFIbI7MSDtHrGGoGLhixQVUMEIzUzk3VVQyV1NRMTZSUk9aSFZJQ0hSVi4u

For questions or concerns:
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Let’s come together to give back, celebrate, and build community together. We can’t wait to see what you bring!