Like many of you, we are processing the outcome of the general election. There’s a lot that we don’t know, and it’s too early to draw any definitive conclusions about what the future holds.
Here’s what we do know: we are so proud of the young people who showed up to make their voices heard. This commitment to making the promise of democracy real cannot be understated; on election night, some young people stayed at the polls until nearly 4 am to cast their ballot. In doing so, we successfully protected abortion rights and gained enough Democratic and moderate Republican seats in the state legislature to have a chance at passing policies that benefit all Montanans. It’s important that we celebrate these wins.
At the same time, Tim Sheehy’s election and Donald Trump’s re-election reflect a painful reality that we must grapple with. We now have a Senator-elect who bullies trans people, mocked Indigenous people and believes the government should have final say on what we do with our bodies. We also have a president-elect who threatens American democracy, pits communities against each other and spreads hate. These newly elected officials will stall progress on policies that will improve the lives of young people in Montana. Like many of you, we are worried that the results of the election will leave our loved ones, our communities, and our state under threat.
But we cannot give in to despair. Forward Montana will continue to hold our elected officials accountable- whoever they are. We will continue to advocate for you – whether that’s at a City Council or City Commission meeting, in Helena for a state legislative hearing, or any other place. Let’s show up for each other, to advocate for our rights and freedoms.
Our future is not won or lost in one election. It’s something we must fight for year-round, every single day. Forward Montana will continue to do just that. We’ll continue to organize from Flathead to Missoula to Billings to Glendive — every corner of Montana. Because this is our home. We are not going away. And we will fight for the Montana we deserve.
In mutual aid organizing, there’s a maxim: give what you can, take what you need.In these next several days and weeks it’s particularly important that we take care of ourselves and each other. Please ask for what you need and give what you can to sustain one another.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 OR text 741-741 for FREE 24/7 help. You can also access care from community for mental health through:
- Trans Lifeline (24/7 peer support hotline by and for trans people, police divested) – 1 (877) 565-8860
- BlackLine (non-judgmental, witnessing, affirming peer support, counseling, and reporting of mistreatment) – 1 (800) 604-5841
- Stronghearts Native Helpline (a free, safe and confidential helpline for Indigenous people affected by domestic violence or dating violence) – 1(844) 762-8483
- LGBTQ+ National Hotline (confidential, peer support for LGBTQIA+ community members) – 1 (888) 843-4564
- If you had difficulties voting contact us at hello@forwardmontana.org.
- If you have experienced a hate crime or threat, confidentially report and receive support with Montana Human Rights Network at www.mhrn.org/report-hate.
Take care of yourself, find comfort in community and when you’re ready we will be here fighting for young Montanans