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What the Helena 2025

What the Helena #5 FebruaRY 3RD-7TH

Toplines: Hate of Our State (pt. 3), Attacks on Reproductive Health Care, and A Senate in Disarray (pt. 2) + What We Are Watching  At the time of publishing this newsletter the links to the ‘bill text’ were not working on the legislative website.  As we ask you to continue giving public comment, virtually testifying,…

What the Helena 2025

What the Helena #4 January 27th-31st

Toplines: The Hate of our State (pt 2);Indigenous Justice for Kids, Culture, and Resiliency; Updates + A Couple Wins Events, Rallies and Gatherings In Billings at the MetraPark February 1st & 2nd, starting 10am there will be a peaceful protest against the Yellowstone County commissioners’ willingness to use the MetraPark for immigrant detainment Join us…

Notes from the Field

Reflecting on My Journey at Forward Montana

I’m filled with so many mixed emotions writing this! It’s becoming very real that this is my last week at Forward Montana. When I first accepted this position in 2019, I knew that I would be in the role for 3-5 years – just the right amount of time to have an impact while also…

What the Helena 2025

What The Helena Issue #3 January 20th-24th 2025

Toplines: Medicaid bills are off! Plus pro-housing bills that support renters, judicial attacks explained, climate advocacy day and another incoming anti-trans bill. We’ve made it through the third week! It’s impossible to be in the building right now and not feel the hectic energy as this session hurdles along. Brace yourself – this one is…

What the Helena 2025

What The Helena Issue #2 January 13th-17th 2025

Toplines: Capitol Rally for Medicaid, A Courageous Floor Debate, The Attacks on MT Judiciary, MMIP Task Force, The Hate of our State As the second week closes out, we now have a clearer picture on what legislators are (and aren’t) prioritizing, and the attitudes they are bringing to this legislative session. Buckle up folks, it’s…

What the Helena 2025

What The Helena Issue #1 January 6th-10th 2025

Toplines for this issue: Already, an attack on trans rights, plus the Senate debate and rules fight.  Welcome to What the Helena, Forward Montana’s newsletter where we will cover the 69th Legislative Session. It’s the first week of the session and the unexpected (but also not unexpected) is happening.  Legislators were barely sworn in on…

Notes from the Field

2024 Post election Statement and resources

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….

Notes from the Field

Sexual Liberation Through a Repro Lens

Sexual Liberation is the idea that people should be able to express their sexuality without shame, judgment, or discrimination. This liberation acknowledges diverse sexual identities and practices, advocating for a society that respects individual choices and autonomy. The Role of Power in Sexual and Reproductive RightsPower impacts our decisions about our bodies, sexuality, and reproduction….

Notes from the Field

The Next Phase in Forward Montana’s Movement

As I reflect on my time with Forward Montana, I’m overwhelmed with pride for everything we’ve accomplished — everything YOU’VE helped accomplish! Our wins belong to all of us; everything we’ve achieved has been built on the work of the organizers and leaders who came before me, and the work of the brilliant team I’ve…

Notes from the Field

Whose Court? Our Court!

Exploring the Role of the Montana Supreme Court In the vastness that is the Montana legal landscape, the Montana Supreme Court stands tall as the ultimate pillar of justice and constitutional interpretation. Serving as the highest court of last resort in the state, it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the fair application of laws…