At Forward Montana, we have BIG dreams for our state. However, an unfriendly political climate, a housing and climate crisis, and continual attacks on our democracy, pose big risks to our lives and futures. While there are no simple solutions, there are countless creative, compassionate, and dedicated young Montanans who believe in a better future for all.
Building Young People Power in Big Sky Country.
Our Mission:
We build political power with and for young Montanans by driving a culture of civic engagement, and electing leaders and passing policies that are representative of the needs and vision of our generation.
Our Values:
Inclusive – We work toward a democracy that celebrates and reflects the diversity of our generation while being actively anti-oppressive through our actions and choices.
Progressive – We believe in moving us not left, not right, but forward. We are transforming our government and communities to become more just, sustainable, and equitable.
Fun – We make politics fun by building authentic relationships with other young people, challenging power with humor, and recognizing that laughter is a powerful political tool.
Innovative – We deliver inventive strategies and solutions to complex cultural and political challenges.
Young person-led – We seek to ensure that our members’ voices are directly reflected in our decisions and that young leaders are at the forefront of our movement.
Power building – We are changing the culture of civic engagement by helping our communities build the skills, resources, and leadership to create meaningful change in Montana.
How We Got Our Start
Building power since 2004.
Forward Montana was founded in 2004 by a group of passionate students at the University of Montana who felt there were a lot of barriers getting young people involved in politics. Their first fights were at the university and the local level and focused on recycling, renewable energy, sexual assault and tenant rights. We’ve now grown into the largest youth civic engagement organization in Montana, with year-round staff in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and the Flathead.
Our Work
What the Helena 2021
Keeping Track of the Legislature
Check out the archive of our weekly 2021 MT Legislative Session newsletter, What the Helena, to catch up on anything you may have missed from the Capitol this year!
Issue Advocacy
Making our voices heard!
At the capitol, at the ballot box, or in the streets, our staff, interns, and volunteers are here to speak up about the issues they care about. We’ve identified economic justice, the environment, and LGBTQ equality as the #1 issues. Plus, we’re also hitting the pavement for election reform and voter access–because if you can’t access the polls, you don’t have a voice.