Voicing Our Values What The Helena 2019

What the Helena: Week 3

Week 3, baby. Let’s start with some good news. Senate Bill 143 took a brief run at ending election-day voter registration before it was tabled in committee on Wednesday, which means it’s more than likely dead. Montanans voted overwhelming in favor of Election Day Registration in 2014, but apparently we have to keep reminding some…

Voicing Our Values

Legislative Tele-Townhall 2019

Montana’s 2019 legislative session is upon us, and there are countless issues up for debate that will affect young people in our state. Get educated without leaving your couch with Forward Montana’s statewide tele-townhall. This tele-townhall is for young Montanans by young Montanans with young Montanans. So, you know it’s gonna be great. #YoungPeoplePower We’ve…

Voicing Our Values What The Helena 2019

What the Helena: Week 2

  Hi. It’s me again. We’re through week two of the legislative session. If you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed, WELCOME. This is the space for you. I have like fifteen tabs open on my computer right now. Two of them are the same news story. Three of them are just my email inbox. I…

Voicing Our Values

Equality Squad Strikes Again!

Forward Montana worked with partners at the Montana Human Rights Network, ACLU of Montana, Pride Foundation, and others to lead a successful effort to pass a non-discrimination ordinance in Missoula and then Bozeman. Forward Montana worked with volunteers and leaders at local high schools and college campuses to ensure youth voices were heard in this…

Voicing Our Values

Democracy is a Montana Value

In 2014 LR-126, a statewide ballot initiative to take away same-day voter registration in Montana, reared its ugly head. In an effort that would create barriers to voting access for a number of people–more heavily impacting young people, low-income people, and people of color–Forward Montana fought back. With a plan that included strong alliances and…

Voicing Our Values

Let us vote.

For years, there had been a convenient, accessible polling place on the campus of Montana State University. But in 2012, County Commissioners moved the polling place off-campus to the Hope Lutheran Church. Instead of being able to walk safely across campus, voters without access to a car have to travel a mi le along 19th…

Voicing Our Values

Fighting for our Schools

In 2015 Forward Montana led a youth effort to pass two school bonds in Missoula County that would dramatically impact the quality of education for students. The bonds addressed areas of critical need, including updated technology infrastructure, safety and security, deferred maintenance, and developing flexible learning spaces throughout the 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools,…