Show Notes
This week we dive right in with a vibe check. Couple new contenders including an anti -vaxx bill and a couple focusing on voter rights (aka your rights). Rounding out the episode is a villain you've all been waiting for...
Struggling to keep track of all these bills? (TBH me too) here is a link to our Bill tracker!
Psssst!!! We really want you to call your representative!!! Looking for some pointers on giving public comment? We've got you covered with a handyone pager on best practices.
Forward Montana legislative team will have our final zoom event next week. We’ll walk you through what’s happening at the Legislature around housing policy, share how to give public comment, and answer any questions you have about the session! Join us on Thursday, Feb 27th at 6pm for our Housing issues session with Sage, our Housing and Voter Engagement Organizer Monday, February 24 at 6pm to 7pm - MSU FMT Club Meeting Wilson Hall Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30pm to 7pm - Bozeman Black History Month Celebration at the The Cultured Community Center, 1520 W Beall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 Come join the Forward Montana team as we learn about the history and significance of quilting in the African American community! We will end the evening with an update from the legislative session and how the community can get involved! (We will not be sewing a quilt, but will be coloring one smaller squares of quilt to make one larger version!) Saturday, March 1st 12:30-2:30PM at Bozeman Public Library (virtual option available!) Join Forward Montana and Queer Bozeman for an informative session and panel discussion on how you can find your power during this uncertain and challenging Montana legislative session. This event will provide valuable insights on how to stay informed, get involved, take care of yourself, and advocate for the issues that matter most to you. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn how to make your voice heard! RSVP Here
Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week here! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana! Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity
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How do you exercise your constitutional right to vote when you don’t have a mailbox, an ID, or a fixed address? In this episode of What the Helena?, host Caleb Klaus sits down with David Quattrocchi, an organizer with the Unhoused Neighbors Union in Missoula. Together, they break down how housing insecurity acts as a structural form of voter suppression; from loss of critical documents during encampment sweeps to $500 urban camping fines that trap working people in the legal system. David shares how the Unhoused Neighbors Union is building cross-class solidarity, why community organizing relies on those with lived experience, and what concrete federal and local policy changes are actually needed to guarantee housing justice for all Montanans. 🔗Get involved with Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org 🏠Learn more about the Unhoused Neighbors Union: UNU Missoula on Instagram