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(you + other people) X political action = Forward Montana
Forward Montana trains, mobilizes, and elects a new generation of progressive leaders for Montana.
Forward Montana is:
What does all this stuff mean? In short - a new model for political participation that recognizes that we can make serious change and have a little fun at the same time.
Here's some examples:
Cultural Politics
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Soapbox Art - Political ads are cool and everything, but they're not the only way (or probably the best way) to get people really thinking about important issues. Soapbox Art is Forward Montana's melding of art and politics, transforming our own offices into art galleries, and getting people talking.
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Trick-or-Vote - Knocking doors to mobilize voters is one of the oldest tricks in the political toolkit. It can also be one of the most boring. That's only for lame individuals who don't dress up in costumes and engage the citizenry on Halloween. And since politics needs parties, the whole event is followed by shindig featuring live music, DJs, refreshing beverages, and hordes of the most politically engaged ghouls and goblins you've ever seen.
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The Naked Truth - Sick of soundbites and misleading rhetoric? Let's cut through it. The Naked Truth is Forward Montana's speaker series - bringing together some of Montana's and America's leading experts on the most important issues we face, pulling in a crowd of interested citizens, and making sure the bar is well-stocked before hand. Trust us - if you want to learn a thing or two, getting naked with Forward Montana is a great first step.
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Progressive Happy Hour - The first American revolution was probably formulated over a couple pints. We're guessing the next big thing (politically) will also be invented down at the tavern. In the interest of increasing the odds that we find out about it first, we host a weekly progressive happy hour at the Badlander in Missoula - Mondays at 5:00. Come down, have a couple drinks, and give us all your best ideas.
Mobilizing for Change
- Candidate canvasses - Good leaders deserve our help. Forward Montana's Political Action Committee gets volunteers lined up to help elect new leaders and Montanans who stand up on our issues.
- Online Action - Technology has made it way easier for the masses to have their say. Our online action program moves quickly to inform people about what's going on in Helena and Washington, D.C., and offers online tools that make it way easier for you to contact your Senators and Representatives.
- Long-Term Campaigns - Our generation has the possibility to make a big difference on some core issues - bringing an end to the war in Iraq, securing high-quality and affordable health care for all Americans, building a 21st century education system, growing a strong and fair economy, ending global warming, ensuring equality and justice, and protecting our democracy. None of these things will happen overnight, so Forward Montana's staff, members, volunteers, and interns work together on long-term projects that won't just make a small difference - they'll save the world.
A New Generation of Leaders
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Internships - Forward Montana recruits a large number of interns each semester. We then work with these interns to teach them skills necessary to bring about social change. Interns get class credit, real world experience, and are placed in positions of trust and leadership within the organization.
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PoliClass - Forward Montana's joint class with MontPIRG teaches interns and volunteers basic skills during an hour-long seminar each week. Students learn grassroots organizing, communications, event planning, messaging, using technology in the world of politics, organization-building, and fundraising.
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