What the Helena

What does grassroots organizing really look like in Montana? Join host Caleb Klaus and Forward Montana organizer Sage Bennett as they take you behind the scenes, from phone bank spreadsheets to door knocking across local neighborhoods. Discover how young Montanans are turning everyday conversations into real community power.

🔗 Get Involved At https://forwardmontana.org/

📚 And Don't Forget To Check out our Voter Guide!

When an AI data center proposal at the old Bonner Mill site sparked intense public pushback this past summer, Missoula County took action passing an emergency moratorium on new industrial computing facilities. But under state law, a pause comes with a mandate: study the problem, assess the risks, and figure out what local regulations can actually do.

Now, Missoula County’s long awaited Data Center Draft Study is officially out.

In this follow up episode of "What the Helena?", host Caleb Klaus breaks down the technical and legal reality of bringing hyperscale computing into Western Montana. We dive into the study's key findings, from single facilities requiring energy loads ten times larger than all of NorthWestern Energy’s Montana customers combined, to the hidden paradox of water vs. energy cooling systems, 24/7 low frequency noise, and potential rate hikes on residential power bills.

Plus, we examine how the Montana Legislature’s "Right to Compute Act" limits local government bans, what zoning tools Missoula County can use to protect residents and wildlife, and how you can participate in the upcoming public hearings at the Missoula County Fairgrounds and Courthouse.

🔗 Important Links and Public Engagement Resources:

Read the Study and Submit Public Comments: missoulacountyvoice.com/data-center-interim-zoning

Watch/Listen to the Agenda Podcast: youtube.com/watch?v=Tdl-XgFNvNI

Check Out Our Voter Guide: forwardmontana.org/2026-midterm-election-voter-guide

Learn More About Our Work: forwardmontana.org

What does true political representation look like when it’s built from the ground up? In this episode of What the Helena?, I sit down with historic leader Denise Juneau, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the first Native American woman elected to statewide executive office in the nation. We take a deep dive into the past, present, and future of civic engagement across Indian Country in Montana.

From breaking down systemic voting barriers to the rising power of youth organizers and the legislative Native American Caucus, Denise breaks down what it takes to convert election season momentum into long term political authority. 🔗 To get engaged: https://forwardmontana.org/

Since 1906, Montanans have used the citizen initiative process to pass pivotal laws, from expanding public lands access and raising the minimum wage to protecting healthcare choices and restricting lobbying. But in recent years, mounting bureaucratic hurdles, legal delays, and legislative pushback have made bringing an issue to the ballot harder than ever.In this episode, host Caleb sits down with Dani Hess from the Montanans Decide campaign to break down Constitutional Initiative 133 (CI-133).

🔗To find out more about CI-133: https://www.montanansdecide.com/🔗To get involved with Forward Montana: https://forwardmontana.org/

Every election cycle, millions of dollars in untraceable dark money flood Montana mailboxes, TV screens, and text messages. But this fall, Montanans are voting on Initiative 194 (also known as "The Montana Plan") a ballot measure designed to pull back the curtain on political spending and eliminate anonymous money.

In this episode of "What the Helena?", podcast host Caleb Klaus sits down with Russell Cleveland, Executive Director of Partnerships for I-194.

🔗For a complete breakdown of I-194:https://montanaplan.org/

🔗Find out more at Forward Montana: https://forwardmontana.org/

From the Rattlesnake Valley to the Beartooth Range, Montana’s roadless areas offer clean water, world-class outdoor access, and pristine wildlife habitat. But a new federal proposal could open up nearly 60 million acres nationwide to industrial logging and road building. Host Caleb Klaus speaks with MontPIRG Campus Organizer Madison Morgan about the history of the 2001 Roadless Rule, the disconnect between public demand and federal policy, and why the fight to protect our public heritage is coming to a head right now.

🔗 Get involved with MontPIRG: https://www.mtpirg.org/

🔗 Find out more at Forward Montana: https://forwardmontana.org/

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: https://forwardmontana.org/

🏠Learn more about the Unhoused Neighbors Union: UNU Missoula on Instagram

Montana now holds the worst price-to-income housing ratio in the entire country, surpassing Los Angeles, New York, and Hawaii. In this episode, we sit down with Forward Montana organizers Julie Sanders and Sage Bennett to break down what this reality actually looks like on the ground for young workers, students, and renters. From choosing between rent and basic groceries to navigating predatory property managers, we unpack the structural math of a crisis where local wages simply haven't kept pace with skyrocketing costs.

We also dive into the policy fights shaping our neighborhoods, exploring density bills, urban sprawl, local city council pushback, and the crucial need for renter representation in local office. Most importantly, Julie and Sage lay out how young Montanans can build collective power through tenant organizing and voter turn-out.

🔗Check your voter registration status and learn how to get involved at https://forwardmontana.org/

Should political party bosses dictate who sits on state courts? In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson to discuss Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) and the high-stakes fight to protect nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana.

In the second installment of our Nonpartisan Judicial Elections series, Justice Nelson breaks down the clash between state judicial ethics and recent campaign funding laws, explains how courts act as a check on legislative overreach, and reminds us why democracy isn't a spectator sport.

🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠

👩‍⚖️ Check out Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts: https://yeson132.com/

When partisan politics enters the courtroom, everyday citizens lose. For over 90 years, Montana has elected judges on a nonpartisan ballot, keeping party bosses and corporate special interests out of judicial rulings. But with political pressure mounting, Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) aims to permanently enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections into Article VII of the Montana Constitution.

In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with Trent Bolger, Executive Director of Big Sky 55+, to unpack the history of Montana's courts, the dangers of modern "judge shopping," and why protecting an independent judiciary is an issue where young and old Montanans share common ground.

🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠

🏫 Learn more about Big Sky 55+: https://www.bigskyfiftyfive.org/

👩‍⚖️ Check out Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts: https://yeson132.com/

Montana has a long history of voters stepping up when politicians refuse to act, a tradition rooted in direct democracy since 1906. But today, extra filing fees, legal roadblocks, and attempts to politicize state courts are threatening that power.

On this episode of "What the Helena?", Alice Boyer (Executive Director of Forward Montana) drops in to explain why independent courts act as our last line of defense, and how CI-132 and CI-133 work together to keep power in the hands of the people.

🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠📌 Check out upcoming events: ⁠forwardmontana.org/events⁠📲 Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/forward_montana

As tech giants race to build hyperscale AI data centers across the country, developers are eyeing Montana’s open land and local energy grid. But what happens when the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence collides with rural resource conservation, local water supplies, and electricity rates?

Find out why Montanans are taking action.

In this episode of What the Helena?, Caleb talks with Mike McDearmon - a 15-year cloud infrastructure and software veteran running tech networks from a cabin in Central Montana - about what this tech explosion means for our communities, and how everyday residents can make their voices heard at the NPRC 'Say No To Data Centers' August 22nd Statewide Day of Action.

🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: https://forwardmontana.org/

📌 Check out upcoming events: https://forwardmontana.org/events/

⭐ Participate in the NPRC August 22nd Statewide Day of Action: https://northernplains.org/data-centers-day-of-action/

Having a car in the Flathead Valley is often framed as freedom, until your vehicle breaks down, gas prices spike, or a $1,000 repair bill hits. In a region experiencing rapid growth, how does a lack of public transit impact young people trying to work, study, and thrive?

In this episode of 'What the Helena?', Caleb sits down with Isabella Brown, Lead Organizer for Forward Montana in the Flathead Valley. Together, they break down the reality of "stroads," the 3-hour bus loop for a 15-minute trip, and why housing affordability and transportation access are two sides of the same coin. Plus, Bella shares how young Montanans can turn daily commute frustrations into real civic power ahead of local elections.

🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: https://forwardmontana.org

📌 Check out upcoming events & campaign office hours: forwardmontana.org/events

In our final legislative session episode of the year, Zuri & John are joined once more by the rest of the team. They chat about all the highs and lows in: LGBTQ+, Repro, Housing, Climate, and Voters rights.

We want to thank ALL our listeners for following along with us! We love you!

Want to read our final newsletter on the entire session? ⁠Click 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

We are so fortunate to be joined this week by Representative Karlen from house district 98 in Missoula! OH and ALSO this week was sine die: meaning it was the last week of the 69th Montana Legislative session - we made it. Take that deep breath in and out!

Want to learn more or reach out to Rep. Karlen: https://jonathankarlen.net/

Call them at: (406) 851-9226

Email them at: Jonathan.Karlen@legmt.gov

Our next episode will be in 2 weeks!

Events:

City Council Candidate Info Session! May 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Black Dog Coffee X 10th Ave, 3115 10th Ave N, Billings. Dreaming of a better future for Billings? City Council makes crucial decisions for our city! Join us and come learn how they can make that vision a reality! Billings needs responsible, forward thinking community members who want a safe, thriving future for our city. Join us to hear why new City Council candidates are urgently needed for the upcoming election! Light food and drinks provided!

May Stich and Bitch: Sewn and Seen-Trans Quilt Project Edition! May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 406 Pride Resource Center, 310 N 27th St, Billings. Join us 406 Pride for our May Stitch and Bitch: Sewn and Seen Montana Trans Quilt Project edition! Thursday, May 8th 530-830pm. We’re taking our monthly(ish) Stitch and Bitch and combining it with a wonderful project starting with Butte artist BT and Catalyst Montana. Attendees will create an art piece with personal meaning on an 8x8" square of fabric. There will be assorted fabrics provided, but attendees can bring fabric that might be meaningful to them. Same with art supplies, we’ll provide some, but feel free to bring anything you love to work with. You don't have to consider yourself an artist or think you're "good at art" to contribute your own unique piece to this project! These squares will be sewn together, with pieces from other communities, to create a living textile that will travel to as many Prides in Montana as possible.

Craft and Act with Wheelhouse May 15, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Studio Wheelhouse, 10 Evergreen Dr Ste B, Bozeman. Forward Montana and Wheelhouse are partnering to bring you a monthly Craft and Act event! Every second Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30pm, come to Wheelhouse to craft, build community, learn about current events, gain resources, and participate in calls to action.

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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

Another week has gone by and we wanted to have more friends on the show. So this week we are joined by some folks from Catalyst Montana! Julia and Dillion share with us how they got into organizing and what they have been up to this leg session.

Looking to catch up on those bills? Be sure to check out our bill tracker AND read about it on our newsletter.

Want to learn more about Catalyst Montana? Check out their website and follow them on social @catalyst_mt

Events

Missoula Stitch and Bitch April 28, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM The Center, 500 N Higgins Ave, Ste 105, Missoula, MT 59802 Forward Montana and the Western Montana Community Center are partnering up to bring the community of Missoula a MONTHLY Stitch and Bitch! Join us at The Center on the 4th Monday of each month from 6 - 7:30 pm. Bring your current project (or start a new craft!) while you gather in an environment of support, create community, and build collective power through arts n? crafts! A hodgepodge of embroidery, knit/crochet, and collage supplies will be available.

Forward Montana UM Meeting May 2, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Branch Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 Forward Montana's UM Student Group meetings are a place to decompress, talk out strategies, and for organizers and activists of all different realms to come together to a political home, and be in solidarity and community. Join us!

May Stich and Bitch: Sewn and Seen-Trans Quilt Project Edition! May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 406 Pride Resource Center, 310 N 27th St, Billings. We’re taking our monthly(ish) Stitch and Bitch and combining it with a wonderful project with Butte artist BT and Catalyst Montana. Attendees will create an art piece with personal meaning on an 8x8" square of fabric. There will be assorted fabrics provided, but attendees can bring fabric that might be meaningful to them. Same with art supplies, we’ll provide some, but feel free to bring anything you love to work with. You don't have to consider yourself an artist or think you're "good at art" to contribute your own unique piece to this project! These squares will be sewn together, with pieces from other communities, to create a living textile that will travel to as many Prides in Montana as possible. Transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people are centered for this event and allies are welcomed. Light food and drinks will be provided.

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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

We love our friends at MEIC and how lucky Derf was able to join us this week. Zuri and John chat with Derf about how the session so far has looked for MEIC and what they were watching and working on.

Check out MEICand all their amazing work - they even have a bill tracker!

Curious about some of our other bills we have been checking? Head to this weeks newsletter for more updates.

Events:

Rally to Oppose HB 121 April 21, noon to 1pm at the Missoula County Courthouse. Join Forward Montana, along Free and Fair coalition to rally our support for ACLU MT and plaintiffs in their first day in court to challenge unconstitutional law, HB 121. Bring a sign and get ready to cheer for trans rights!

School Board Candidate Forums!

Gallatin County School Board Meet and Greet April 22, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Bunkhouse Brewing, 7715 Shedhorn Dr, Bozeman, MT 59718 Come and join us in chatting with our school board candidates in Bozeman and Belgrade! We will be at Bunkhouse Brewing and will be getting to know our candidates ahead of the upcoming School Board Election on May 6th! We will provide everyone's first drink! See you there!

Sign Up Now

Flathead School Board Candidate Forum! April 24, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bias Brewing (new location!), 412 Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901 Want to be a part of an exciting, impactful event in our community? Join us at the Flathead School Board Candidate Forum on April 24th from 5-7 PM at Bias Brewery! This is a great opportunity to get involved in local elections and make sure the voices of our young people are heard! Come grab a cold one, some snacks, and all the tea!

Sign Up Now

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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

You might need the bill tracker for this one!

If you're eyeing our title yeah... we know... we're nerds! Zuri & John are joined by FMT's Morgan Syring - our LGBTQ + Organizer! Morgan shares what this first legislative session has been like for them. We then launch into an update on a handful of the bills we have been watching as this is the second transmittal of the session.

Events

School Board Candidate Forums!

Billings School District #2 Candidate Forum/Meet and Greet! April 16 from 6 to 8 PM at the Art House Cinema and Pub, 109 N 30th St, Billings, MT 59101 Billings! It’s that time of year again and there are 2 competitive school board trustee seats up for election in School District #2 with the election coming up on May 6th. Please join Forward Montana and League of Women Voters for a candidate forum/meet and greet. We’ve invited all candidates in the two competitive districts #5 and #7 and look forward to a night of hearing from them about their plan for the school board + hearing from YOU so you can learn more and make an informed vote! This event will be part classic forum with Q and A with the candidates and part meet and greet so community members can get face time with candidates! We’ll have light food and drinks and cannot wait to see you there.

Gallatin County School Board Meet and Greet April 22, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Bunkhouse Brewing, 7715 Shedhorn Dr, Bozeman, MT 59718 Come and join us in chatting with our school board candidates in Bozeman and Belgrade! We will be at Bunkhouse Brewing and will be getting to know our candidates ahead of the upcoming School Board Election on May 6th! We will provide everyone's first drink! See you there!

Sign Up Now

Flathead School Board Candidate Forum! April 24, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bias Brewing (new location!), 412 Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901 Want to be a part of an exciting, impactful event in our community? Join us at the Flathead School Board Candidate Forum on April 24th from 5-7 PM at Bias Brewery! This is a great opportunity to get involved in local elections and make sure the voices of our young people are heard! Come grab a cold one, some snacks, and all the tea!

Sign Up Now

Forward Montana UM Meeting April 18, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Branch Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 Forward Montana's UM Student Group meetings are a place to decompress, talk out strategies, and for organizers and activists of all different realms to come together to a political home, and be in solidarity and community. Join us!

MSU FMT Club Meeting April 21, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wilson Hall, Wilson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59715 Come join the Forward Montana club for community, crafts and civic engagement! We will meet in Wilson 2105 from 6-7pm every other Monday!

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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

406-444-4800. Call the Capitol Switchboard!

Zuri is running things solo this week! They cover everything from Trans Visibility Day, to Climate, housing and repro updates. Also they tell us about one of the most important bills HB2 - the budget.

Curious about the temporary restraining order on HB121? Read more about it here.

You can call the governor’s office at 406-444-3111.

Events:

Capitol Events

Friday, April 18 from noon to 1pm Defend the Montana Supreme Court Rally. Some legislators are trying to play politics with the State Supreme Court – but we won’t let that happen! Join Catalyst Montana, Forward Montana, Northern Plains Resource Fund, and Montana Conservation Voters Education Fundat the Montana State Capitol to defend the Montana Supreme Court! RSVP HERE

Friday, April 18, 2025 from 10am to noon. Join Catalyst MT for their lobby day, where attendees can gain hands-on experience in sharing their lived experience and vision with legislators in the Montana State Capitol building in Helena! For more information and to RSVP, go here!

Community Events

MSU FMT Club Meeting Community Building April 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wilson Hall, Wilson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59715 Come join the Forward Montana club for community, crafts and civic engagement! We will meet in Wilson 2105 from 6-7pm every other Monday!

Craft and Act with Wheelhouse Community Building April 8, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Studio Wheelhouse, 10 Evergreen Dr, Ste B, Bozeman, MT 59715 Forward Montana and Wheelhouse are partnering to bring you a monthly Craft and Act event! Every second Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30pm, come to Wheelhouse to craft, build community, learn about current events, gain resources, and participate in calls to action.

Sign Up Now

Queer Skillshare: Drop Spindle Community Building April 10, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yarn Bar, 2909 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101 The Billings team is excited to announce our April Queer Skillshare event: Drop Spindle Spinning! Join us for an introduction into how to spin your own yarn. Drop spindles and wool provided. This event will be limited to 10 people, so please RSVP soon!

Sign Up Now

Forward Montana UM Meeting Community Building April 11, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Branch Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 Forward Montana's UM Student Group meetings are a place to decompress, talk out strategies, and for organizers and activists of all different realms to come together to a political home, and be in solidarity and community. Join us!

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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

This week we give you all your legislative updates, from the nasty nine, to a handful of folks who seem to have forgotten what our constitution says. Zuri & John tell us all about this pretty exhausting week.

Something you hear make you mad... me too...want to do something about it? Maybe share your story or message your representative!

Events:

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY - Monday, March 31

Join Forward MT and our Free and Fair coalition partners on Monday, March 31 from noon-1pm at Montana Capitol Flag Plaza in Helena. Join us at the State Capitol to Rally for Trans Rights to celebrate trans joy, resilience, and community! This year’s focus: trans people fighting back against attacks from the legislature. This legislative session, we’ve seen 20+ bills that have attempted to block access to gender-affirming care, remove essential social services, and strip away our rights. RSVP here.

Join Catalyst Montana, Butte Pride Foundation and BT Livermore from 6 to 9 pm for this exciting community event. The art made at this event will contribute to the Montana Trans Quilt Project! Pizza, drinks and supplies provided. Attendees should plan to create an art piece with personal meaning on an 8x8 square of fabric (provided, or bring your own piece!)

Join TransVisble and The Western Montana LGBTQ Center from 5pm at The Center for pizza and community. Starting at 7pm at the Missoula County Courthouse for speakers and rally.

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Friday, April 4th. Join Forward Montana UM Meeting from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at The Branch Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula. Forward Montana's UM Student Group meetings are a place to decompress, talk out strategies, and for organizers and activists of all different realms to come together to a political home, and be in solidarity and community. Join us!

Monday, April 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wilson Hall, Wilson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59715 Come join the Forward Montana club for community, crafts and civic engagement! We will meet in Wilson 2105 from 6-7pm every other Monday!

Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week⁠here⁠!

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