ACLU of Montana

Join us TONIGHT, January 26, at 6PM Mountain, for a virtual training on how to exercise your right to document ICE abuses in your community.

RSVP using the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.

www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...

Did you see that FORWARD MONTANA (FMT) is hiring a program director?

FMT works to "empower young people to speak up and take action to create a Montana where everyone can thrive" and is a great org to check out.

forwardmontana.rippling-ats.com/job/976141/p...

This win belongs to the Native voters who insisted on fair representation and made their voices impossible to ignore.

Native voters make up one-third of the voting age population in the county — our settlement with @nativerights.bsky.social and @aclu-mt.bsky.social guarantees their votes are heard.

📚 It’s #BannedBooksWeek (Oct 5–11)! We’re celebrating the stories that challenge power and inspire change. Swipe through to see some of our favorite “forbidden” reads and why they matter so much to us.

Sept 30 is Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada, observed by many in the U.S. Montana had at least 18 boarding schools. Wear orange, learn this history, honor survivors, & stand with Indigenous communities. #EveryChildMatters

On Oct 1, the MT Supreme Court hears Kalispell v. Doman, a case that could decide if Montanans can be arrested for filming police. The ACLU argues the right to record is protected by both the U.S. & Montana constitutions. Livestream link in bio.

🎬 The Lone Peak Film Festival returns Sept. 19–21 in Big Sky. This year’s films spotlight Indigenous storytellers whose work preserves culture, memory, and resistance. Join us in celebrating their voices alongside local and global filmmakers.

A graphic reading 2025 Missoula municipal primary election. The Missoula Municipal Primary Election takes place tomorrow, September 9th. If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election! link in bio to Forward Montana’s voter guide for this election

The 2025 Missoula Municipal Primary Election is TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 9, and Forward Montana has created a voter guide to help you understand the candidates, the issues, and how to cast your ballot. You can even watch a recording of a candidate forum! forwardmontana.org/2025-missoul...

A graphic reading Know Your Rights when interacting with law enforcement. Swipe to learn!

YOUR RIGHTS You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave. You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately. Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

The Do’s and Dont’s: Do stay calm and be polite. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police. Do not lie or give false documents. Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Do remember the details of the encounter. Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.

If you feel your rights have been violated: Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first). File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish. Call your local ACLU or visit www.aclu.org/profiling.

Know your rights: You can remain silent, refuse searches, and ask for a lawyer. Stay calm, don’t lie or resist, and remember details. Everyone—regardless of status—has rights. Learn more at aclumontana.org. #KnowYourRights

A graphic reading Education and Support for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth, with Polly Becker, LCSW, and Andrew Laue, LCSW. Sept 10 5:30-10pm Social gathering and Sept 23 5:30-7pm support group. Additional dates will be added. Virtual and in-person. RSVP for location and/or zoom link pbecker@communitymed.org . This group is for adults only.

Later this month, Missoula's Community Medical Center will be offering both virtual and in-person social and support spaces for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth. Email pbecker@communitymed.org for the location and/or zoom link.

A graphic reading "immigration education night: join us for a FREE panel discussion and community dialogue. Thurs, Sept 4, 6-7:30pm"

A graphic reading Join ACLU of Montana's Legal Director and Deputy Director Alex Rate and others for an inclusive discussion about immigration featuring a diverse panel including Local law enforcement Attorneys Civil rights experts County attorney for Gallatin County WHERE: Bozeman Public Library Community Room 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715 WHEN: Sept 4 | 6PM-7:30PM

Join us TOMORROW (Thursday, September 4) 6-7:30pm at the Bozeman Public Library for a panel discussion about immigration. Our Legal Director Alex Rate will be joined by local law enforcement, attorneys, civil rights experts, and the County attorney for Gallatin County. Hope to see you there!

A photo of Asian-American laborers working on a railroad. The caption reads Happy Labor Day! Pictured: The Last Spike of the Pacific Coast Extension of the Milwaukee Road, near Garrison, Montana, 1909, taken by R.H. McKay. Picture from the online Montana History Portal of the Montana State Library.'

Happy Labor Day! Did you know that Montana’s first labor union–the Helena Typographical Union Local No. 95–was established all the way back in 1866? Since then, most of Montana’s labor unions have been railroad workers, miners, and smelters.

A graphic of a person voting with the text 2025 missoula municipal primary election. The Missoula Municipal Primary Election will take place on September 9th. Absentee ballots were mailed out starting August 20th. If you are mailing your ballot in please send it by August 29th to ensure it arrives at the county elections office on or before September 9th. If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election! link in bio to Forward Montana’s voter guide for this election.

The 2025 Missoula Municipal Primary Election is just around the corner and Forward Montana has created a great voter guide to help you understand the candidates, the issues, and how to cast your ballot. 🗳️You can even watch a recording of a candidate forum from earlier this month!

More than a week later, President Trump continues to threaten to deploy the National Guard in cities across the country. Take action by telling Congress: NO TROOPS ON OUR STREETS!

action.aclu.org/send-message...

How are asylum seekers defined? Asylum is available to people who arrive or are already in the U.S. This protection is granted based on the same protected grounds as refugees. There are 2 types of asylum: affirmative and defensive.

Affirmative Asylum for those proactively seeking asylum. Currently, affirmative asylum applications take 5-6 years to obtain an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Then, USCIS can take another 1-10 years to approve or deny the application. If the application is denied, the client will be removed from the U.S.

Defensive Asylum for those facing deportation. Currently, defensive asylum applications filed with the U.S. Immigration Court take 4-5 years to obtain a final hearing. Then, the immigration judge will decide whether to approve or deny. If denied, the client will be removed from the U.S.

People with refugee status are eligible to become Lawful Permanent Residents one year after admission to the United States. Asylum seekers are eligible to become Lawful Permanent Residents one year after receiving asylum.

Regardless of how someone seeks asylum in the United States, the process can years.

Understanding the U.S. Immigration System: Refugees & Asylum Seekers

What is humanitarian-based immigration? The goal of humanitarian-based immigration is to provide safety for those fleeing persecution in their home country.

What is persecution? Persecution is defined as unfair or cruel treatment of a person based on their: Race Membership in a particular social group Political opinion Religion National origin

How are refugees defined? Refugees are admitted to the U.S. based on the inability to return to their home countries because of a “well-founded fear of persecution.” Each year, the president, in consultation with Congress, determines the number of refugee admissions. Refugees apply for admission from outside the U.S.

Humanitarian-based immigration offers a pathway to safety for those escaping persecution in their home countries. Without it, some individuals face decades-long waits for legal protection.

We’re defending Indigenous Voting Rights in front of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana

In Chippewa Cree v. Chouteau County, the ACLU of Montana, ACLU Voting Rights Project, and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) are representing the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and two Native voters to challenge Chouteau County’s unfair at-large voting system for the Board of County Commissioners.

The current system weakens the voting strength of Native voters and has denied them any representation on the county commission for more than a decade.

"We’re filing this lawsuit because Choteau County continues to hold elections in which the Native votes don’t count,” said Chippewa Cree Tribe Chairman Harlan Gopher. "The Chippewa Cree Tribe filed this lawsuit to prevent this local government from trampling on the civil rights of our people. A fair redistricting process must respect the boundaries and voice of our Nation.”

Last week, the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and two Native voters filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana challenging Chouteau County’s unfair, at-large voting system for the Board of County Commissioners. www.aclumontana.org/en/press-rel...

Can’t stop, won’t stop when it comes to protecting #votingrights: Along with @nativerights.bsky.social & @aclu-mt.bsky.social, we’re challenging Chouteau County’s unfair method for electing commissioners, which deprives Native voters the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.

Text: Montana Two-Spirit Society Gathering August 14 2025 • Rollins, MT

Text: Two-Spirit is an English term coined in 1990 by Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders. Two Spirit is a term used by Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous populations in North America to talk about people who: Embody masculine and feminine traits Don’t fit into Western ideas of “male” or “female.”.

Two-Spirit identities have always existed in Indigenous communities. Before colonization, many tribes honored people whose roles blended male and female cultural responsibilities, who held unique ceremonial duties, or who were healers, mediators, and keepers of tradition.

Founded in 1996 by Native 2SLGBTQIA+ Montanans, the Montana Two-Spirit Society creates spaces for cultural sharing, community care, and healing from the impacts of colonization. The annual Gathering is one of its most powerful traditions.

The Montana Two-Spirit Society Gathering returns this weekend in Rollins. 🌈✨Rooted in Indigenous tradition and sovereignty, the Gathering is a space for Two-Spirit people and allies to connect, heal, and celebrate. 📅 August 2025 • Rollins, MT 📲 Visit www.mttwospirit.org/mt-two-spiri... to learn more

Your voice is a crucial part of protecting civil liberties! At the ACLU of Montana, your input from our Supporter Survey directly strengthens our fight to protect civil liberties statewide. It’s as easy as: click link, fill out survey, enter to win merch!

A rainbow graphic with clasping hands, reading Join the ACLU of Montana at Montana Pride Helena. Bring Pride flags, ACLU or rainbow clothing, posters, or anything that reflects what Pride means to you! Saturday, August 2 ACLU of Montana wll be tabling at Anchor Park from 10am to 6pm and marching in the parade at 2pm Hope to see you there!

Pride is joy, resistance, and community in motion. Join us in Helena! We'll be tabling at Anchor Park from 10am to 6pm and marching in the parade at 2pm! Bring your brightest, most authentic self to say hi or to march with us in the parade. 🌈 See you there!

Montana’s Constitution was built by teachers, farmers, students, and neighbors, not politicians. It gave us strong rights to privacy, safety, and a clean environment. Now it’s our turn to defend and build on what they started.

Engaging with Your Local City Council, County Commission, and School Board Your Local Officials Need to Hear From YouLocal councils and boards–including city councils, county boards, school boards, and more–are increasingly the forum where critical civil liberties issues

www.aclumontana.org/en/legislati...

Want to chime in at a city council or school board meeting in Montana? We’ve got a quick guide to get you started and even more detailed tips on our site. There’s a space reserved for your voice in local government, it’s time you used it!

Juneteenth honors freedom delayed and resilience carried forward. Now a federal holiday, it reminds us that the work for true freedom continues. We honor those who endured and carry the fight forward. Head to our website to find more information about Juneteenth events happening across Montana.

Pride is joy, resistance, and community in motion. Come march with us in Missoula! We'll be gathering at 3rd & Hazel at 11 AM on Saturday, June 21. Parade kicks off at noon. Bring your brightest, most authentic self 🌈 See you there!

On June 14, we’re joining communities across Montana to stand up for our civil liberties and peacefully protest abuses of power. Events statewide, find the rally happening near you at nokings.org

Ocean Vuong reminds us: we are not what tried to harm us. We are what bloomed anyway. #AAPIHeritageMonth

BREAKING: A Montana court just struck down a ban on health care for trans youth, finding the law violates the state constitution.