Build a Better Future Together - 2025 Climate Advocacy Day & Events

Mark your calendar and register to attend Climate Advocacy Day in Helena on Friday, January 24!

Climate Advocacy Day, hosted during the Montana Legislative Session, is a powerful biennial event where Montanans from across the state come together to raise their voices on climate. Led by a coalition of over a dozen organizations headed by Families for a Livable Climate, this event creates a platform for stories, solutions, and advocacy.

In 2023, over 300 attendees gathered from communities like Billings, Livingston, the Flathead, Butte, Bozeman, Missoula, and more to participate in activities, hear impactful speakers, and connect with their legislators. Our goal for 2025 is to bring together 500+ participants, deepening community connections and advancing Montana’s climate solutions. Can you join us!?

Montana is experiencing unprecedented wildfires, floods, droughts, and heat waves due to our reliance on dirty fossil fuels. NorthWestern Energy's continued dependence on coal and gas raises energy costs for Montanans and harms our environment. However, a strong majority of Montanans support clean energy and solutions that protect the environment.

Join Us for a Day of Action:

Climate Advocacy Day offers a chance for Montanans to:

  • Hear from inspiring speakers impacted by climate change.

  • Learn about clean energy solutions for our state.

  • Connect with organizations statewide that take action and advocate for the climate. 

  • Participate in family-friendly activities and build community. This day is an opportunity to tell the story of what is possible—that there are real alternatives, that we can put social and ecological well being over the accumulation of wealth and power, and that all people have dignity and worth. Through our collective imagination and participation in government, we can build a future that works for all Montanans.

    Schedule

    11am - 12pm - Check-in 

    12pm- 1pm - Rally | Capitol Rotunda

    1pm - 2pm - 

    • Check out Climate Organizations Tables and Actions

    • Option to go into Chambers

Speaker Lineup:

Ripley Cunningham (Livingston, MT)

Dylan Youpee (Poplar, MT) 

Luca Welle (Kalispell/Missoula, MT)

Lance Four Star (Wolf Point, MT)

Steve Held (Broadus, MT)

Ryan Jackson (New Town, ND)

Stephanie Vielle (Cut Bank, MT)

Ula Jones (Billings, MT)

Patrick Yawakie (Ronan, MT)

Nick Fitzmaurice (Helena, MT)

Coalition Members: 350 Montana, Citizens Climate Lobby, Climate Smart Missoula, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Families for a Livable Climate, Forward Montana, Gallatin Valley Sunrise Movement, Grow Safe Missoula, Helena Interfaith Climate Advocates, Home Resource, Montana AIM, Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, Montana Environmental Information Center, Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, MontPIRG, Mountain Mamas, Park County Green Initiative, Park County Environmental Council, Protect Our Winters, UM Climate Response Club

Sponsors: EarthJustice, Families for a Livable Climate, Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, Montana Environmental Information Center, Moms Clean Air Force, Park County Environmental Council, University of Montana Climate Change Studies, University of Montana Environmental Studies, Real Food Store, with support from the Llewellyn Foundation.

Additional Events & Trainings

Join us and partnering organizations for a workshops, trainings, and events leading up to and during the 2025 legislative session.

Thursdays 4:30pm | MEIC Weekly Legislative Update Calls

Thursdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm | One hour updates with MEIC and partner groups about high-priority bills and happenings throughout the session.

 

Tuesdays 5pm | Catalyst Open Hours

Catalyst MT team members are available to answer questions, practice testimony, and support YOU during office hours every Tuesday from 5-6 via the zoom link. Simply drop in at the link below.

 

Mondays 5:30pm | Mondays for Public Lands

Montana Conservation Voters will be hosting bi-weekly hangouts in Missoula, Billings, and Bozeman to discuss legislative updates and action requests on bills that impact public lands, climate, and democracy. Details below:

  • Missoula: Every other Monday from 5:30-7:30 at Imagine Nation Brewery, starting January 13.

  • Billings: Every other Friday from 10:30-12:00 at Sweetwater Cafe, starting January 10.

  • Bozeman: January 9 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Steep Mountain Tea House and January 16 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Apres Brewing

 

December 3rd - December 14th | Navigating the Legislature Series

Learn how the Legislature works and how you can have an impact on the issue that impact low-income & marginalized Montanans! Note: the location for each training will be provided to those who register before the event. Join us in person for light food, drinks, and information about how the Legislature works and how you can get involved. Hosted by Montana Women Vote.

 

December 3rd | 5:30pm - Missoula

December 4th | 5:30pm - Butte

December 5th | 5:30pm - Helena

December 11th | 5:30pm - Bozeman

December 12th | 5:30pm - Billings

December 14th | 11am - Online

 

December 12th & January 28th 2:00-3:30pm | Regeneration Series for Climate Organizers

We recognize that working on climate-related issues can take its toll on our hearts and minds. This practice is intended for local climate leaders and organizers to help relieve tension and connect with our own bodies and find renewal and refreshment. 

These 90-minute, practices are intended for relaxing and regeneration. Hosted by Families for a Livable Climate and led by Lee Klinger Lesser.

Headwaters Confluence Center (119 W Main St, Missoula, MT)

 


January 8th 6:30pm - 7:45pm | Effective Lobbying Techniques for Citizens

Lobbying 101 - Join us for this online workshop with Citizens’ Climate Lobby on effective and approachable ways to talk with your lawmakers, make appointments, and connect over shared values. During the workshop, you’ll have the chance to practice mock meetings using real bills.

January 16th 12pm-1pm | Invite Your Lawmaker to Climate Advocacy Day

Get engaged with Climate Advocacy Day and learn the basics about calling and talking with your lawmakers at the state capitol about the things you care the most about. Hear from Montana climate advocates about how to create personal connections with your lawmaker and why it matters for our future.

This event is in partnership with Families for a Livable Climate, Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, MontPIRG, and Mom’s Clean Air Force.

January 16th 7pm-8pm | Youth ACtion 101

Are you a young person passionate about fighting climate change but unsure where to start? Do you want to learn how Montana’s legislative process works and how you can make an impact?

Join us on the evening of January 16th, 7:00 pm for a youth-led webinar designed to inspire and empower young Montanans. Hosted by passionate, knowledgeable youth advocates, this event will help you navigate the political system, tackle climate anxiety, and find your role in the fight for a sustainable future. Whether you’re new to advocacy or already involved, this is your chance to connect, learn, and take action alongside other young changemakers.



January 21st 6-8:30pm | Sign Making Event

The FLC Plastics Working Group and MT Plastic Free Missoula would like to invite you and those you feel might be interested to a Climate Advocacy Day Sign Making Event at the Home ReSource Community Room on Tuesday 1/21 from 6-8:30 pm.

January 22nd | Climate & HEALTH Advocacy Day

Drop by the state capital in Helena any time from 10 AM - 2 PM to tell your legislators why you care about our climate, and how important it is for human health. Free lunch at noon! For those that can commit and register, we can help research times that your legislators might be "caught" that day and will let you know ahead of time if there are committee meetings worth attending or testifying at.

In-person | Helena, MT with Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate

January 23rd 5:00pm | Climate Advocacy Celebration and Panel Discussion

Join us the night before Climate Advocacy Day to celebrate our wins, hold our legislators accountable, and look to the future!

 

February 14th & 15th | Policy Leadership Institute

PLI is a multi-day training and community building event for anyone interested in realizing a future where there is justice, safety, and dignity for all. PLI is held annually and builds the skill and community necessary to create meaningful change in our lives as low-income and marginalized Montanans.

Participants learn and practice community organizing and policy advocacy through our hands-on and in-depth sessions. There’s also plenty of time to build community and learn from each other! After attending  PLI, participants will have the tools and co-conspirators they need to build and use collective power and create real improvements in our lives.

In-person | Helena, MT with Catalyst

 

Additional Resources

Here are some resources that have been extremely helpful for us when diving into the world of policy, advocacy, and understanding the legislature.

NewsCaitlyn LewisOrganization Updates