Programs & Issues

Montana Human Rights Network was founded 30+ years ago to help Montana communities work together to reject extremism, White nationalism, and movements that attack democracy. We are the only organization performing ongoing, detailed research on these groups, and our expertise is in high demand. We use our relationships with local citizens and leaders, the media, law enforcement, and other interested parties to prevent dangerous groups from gaining a foothold. This research informs community-driven organizing efforts, allows community members to proactively anticipate and respond to disinformation and harmful actions, and drives effective public education efforts.

MHRN upholds every person’s right to worship according to their personal beliefs. Attempts by White nationalists and White supremacists to spread racist propaganda in Montana communities are often rooted in hostile and inaccurate stereotypes about Jewish people and Holocaust denial. We stay connected to Jewish community members and watch national trends about antisemitism so we can provide support as needed. We also monitor Islamophobia in Montana since racist flyers and propaganda often reference anti-Muslim propaganda.

Anti-government and pro-militia groups are facets of the violent extremist movement that MHRN regularly monitors. These groups use extra-legal interpretations of the U.S. Constitution to deny the authority of the federal government and promote authoritarian conspiracy theories that justify attacks on public officials, First Amendment rights, free and fair elections, and public institutions like libraries, schools, and health boards.

This program area provides public education and policy work to ensure that all Montanans have access to their economic human rights. These rights include a livable wage, adequate housing, quality healthcare, equitable tax policies, and efficient social safety net programs. We support these issues by participating in ballot measures, holding community events, and working to educate and mobilize Montanans on legislative issues.

MHRN works to secure and protect legal protections for LGBT2S+ Montanans and their families and help people live as their authentic selves. Key strategies have been educational events, lobbying efforts during legislative sessions, support groups, assistance with identity documents, and coordination for local non-discrimination ordinances. When extremists try to undermine these essential human rights, MHRN finds ways to engage our supporters and reject discrimination!

The Network works to ensure all Montanans can decide if and when they have children and what their families look like. We work with reproductive care leaders in the state to amplify the need for access to accurate information, primary and reproductive health care, and abortion care.

Discrimination against Indigenous people and sovereign Tribal nations has a long, ugly, and genocidal history that is in deep need of reconciliation. Extremist groups that are active in Montana attack Treaty Rights and the existence of Native people. We use our research to report on anti-Indigenous activity in Montana, elevate Indigenous leaders, support efforts to end the missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) crisis, and provide additional assistance to meet the needs of Indigenous leaders, community members, and nations.