Rising Together

The name The Waking Giant is a powerful reflection of both our community’s identity and our mission. Rooted in Helena, Montana, our name draws inspiration from the iconic Sleeping Giant landmark, which connects us to the place we call home. But beyond geography, The Waking Giant symbolizes the awakening of our community to the injustices within our government. We are no longer passive observers — we are many, united in purpose, rising together to create meaningful change.

Our Story

Waking Giant came to life on the evening of February 5, 2025, fueled by the collective passion of individuals who had earlier united in the 50501 protest at the Montana State Capitol. That night, gathered at a local brewery to exchange stories of frustration and hope, an unwavering determination emerged—a promise to keep meeting, organizing protests, and standing firm against the erosion of citizen power under a president who championed a radical interpretation of the unitary executive theory. Out of shared concerns and solidarity, a movement was born.

Our vision for community transcends borders, encompassing the city of Helena, the state of Montana, the United States, and even reaching out to our neighbors in Canada and Mexico who engage with the U.S. through travel, study, and work. As a collective, we are driven and inspired by our fundamental principles: forming alliances, defending democracy, and practicing empathy. These values are the cornerstone of every initiative we undertake.

Over the past months, our group has proudly organized six events in Helena: the February 5 “50501 Protest for Montana,” the February 17 “Presidents’ Day Protest,” the March 4 “Liberty Rally,” the March 7 “Stand Up for Science Rally,” the March 14 “Protect Our Veterans Rally,” and the March 20 “Protect Public Services Rally.” These gatherings have become symbols of resistance and unity, reaffirming our shared commitment to action.

Beyond these events, we have actively contributed to several other notable actions, including the February 13 Montana Constitution Rally, the February 19 Rally for Public Lands, the February 28 National Economic Strike, and the March 9 Federal Workers Potluck. Each of these initiatives reflects our dedication to amplifying voices and addressing critical issues, locally and nationally.

In addition to rallying and protesting, we have embraced the power of collective action in other meaningful ways. We have participated in judiciary hearings at the state capitol, delivering compelling testimony, engaging directly with our elected officials, and building alliances with other movements to strengthen our impact. As part of our broader mission, we established the Helena Tenants Union to advocate for fair housing rights and have been actively organizing mutual aid programs and volunteer services to support the Helena community. Looking back on President Trump’s first term, we vividly remember the widespread shortages and empty grocery shelves—a harsh reminder that such challenges could arise again, and we remain steadfast in preparing for and preventing such crises.