Thank you for your interest in getting involved and making a difference! Whether you’re completely new to activism or have been engaged for years, your energy and voice are vital. Waking Giant is focused on building a strong community here in Helena, MT through mutual aid and collective action.
We believe in
- Forming Alliances: Working together with others for greater impact.
- Practicing Empathy: Understanding and connecting with the diverse experiences within our community.
- Defending Democracy: Ensuring everyone’s voice can be heard and rights are protected.
This page is designed to give you a sense of what activism can look like, how Waking Giant operates, and how you can start taking meaningful action.
What Does Activism Involve? Many Ways to Make a Difference!
Activism isn’t just about marching in the streets (though that’s important too!). It’s about finding ways, big and small, to advocate for the values you believe in and contribute to positive change. You don’t need to attend every event to have an impact. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Everyday Actions:
Use Your Consumer Power: Make conscious choices about where your money goes. Support local Helena businesses, minority-owned shops, and worker-friendly companies. Consider researching large corporations and shifting your spending or banking to align with your values (local credit unions are often a great choice!).
Influence Through Communication:
Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your local (City of Helena, Lewis and Clark County), state (Montana Legislature), and federal officials. Calls, emails, and letters expressing your views on specific issues are powerful. Be clear and specific. (Pro Tip: Apps like 5calls.org can provide contact info and scripts for current issues)
Social Media Advocacy: Share information about events, petitions, and important news from reliable sources. Use relevant hashtags and tag officials when appropriate. Follow Waking Giant on Instagram and help amplify our message!
Write Letters to the Editor: Share your opinion concisely in local newspapers like the Independent Record or Last Best News.
Be Visibly Supportive: Show your support through buttons, stickers, t-shirts, or yard signs. Visibility can spark conversations and show solidarity.
Engage in Conversations: Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers about issues that matter. Share factual information respectfully, challenge misinformation calmly with credible sources, and help raise awareness.
Group Activities with Waking Giant:
Attend Meetings: Join our weekly meetings (held virtually and in person in Helena) to connect with others, get updates, plan actions, and share skills. New members are encouraged to attend when they can!
Join Local Actions: Participate in organized events like rallies, protests, or attending city council/legislative meetings to make our collective voice heard.
Community Outreach: Help with efforts like canvassing (door-to-door conversations) or phone banking to engage voters and neighbors.
Collaborative Campaigns: Participate in group efforts like letter-writing parties or coordinated boycotts.
How Waking Giant Operates: Our Approach
We are committed to:
- Respectful & Inclusive Collaboration: Creating a space where everyone feels welcome and heard.
- Nonviolent & Impactful Action: Focusing on strategies that are effective and align with principles of nonviolence.
- Transparency & Accountability: Being open about our activities and responsible in our actions.
- Local Empowerment: Focusing our efforts on making a tangible difference here in the Helena area and Montana.
Communication: We coordinate internally using platforms like Discord and Signal to ensure secure and efficient communication. We share public updates and events via Instagram and our Newsletter.
Getting Started with Waking Giant
Ready to take the next step?
- Connect with Us: Reach out via our Contact Page. Let us know you’re new and interested!
- Attend a Meeting: Joining one of our weekly meetings is the best way to meet the Waking Giant community and learn about current actions in Helena. To maintain focus and security, meeting details are shared directly with participants rather than posted online. Please use our Contact Page to express your interest in attending, and we will follow up with the necessary information to get you connected.
- Find Your Fit: There’s no pressure to do everything! Participate in ways that feel right for you. As you get more involved, you might find specific roles or tasks that match your skills and interests—from helping with graphic design or writing to planning an event or becoming a point person for a specific task.
Our Commitment to Respect & Security:
We prioritize respectful conduct. Listen actively, disagree respectfully, and focus on our shared goals. We value security and confidentiality. Group strategies and personal information shared within the group should be kept confidential. We encourage using secure communication tools for sensitive discussions and are mindful of privacy, especially regarding photos or videos from events (always seek permission or ensure anonymity).
Your Voice Matters. Join Us!
Every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a stronger, more just community. Thank you for considering joining Waking Giant. Your voice, your ideas, and your participation are valuable.
Solidarity is strength—together, we can make a difference in Helena.