Catalyst Montana forms from merger of Montana Human Rights Network, Montana Women Vote

(Screenshot from Catalyst Montana’s new website. The new organization formed from the merger of Montana Human Rights Network and Montana Women Vote.)

Catalyst Montana: Organizing for Justice announced its formation this month from the merger of the Montana Human Rights Network and Montana Women Vote and said the consolidation will offer “added capacity and expanded reach.”

“Our new name reflects what we have always known: that community organizing is the starting place to realize a future where there is  justice, safety and dignity for all,” said SJ Howell, executive director of Catalyst Montana, in the announcement. “We seek to be a catalyst for collective power and meaningful change by and for low-income and marginalized Montanans.”

The announcement said the organizations have collaborated for years on issues such as Medicaid expansion, LGBTQ+ equality, and criminal legal reform, and Catalyst Montana will continue that work under the merger.

“Ultimately, we knew our work would be more powerful and create more lasting change if we pooled our resources and combined our efforts officially,” the announcement said.

A timeline of milestones on Catalyst Montana’s website notes the Montana Human Rights Network formed in 1990, and Montana Women Vote was founded in 2000.

The Montana Human Rights Network tracked reports of hate incidents in the state as part of its research into discrimination and white supremacy, and the new organization’s website also includes a hate incident reporting form.

Howell, also a state representative and Democrat from Missoula, will serve as the head of the new organization after serving as executive director of Montana Women Vote for 11 years.

The announcement said Catalyst Montana will continue its work in organizing, public advocacy, research, and leadership development. It has a presence in Butte, Bozeman, Helena and Missoula.

Catalyst Montana noted that the 69th Montana Legislature starts on Jan. 6, 2025, and its team will pay close attention to issues including Montana Medicaid; healthcare access and reproductive justice; voting rights; economic justice and housing affordability; LGBTQ2S+ equality; tribal sovereignty; criminal legal reform; tax fairness; and protecting the Montana Supreme Court.

The announcement notes Howell will take a sabbatical to represent House District 100 during the session, and Alice Boyer, deputy director, will serve as interim executive director of Catalyst Montana.