At Western Native Voice, we are dedicated to building a strong foundation of informed and engaged members who are ready to take action and create meaningful, sustainable change through community-driven efforts. Our civic engagement program highlights the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities at every level—from local school boards to county commissions and statewide offices.


What We Do
 Our comprehensive civic engagement initiatives include:

  • Voter Registration: Ensuring individuals have the opportunity to register and participate in elections.
  • Voter Mobilization: Energizing communities to get involved and make their voices heard.
  • Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Activities: Facilitating participation through early voting, election day efforts, and neighborhood canvassing.
  • Public Narrative Training: Empowering individuals to share their stories and advocate for issues that matter to them.
  • Issue Advocacy: Mobilizing individuals to take action on policies that directly affect their communities.

By collaborating with allies and organizations, we aim to increase voter registration, turnout, and meaningful engagement with elected officials.


Our GOTV Program

Our robust GOTV efforts focus on ensuring every voice is heard during early voting and on election day. We provide:

  • Assistance with ballot pick-up, drop-off, and replacements.
  • Rides to ballot drop-off locations and satellite election offices during early voting.
  • Neighborhood canvassing that spans from rural reservations to urban centers.
  • Voter protection through poll-watching, voter rights education, and advocacy for policies that safeguard voting access.

We are committed to protecting and amplifying the voices of our communities through nonpartisan citizen engagement. Together, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their communities.


Public Service

We are dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to participate in civic life. By promoting the value of civic engagement, we help individuals understand the impact of their involvement and the collective power we hold in fulfilling our civic duties. Through targeted outreach and ongoing engagement, we increase public service participation and amplify the Native voice by:

  • Offering internship and volunteer opportunities
  • Providing training for running for elected office, including energy and school boards, as well as tribal, city, county, state, and federal positions
  • Facilitating appointments to boards and commissions

Community Organizing

Our culturally informed community organizing approach ensures that Native Americans are actively engaged in decisions that impact their lives. Through year-round organizing and citizen education, we strive to make voting a cherished tradition in Native families. Our goal is for every individual to recognize the power of their vote and understand that their voice has the potential to drive meaningful change.

Training topics include:​

  • The Struggle and Triumph: A History of Native Voting Rights
  • Native Voter Victory: Celebrating Recent Achievements and Their Impact
  • Navigating the National Political Landscape: What It Means for Native Communities
  • Mastering Montana’s Voter Registration System: A Guide to Satellite Offices and Services
  • On the Ground: Field Training for Effective Voter Engagement
  • Power in Numbers: Strategic Approaches to Get Out the Vote (GOTV)
  • Unlocking the Vote: Proven Strategies for Voter Registration Success
  • Building Community Engagement: Effective Approaches for Native Leaders
  • Harnessing the Power of Personal Stories to Mobilize Voters
  • Decoding the Ballot: A Guide to Election Analysis and Strategy
  • Social Media Mobilization: Leveraging Digital Tools for Voter Engagement
  • Medicaid Expansion: The Impact on Native Communities and How to Get Involved
  • Public Policy and Native Communities: Understanding and Shaping Local and National Impact

Mobilizing Native Voters: A Year-Round Commitment

In election years, Western Native Voice recruits and trains dedicated community organizers to inspire and empower Native voters. These organizers work on the ground within their own communities, engaging directly with citizens to emphasize the importance of civic participation. Our team also collaborates across neighboring communities, strengthening the network of organizers working toward a unified goal.

In non-election years, our focus shifts to local elections, community meetings, and presentations led by staff and local leaders. This year-round outreach helps build and strengthen relationships with individuals, local governments, and organizations, fostering lasting connections.
Stay up to date on upcoming events and important updates through Western Native Voice’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

​Regions covered:

  • Blackfeet
  • Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
  • Crow
  • Fort Belknap
  • Fort Peck
  • Northern Cheyenne
  • Rocky Boy
  • Billings
  • Great Falls
  • Missoula