Common Good Missoula is an affiliate of IAF (Industrial Areas Foundation) Northwest and has 35 member organizations based in Missoula - All Nations Health Center, labor unions, faith communities, neighborhoods, and other non-profits. In our tradition, organizing is led by the people most directly affected by the issues the organization is working on. We continually build leadership from within our community, working to understand and address the root causes of the issues, not just the symptoms. We bring people together to build power they wouldn’t have individually and use that power to create systemic change, which includes altering unjust power relations. We see ourselves as part of a larger movement for social change, and work towards strengthening that movement.

Who leads the work?

Everyday citizens, w/ particular focus on cultivating BIPOC, LGBT+ and low income leaders. The goal is not to create followers. Rather, it is to train and empower everyday citizens as leaders in our community.

Is this brand new?

No. This project has been building momentum for the last 4 years and is now expanding significantly.

What has Common Good Accomplished?

In the past two years, a diverse collection of 22 partner organizations has trained over 200 leaders, engaged with over 3000 community members, and supported everyday people in creating:

• Commitment among state legislators to ensure the renewal of Medicaid Expansion in Montana
• An annual allocation of $50,000 from Missoula County for staff member that works with local landlords to rent to low income individuals and families
• Raised $8,000,000 in partnership with the YWCA to create a 45-unit emergency housing and domestic violence shelter for families
• A staffing business that supports people with barriers to employment. In 2019, this effort resulted in 110 individuals gaining employment with existing local businesses.

Is this work happening in other communities?

Yes. This organization is an affiliate of the national community organizing network called the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). IAF has 70 years of experience training and supporting organizations like ours. Examples include health clinic based organizing in Portland, Seattle, and Spokane, along with international cities like Sydney, Australia and London, United Kingdom.

How can I learn more?

Please call or email the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative at 406-207-8228 or [email protected]