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Coalition Membership

Coalition membership is reserved for Montana community & local organizations, non-profits (state-based or national), educational institutions, government agencies, and Montana-owned businesses. The coalition has two categories of membership: voting members and informing members. All members are welcome to participate in consensus decision making with the coalition and are encouraged to participate actively in committee work.  

Every voting or informing member organization completes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a framework for how the coalition and NCAT work together to accomplish the goals of the coalition. The coalition will review and approve new membership.  There is a $100.00 annual membership requirement for all voting members. 

Participation stipends are available for eligible members and can be applied for when completing the MOU.

Read more about coalition member responsibilities, coalition committees, and our grassroots network in the tabs below:

Voting MembershipInforming MembershipAdvocacy & Policy Committee (APC)Capacity & Growth Committee (CGC)Membership & Culture Committee (MCC)Leadership TeamAllies & Grassroots Network
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Voting Members Roles & Responsibilities

Voting members make up the majority of the coalition and lead the work in the coalition’s committees and grassroots mobilization. Voting members are required to provide annual membership dues in the amount of $100.00, to be invoiced annually by NCAT. Voting members are encouraged to support coalition fundraising and are welcome to provide additional financial support. Voting members participate in the consensus decision making process of the coalition and are required to serve on at least one committee. If a coalition-wide vote is required, voting members receive one voting seat per organization.

Responsibilities

  • Actively participate in coalition meetings, providing suggestions and advice; speaks on issues that member organizations are knowledgeable about. 
  • Assist fundraising to support the coalition and respond to requests of feedback. 
  • Actively serves and participates on at least one committee. 
  • Attend and actively participate in bi-monthly Coalition calls; come prepared having reviewed relevant documents
  • Keep apprised of and contribute to other coalition communications between meetings
  • Serve on committees as needed and Chair as appropriate
  • Support development of coalition fundraising plans and strategy
  • Represent and advocate for the diverse stakeholders impacted by Grow Montana Coalition work
  • Report back to individual organizations and outreach to constituents/members on the work of the coalition and share information about the coalition’s progress. 
  • Participate in strategically selected activities relating to specific policies or projects.  

Informing Members Roles & Responsibilities

Informing member distinction is reserved for organizations such as state agencies, education offices, or University Extension. Due to this, their offices may not be able to support the coalition financially or participate in policy development and outreach. Nevertheless, these member organizations’ voices are necessary for making informed decisions as a whole. Informing members will be in alignment to the mission and goals of the coalition and are encouraged to participate in committee work. Informing members are not required to vote on policy development issues and are welcome to participate in consensus decision making and contribute to discussion at what level feels right to their organization. Informing members may apply for participation stipends, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

  • Attend bi-monthly coalition meetings and actively participate in conversation and share expertise. 
  • Provide suggestions and technical advice to the the coalition
  • Keep apprised of and contribute to other coalition communications between meetings
  • Report back to individual organizations on the work of the coalition and share information about the coalition’s progress. 

Advocacy & Policy Committee (APC)

The APC provides support and informs policy development, research, and government relations on behalf of Grow Montana. Committee members are interested in building relationships with elected officials, staff, and community decision makers.

Capacity & Growth Committee

The CGC provides support and coordination on fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, and assists with identifying and developing new member relationships.

Membership & Culture Committee

The MCC supports the development and evolution of coalition norms, group agreements, and equity policies to foster healthy discussions and conflict resolution. The MCC informs and supports new member outreach in partnership with the CGC and assists with onboarding and mentorship of new members. The MCC also provides input on grassroots and stakeholder outreach, including newsletter and social media content.

Leadership Team 

The Leadership Team comprises a minimum of three Coalition members and should include at least one representative from the Advocacy & Policy Commitee, Membership & Culture Committee, and Culture & Growth Committee. The Leadership Team meets quarterly and provides input on annual updates to operating procedures, strategic planning, and coalition coordination. 

Allies & Grassroots Network

The Coalition considers supporters, members, and stakeholders of individual member organizations as our Coalition allies. Allies can also be individual citizens who follow our social media, sign up for newsletters, action alerts, or who reach out to the Coalition with a policy idea or concern.  Individual stakeholders or community members interested in supporting the coalition are encouraged to sign-up for our newsletter, donate directly to the coalition on our website, and/or join one of our member’s organizations. There is no membership or MOU requirement or responsibilities for allyship and participation in the grassroots network. 

If you would like more information or are interested in joining the coalition, please send a message using the Contact Form.