Celebrating the Success of Leadership Training: A Unified Effort for the Common Good in Missoula

Leader Joe Loos from First United Methodist leads a fun and engaging mock assembly

At Common Good Missoula, we’ve always believed that the power of our community lies in its diversity. From Methodists to Catholics, Environmental Organizations to Tenant Organizers, Landlord Associations to Neighborhood Leaders, and Unions to everyday citizens, our collective strength shines through when we work together toward a common goal. This past weekend, we had the incredible opportunity to bring together a wide variety of community leaders for our Fundamentals of Organizing Leadership Training—and let us tell you, it was nothing short of transformative!

The training, which aimed to empower participants with the essential skills and strategies to lead with purpose and passion, saw attendees roll up their sleeves, collaborate, and immerse themselves in the nuts and bolts of community organizing. The energy in the room was palpable, and as the two days unfolded, it became clear that something special was happening: leaders from all sectors of society were not only gaining critical knowledge but also forging deep, lasting connections across divides that often seem impossible to bridge.

What We Learned: The Power of Collective Action

From the outset, the training emphasized one core idea: organizing for the common good is not just a noble cause—it is the most powerful way to effect lasting, meaningful change. Our diverse group of leaders dove into discussions about the real challenges facing Missoula and the broader region, from housing affordability to environmental sustainability, and from economic justice to the protection of public resources. The truth was clear: no single group can solve these problems alone. But by joining forces—Methodists working alongside environmentalists, landlords collaborating with tenant organizers, and unions standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighborhood leaders—real progress is within our reach.

Attendees learned about foundational organizing principles, such as how to build power from the ground up, how to run effective campaigns, and how to mobilize communities around shared values. The training also covered best practices for engaging diverse groups, overcoming barriers to collaboration, and creating spaces where all voices are heard. Participants left the training not only with new skills but with renewed motivation to take action in their communities.

Building Bridges Across Divides

One of the most exciting outcomes of the training was the way it brought together people who may not have always seen eye to eye in the past. Methodists and Catholics found common ground in their shared commitment to social justice. Environmental groups and landlords worked together to brainstorm creative solutions for sustainable housing. Tenant organizers and neighborhood associations connected over shared concerns about neighborhood safety and affordability.

This spirit of collaboration and understanding is exactly what Common Good Missoula is all about—building relationships across difference and demonstrating that when we work together, we can achieve so much more than we could on our own.

A Call to Action: Taking Our Learnings to the Streets

As the training concluded, the energy in the room was contagious. Participants were eager to take what they’d learned and put it into practice immediately. Whether it was organizing a local event, launching a new advocacy campaign, or simply reaching out to a new community partner, everyone left feeling empowered and ready to make a difference.

At Common Good Missoula, we believe that leadership is not about titles—it’s about action. And the leaders who came together for this training are already proving that by organizing for the common good, we can create the kind of change that not only transforms our community but also sets an example for others to follow.

What’s Next: Growing the Movement

This training is just the beginning. The connections made, the skills learned, and the motivation sparked are all part of a larger vision to build a stronger, more just Missoula. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to see how these newly trained leaders will take their work to the next level. Together, we will create a Missoula where every voice is heard, every person has access to opportunity, and where our collective efforts result in a brighter future for all.

So, let’s keep this momentum going! Whether you were part of the training or are just hearing about it now, we encourage you to get involved, stay engaged, and join the movement. The common good is within our reach—but it’s only possible when we all work together.

Thank you to all the leaders who participated, to the facilitators who shared their expertise, and to everyone who continues to support this powerful work. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish next. Here’s to a future built on collaboration, action, and the common good!