About the Montana Human Rights Network:

The Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) is a grassroots, membership-based organization of over 1400 members.

MHRN’s mission:

History

In response to white supremacist organizing in Montana in the late 1980s, local groups formed to counter hate activity in their communities.  In June of 1990, activists from these groups came together to discuss effective strategies for statewide activity countering bigotry.  The result was a commitment to form the Montana Human Rights Network.  Over the years, as hate groups have appealed to the “hot-button” social issues of the mainstream, the Network has expanded its program to counter the efforts of the militias, freemen and other “patriots,” anti-Indian groups, anti-environmental activists, and the religious right in Montana.

• To promote democratic values such as pluralism, equality and justice; challenge bigotry and intolerance; and organize communities to speak out in support of democratic principles and institutions.

• To challenge hate groups and other extremists who use violence and intimidation as tools for political activism

MHRN realizes this mission:

•  By organizing local human rights groups.

• By monitoring and reporting on the activities of the radical right-wing groups in Montana.

• By developing and pursuing public policy initiatives and holding public officials accountable in the area of human rights.

•  By conducting community education on human rights issues.

• By working to increase community support and legal protection for groups of people targeted by hate activity.