HAPPENINGS
Stay up to date with Leadership Montana’s current events, blogs, and newsletters.
Announcements
Check Out Our Newsletter!
You can scroll down to find our newsletters from this month and previous. Check out our December Newsletter here.
Are you not receiving this newsletter? Make sure to check your Junk Folder and if you are not receiving it still, email casey@leadershipmontana.org.
LMT Gratitude with Love Postcard Project ❤️
Celebrate leadership, gratitude, and love this Valentine’s Day with the LMT Gratitude with Love Postcard Project!
Reconnect with your Leadership Montana community by sharing heartfelt reflections and insights through the magic of snail mail.
📬 Here’s How It Works:
- Sign up by January 21 to receive your package by the end of January.
- Write your messages of gratitude and leadership in early February.
- Ensure your postcards arrive by Valentine’s Day, spreading connection and love!
💡 What’s Included:
- 20 Stamped, Addressed Postcards: Ready to send to fellow class members and alumni.
- 5 Unique Designs: Featuring leadership quotes curated by the LMT team (4 of each).
- Optional Add-On: Additional unaddressed postcards and postcard stamps for personal connections.
Pricing:
Packages start at $40, with free priority shipping and all proceeds directly supporting Leadership Montana programs.
Make Valentine’s Day Special:
Order your postcard package and share leadership love within our LMT community.
All proceeds benefit Leadership Montana, helping us connect and grow leaders across Montana.
Leadership Montana Board of Governor Applications are OPEN!
We have four positions opening at the end of our fiscal year and we hope you consider this opportunity. Apply here at this link: https://forms.gle/JwH8MW9XEjNhnFNJ9
Questions? Email kelly@leadershipmontana.org!
Nomination Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FJ6RYLY
Nominate a Deserving Alumni Today for one of these awards:
– Recognizes and promotes community involvement.
– Recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumni Member who has had a significant impact at the local or state level.
– Demonstrates outstanding leadership in keeping with and expanding the Leadership Montana philosophy in their community or the state.
– Serves as an example of leadership for others.
Past winners include:
- 2014 – Barbara Braided Hair
- 2015 – Duane Ankney
- 2016 – Eric Hyyppa
- 2017 – Michael Sanderson
- 2018 – Jen Hensley
- 2019 – Hatton Littman
- 2020 – Courtney McKee
- 2021 – Marci McLean
- 2022 – Chuck Winn
- 2023 – Juanita Vero
- 2024 – Rhonda Safford
– Recognizes and promotes alumni service to support the Leadership Montana program and/or alumni activities.
– Recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumni Member who has used their leadership skills, knowledge, and resources to benefit Leadership Montana.
Past winners include:
- 2014 – Mike O’Neill
- 2015 – Carmen McSpadden
- 2016 – Chad Lippert
- 2017 – John Carmody
- 2018 – Heather Collins
- 2019 – Inaugural Men’s Retreat Planning Committee
- 2020- Jim Bliss
- 2021 – Eric Halverson
- 2022 – Leslie Messer
- 2023 – Indigenous Advisory Committee
- 2024 – Jackie Atkins
Leadership Montana receives the 2024 Force for Common Good Award
The MT Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals and the MT Nonprofit Association honored us with this speech at the awards banquet:
This year’s Force for Common Good Award is presented to Leadership Montana, an organization that has profoundly impacted our state by fostering collaboration, community engagement, and leadership development. Leadership Montana’s mission—to develop leaders committed to building a better Montana through knowledge, collaboration, and civility—drives everything they do. Their work goes beyond training leaders; they cultivate a network of passionate changemakers dedicated to improving Montana for all.
At the heart of their efforts is the Leadership Montana Flagship program, designed to elevate leadership skills and connect participants with a remarkable group of changemakers statewide. Through unique educational programming, participants engage in deep discussions on current issues facing Montana while enhancing their own leadership skills through the “Leading in Montana” curriculum, tailored to their interests and needs. Graduates join an esteemed alumni network of the state’s most influential professionals, equipped with an increased awareness, commitment to service, and the skills to shape Montana’s future.
Last year alone, Leadership Montana hosted 32 events with 696 people attending, demonstrating their commitment to providing continuous learning and engagement opportunities. In addition to their Flagship program, Leadership Montana offers special programs such as The Confluence and the Lessons in Leadership speaker series, which further provide training and development for Montanans across the state. By encouraging collaboration, inspiring action, and fostering a deep sense of responsibility toward the common good, Leadership Montana has become a vital force in shaping Montana’s future.
Tonight, we are honored to have Heather Collins, Development Director, and board member Anne Hughes here to accept this award on behalf of Leadership Montana. This award is presented in partnership with the Montana Nonprofit Association, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Leadership Montana as a true Force for Common Good.
Leadership Montana Awards $41,000 in Scholarships to Flagship Program Participants
Leadership Montana is excited to announce the awarding of $41,000 in scholarships to participants of the 2025 Flagship Program, which begins in September. Read more about it in our Press Release by clicking here.
Membership Dues!
We are pleased to announce that Leadership Montana Membership Dues will now be aligned with a July to June cycle. If you’ve already renewed your Membership Dues, rest assured, your membership will remain active until July 2025.
Stay tuned for our brand-new Membership Dues Benefits Package, featuring exclusive deals and discounts from your fellow LMT Alumni Organizations. Currently you will receive:
- Scholarship Contributions: At least 10% of your dues contribute to Flagship and alumni scholarships, empowering future leaders within our community. We have currently raised over $2000 for scholarships!
- Event Privileges: Enjoy discounts and early registration for all events, including the much-anticipated return of the Women’s Leadership Forum & Confluence.
- FREE Alumni Events: Continue to be part of our vibrant community by participating in various alumni gatherings at no additional cost.
- Investing in Future Leaders: Your support ensures that the Leadership Montana experience remains accessible to aspiring leaders, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Montana.
- Supporting Programs: Your dues directly support Flagship & Masters programming, encompassing dedicated staff and skilled trainers who elevate the Leadership Montana experience.
- Alumni Network: Engage through our Alumni Portal, Facebook Page, and Newsletter consistently!
- Share your open job/position descriptions with the alumni network.
- Receive these deals from businesses around Montana:
- Bluebird Law: Discount of $250 on our Estate Planning Services
- Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium: 1 FREE Ticket (Value of $10)
- RSVP Motel: 15% discount at the RSVP Motel
- Black Orchid Yoga & Cycle in Billings & Bozeman: 10% Off Any Credit Package or 6 Month Package
- Esprit Health Clinic and Medi Spa in Sidney & Billings: Exclusive Discount
Become a Membership Dues Package Partner
Provide additional value to our active alumni who have paid their Membership Dues, while simultaneously giving your business significant exposure to our vibrant community of nearly 900 alumni.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! If your organization is interested in participating, please email casey@leadershipmontana.org.
Events
Flagship Session #4: Helena Alumni Reception
The Alumni Reception and opportunities to connect with the Flagship Class during their time in Helena is on Wednesday, January 15 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, hosted by Lewis and Clark Taproom.
RSVP: email anna@leadershipmontana.org
LMT Live: A Community Conversation on the Sandfire Black Butte Copper Mine Project
Join us for an insightful discussion about the collaboration between the Sandfire Black Butte Copper Mine and the local community, highlighting the shared efforts and benefits this project brings.
Our esteemed panelists include:
- Nancy Schlepp (Flagship 2017, Indigenous Immersion 2023): Sandfire VP Communications and Government Relations
- Cassie Coburn: Meagher County Stewardship Council, Co-Founder of the Jawbone
- Katie Boedecker: Owner & General Manager, President @ Showdown Montana, The EDITH Hotel & Montana
After the presentation, stay for an open Q&A session where you can ask questions and engage directly with our panelists.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 5th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
WHERE: Join us on Zoom
COST: Free
We look forward to connecting with you!
RSVP: Email casey@leadershipmontana.org or RSVP on the Facebook event page.
Learn more about the project here: Black Butte Copper Community
LMT Missoula Alumni event
LMT Lives for 2024-2025
Excited to announce the 2024-2025 LMT Live Schedule! Join us for a year of inspiring and informative virtual programming from Leadership Montana, featuring a diverse range of topics and leaders.
Have any ideas for the next LMT Live? Submit them by CLICKING HERE.
- LMT Live: A Community Conversation about the Sandfire Black Butte Copper Mine Project with Nancy Schlepp, Cassie Coburn, Katie Boedecker, & Munya Majongwe
- February 5th from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- State of the World Conversation with Katie Dasinger & Courtney McKee
- April 3rd from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – Indigenous Leaders with Jim Swan, Shelly Fyant, Tommy Robinson, & more!
- April 17th from 12-1 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – Technology with Terri Cheff, Chris Dahl, Eric Franzon, & more!
- May 13th from 12-1 PM
- Zoom
Please reach out to casey@leadershipmontana.org if you are interested in speaking on one of these panels.
Gracious Space Mastery & Certification Course
If you are interested in:
- Deepening your practice of Gracious Space,
- teaching this practice to others,
- or using in a strategic way with your team, we invite you to consider training to be a certified facilitator.
Patricia Hughes offers mastery trainings in Seattle and virtually every year. In-person trainings are two days long, virtual courses occur in 4 separate multi-hour sessions. Several deliverables are required to complete the certification.
Join Us Today!
- Register: Email patriciahughes@comcast.net or https://www.trilliumleadership.com/trainings
- Deadline: One week prior to start date
- Cost: $495 non-profit, $695 for-profit rate
- Acceptance Based on:
- Previous knowledge & use of Gracious Space, or permission of the Trainer
- Completed Application and Payment prior to the start of the course
This training is available to alumni of the Leadership Montana Flagship programs.
If you are interested in this training but cannot attend the dates above, please complete this interest form. For more information, please contact Hatton Littman at 406-600-6076 or hatton@leadershipmontana.org.
LMT Live Archive
Disclaimer: We are not professional Zoomers. Please forgive any chunkiness.
As a reminder, some of these are educational sessions and do not reflect the views or opinions of LMT as an organization. We remain nonpartisan and encourage everyone to listen, learn, lead, invite the stranger/difference and learn in public.
Have any ideas for the next LMT Live? Submit them by CLICKING HERE.
LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – LGBTQ+ with Aaron Kampfe & Kim Spurzem
Alumni Connection Call – Reflection & Looking Forward
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship (only last 20 minutes)
Higher Education Demographic Cliff in Montana
Power & Energy Resources in Montana
Youth Leadership Development in Sports
Gracious Space with Patricia Hughes
Ethics and Social Responsibility with Dr. Gerald Evans
Personal and Professional Resilience with Aaron Pratt
Human Trafficking in Montana with Paula Eberling
Situational Leadership with Shannon Stober
Coping with Stress in a Pandemic with Diane Conti
Budget and Federal Stimulus with Llew Jones
Leading in Crisis with Frank Garner
Public Service and Leadership with Kyle Waterman
Building Context for Effective Leadership with Shannon Stober
INTENTIONAL CIVILITY SPECIAL SERIES
Listen Deeply with Courtney McKee
Smile with Amy Kellogg Unfortunately this recording only has the audio, which is ironic we know since we’re talking about “Smile”. We’re sorry.
Show Concern for Others with Leonard Malin
Empower Others with Anne Hughes
Alumni Awards
Tom Scott Award for Excellence in Leadership
The award, named in honor of the founder of Leadership Montana, was created as the highest honor for an individual who has made substantial, significant, and lasting contributions to Leadership Montana. Each year the Board of Governors selects this individual to recognize their dedication to the organization and its mission. This award is not available to current board or staff members.
Recipients
2024 – Chris Warden
2023 – Chantel Schieffer
2023 – Dr. Gerald Evans
2022 – Amy Kellogg
2021 – Lanny Hubbard
2020 – Brenda Peterson
2019 – Mike O’Neill
2018 – Chad Lippert
2017 – Bruce Whittenberg
2016 – Ron Sexton
2015 – Mike Halligan
2014 – Carol Donaldson
2013 – Tom Scott
Mike O’Neill Alumni Service Award
The Leadership Montana Alumni Service Award recognizes and promotes alumni service to support the Leadership Montana program and/or alumni activities. The award recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumnus who has used their leadership skills, knowledge, and resources to benefit Leadership Montana.
Recipients
2024 – Jackie Atkins
2023 – Indigenous Advisory Committee
2022 – Leslie Messer
2021 – Eric Halverson
2020 – Jim Bliss
2019 – Inaugural Men’s Retreat Planning Committee
2018 – Heather Collins
2017 – John Carmody
2016 – Chad Lippert
2015 – Carmen McSpadden
2014 – Mike O’Neill
Barbara Braided Hair Alumni Leadership Award
The Leadership Montana Alumni Leadership Award recognizes and promotes community involvement. The award recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumnus who has had a significant impact at the local or state level, demonstrates outstanding leadership in keeping with and expanding the Leadership Montana philosophy in their community or the state, and serves as an example of leadership for others.
Recipients
2024 – Rhonda Safford
2023 – Juanita Vero
2022 – Chuck Winn
2021 – Marci McLean
2020 – Courtney McKee
2019 – Hatton Littman
2018 – Jen Hensley
2017 – Michael Sanderson
2016 – Eric Hyyppa
2015 – Duane Ankney
2014 – Barbara Braided Hair