As we approach the upcoming election season, I want to emphasize the importance of advocacy and civic engagement. Voting is fundamental to shaping the future of our communities, especially when it comes to issues that directly affect mental health services, early childhood education, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
At AWARE, our mission is clear: to help people live independent lives. Achieving this goal requires a collective effort, including advocacy for policies that support community-based mental health services, early intervention programs, and funding for critical resources. This is where your voice and vote become powerful tools for change.
Advocacy is at the heart of what we do. Whether it's fighting for better access to mental health care, ensuring that children receive the early support they need through programs like Early Head Start, or promoting the importance of Direct Support Professionals, we are constantly working to improve the lives of those we serve. But we can’t do it alone. We need policymakers who understand the value of investing in upstream services that prevent crises, reduce long-term costs, and create healthier communities.
Voting is one of the most impactful ways to advocate for these values. By educating ourselves about candidates and ballot initiatives, we can support those who prioritize mental health care, developmental disability services, and community-based programs. This election, I urge you to vote not only as a citizen but as an advocate for a more inclusive, supportive, and compassionate Montana.
I encourage everyone to take time to learn about the issues on the ballot, attend local forums, and ask questions. Let your voice be heard on the matters that shape our services and our communities. Your participation helps sustain essential programs that many Montanans rely on daily.
As always, if you would like to learn more about the work we do and how you can advocate, I am happy to connect. Feel free to reach out to me here.
In the meantime, be sure to check out all the great content in this issue of Ink. Our monthly e-newsletter serves as a valuable tool for education and inspiration and October’s issue has some great stuff. I hope you enjoy it! If you aren’t subscribed yet, you can get Ink in your inbox every month by signing up here.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to AWARE and the people we serve. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for all.
Sincerely,
Matt Bugni – CEO
Comments