Monty for Justice

09/08/2021

Hello Montgomery Community! Many of us were hit hard by the recent storms and flooding, and some of our neighbors are especially in need of our support at the moment. We are directing funds and gift card donations to the Diaz Clan, a family in our community who suffered severe damages to their home and belongings. Any amount that you can give is appreciated. Please share this far and wide!

As the climate crisis accelerates and these extreme weather events become more frequent, we fear that this type of devastating flooding will become more common. As a community, we must be prepared to face this potential reality and get in the practice of mutual aid in order to support our neighbors, while simultaneously organizing to construct the world we wish to see.

03/19/2021

TW: Anti-Asian sentiment, gender-based violence

As an organization, Monty for Justice wholeheartedly condemns the acts of racism and violence which transpired this past week in Atlanta, GA. While far from home, these events reflect a much larger wave of Anti-Asian harassment that we can feel in our own backyards. Racism against Asians and AAPI has been present in the fabric of our country since the days of Chinese Exclusion, Japanese internment, and Pacific colonization, and we are committed to fighting for a safer and more inclusive society for members of the AAPI community.

We encourage everyone with the means to donate to support any of the following organizations to promote the well-being of Asian-Americans across the country.

01/27/2021

Thanks so much, The CoderSchool Montgomery, for sharing M4J's latest video project for LMS - "Bullying Among Us!"

An important component of dismantling systemic racism is addressing how discrimination presents itself within our schools and ensuring that students are not made to feel bad about their race, sexuality, nationality, gender, religion, or disabiliy. We're excited to continue our work with MTSD schools in fostering an anti-racist, inclusive environment for all!

What is Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying? Why is it bad, and what can we do about it?This video was made specially by Monty for Justice for the Montgomery ...

01/27/2021

Montgomery alumni and adults - The BoE is looking for community members to join the Anti-Racism and Reform Committee! If you’re someone who seeks to better local curriculum, foster a safe learning environment, and work to combat racism in our town, visit tiny.cc/mtsdaarc to learn more about the AARC and how you can become a part of it.

(Accessibility notes: Light green image with green text reading “Passionate about anti-racist education reform? Want to use your voice to make a difference in your community? Apply to be on the MTSD BOE Anti-Racism and Reform Committee by February 9th, 2021”

01/19/2021

On January 11th, Monty for Justice hosted an Instagram fundraiser raising money for the Montgomery Food Pantry. Food insecurity in Somerset County has been on the rise since the onset of COVID-19, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

With your help, we were able to raise $1,060 for the food pantry (and $1 for Feeding America, providing 10 meals to children in need)! Thank you so much to all who were able to donate. If you have the financial means to do so, we encourage you to donate to the Montgomery Food Pantry via Community Pass or through sending a check.

Have any ideas for future fundraisers focused on equity and inclusion? Comment them down below!

(Accessibility Notes: Blue circle reading “THANK YOU for helping M4J raise $1,060 for the Montgomery Food Pantry!” and photo of donation receipt. DM for full slide text.)

11/26/2020

While you celebrate all that you’re grateful for this Thanksgiving, remember how this holiday came to be and all of those who have suffered at the hands of white colonialism. Swipe to learn more about Thanksgiving’s origins and ways you can advocate for Indigenous rights.

(ACCESSIBILITY NOTES: Brick red slide that reads “How to Support Indigenous People’s this Thanksgiving.” Subsequent slides with historical information and action items. DM for full slide text.)

11/23/2020

You know the drill! Tune in to this month’s Board of Education meeting to stay up-to-date on MTSD school policy. Fiona Borland, Director of Curriculum, will also be speaking about efforts to create an inclusive curriculum.

See you there!

(Accessibility notes: Yellow graphic that reads “Tuesday, November 24 @ 7:30 PM; Monty Board of Education Meeting” with meeting information. Quote from Director Borland regarding inclusive curriculum. DM for full slide text.)

11/14/2020

While the 2020 election resulted in amazing “firsts” and movement towards the pursuit of justice, we cannot be complacent. No matter who is in office, Monty for Justice recognizes the continued importance of community organizing in the fight for a more fair and equitable society. We’re as motivated and as ready to take action as ever - and we need your help.

Visit tiny.cc/joinm4j to fill out our interest form and be a part of a grassroots community movement fighting for local change.

(Accessibility notes: Dark green graphic with text “BIDEN WON... but our work is far from done. TINY.CC/JOINM4J”)

11/03/2020

The day is finally here - Don’t forget to get out and vote today, Monty!

Some tips to keep in mind:
➡️ Make sure you know your polling station/secure drop-box location - Check our last post for details!
➡️ Vote with values in mind - From local government to the head of the Executive branch, we encourage you to vote for people who will fight for fairness & justice
➡️ Keep up the momentum - Casting your vote shouldn’t mark the end of your civic engagement in Montgomery. Stay involved and stay active - message us if you want to learn more!

Have any questions? DM - we’re here to help!

10/27/2020

Voting in the 2020 election concludes one week from today, and your voice matters now more than ever. Monty for Justice encourages everyone who can to participate in the democratic process, especially on behalf of those who can’t. Swipe for a few last-minute voting tips as we approach November 3rd!

Check out our Know Your Candidates Voting Guide for information on the candidates up for election in Montgomery @ tiny.cc/M4Jvote!

(Accessibility notes: Cream-colored slide with text “The General Election is ONE WEEK AWAY. Blue star icons and brick red arrow. Subsequent slides listing reminders for voting in the 2020 election. DM for full slide text.)

10/14/2020

Interested in learning more about the BOE candidates featured in our last post? and the League of Women Voters are hosting a virtual School Board Candidates Forum TONIGHT @7 PM! Make sure to tune in so you can cast an informed ballot this election season.

(Accessibility notes: Pastel green graphic with text “MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM.” Date/time, Zoom link provided. Purple icon of speaker at podium. DM for full text.)

10/07/2020

🚨 VOTER GUIDE 🚨

With ballots in the hands of Montgomery residents, it’s important to be informed while you vote. We at M4J created a comprehensive voter guide that you can access at the link in our bio for a more complete picture of each candidate’s stances on social justice issues.

See our last post for information on state and local candidates for election! Remember to return your completed ballot to one of the drop boxes in Somerset County, or mail it ASAP. Happy voting!

[Accessibility Notes: Brick red graphic that reads “A Guide to Voting for Board of Education in Montgomery.” A grey submitting vote icon. Slides that detail each candidate on Montgomery residents’ ballot’s stances on Anti-Racism in Education, Student Wellness, BOE Communication, and COVID-19 Response. DM for full slide text, and check out our comprehensive guide at montyforjustice.com]