Hundreds of people gathered in Missoula for a "No Kings" rally that organizers said was part of a nationwide day of action, urging volunteers to register voters, join local groups and defend democratic institutions.

Speakers from local and statewide organizations said they were asking the public to take nonviolent action and to sustain organizing between election cycles. Nancy Keene, the event emcee, opened the program and framed the gathering as a peaceful assertion that "we the people" hold power rather than a single leader.

The rally featured speeches from Amanda Curtis, president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE); Danica, a leader with Indivisible Missoula; Rose of Missoula Resist; student organizer Cyrus with Stand Up, Fight Back; Dustin Hoon, a public school teacher; immigration lawyer and law professor Carrie Hong; immunologist Stephanie Ladrop; and Alyssa Kelly Kalispa representing Tribe. Speakers emphasized a mix of voter outreach, local volunteer efforts and issue advocacy.

Curtis, representing MFPE members who work in public service, urged solidarity among workers and said unions and other institutions are under political pressure. Danica and Rose encouraged attendees to sign up with local groups tabling at the event and to participate in volunteer days and community meetings. Student organizers promoted a "Care Package Project" for people experiencing homelessness.

Several speakers tied on-the-ground organizing to upcoming elections, repeatedly urging attendees to register and vote. Keene closed by directing participants to organization tables and to a posted "know your rights" QR code for follow-up actions.

Speakers also raised policy issues from multiple vantage points: free-speech protections in education and media; federal immigration enforcement and family separations; and public-health concerns tied to recent federal appointments and advisory committee changes. Those issue-specific remarks were delivered as appeals to action rather than as motions or formal proposals.

The event organizers promoted nonviolence and legal protest and encouraged sustained local engagement, including an October 31 Missoula Coalition Day of Service and additional community meetings and volunteer opportunities.

Looking ahead, organizers urged attendees to take immediate steps — registering to vote, volunteering and connecting with local campaigns — and to maintain involvement after the rally.