Learn, engage and serve for America’s 250th birthday | Chris Averill

This is a milestone year in the life of our nation. Many people are looking to do something unique and meaningful to celebrate our country turning 250 years old. Earlier this month, the Montana 250th Commission partnered with Gov. Greg Gianforte and ServeMontana, which is the State Service Commission committed to national service and volunteerism, to launch a new effort centered around civic engagement and knowledge.

“Two Lights Montana” is a statewide initiative aimed at encouraging Montanans to engage in a year of learning, civic participation, and community service. Inspired by Paul Revere’s ride and the signal of the two lanterns from the Old North Church in April of 1775, the initiative is built on three central pillars: Learn, Engage and Serve. It is designed to be accessible to all Montanans, and encourages citizens to experience their state, their government, and their community with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.

The Learn phase calls on Montanans to learn more about American history by exploring foundational texts and visiting landmarks like the Montana Heritage Center, local history museums, or other points of historical interest across the state. We also encourage Montanans to learn more about American history by exploring foundational texts, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the kinds of writings and speeches that inspired our Founders. A list of many examples can be found in the “Study Library” for the Presidential 1776 Award at presidential1776award.org/study-library.

The Engage phase encourages Montanans to participate in local government by attending public meetings, whether in person or online, including city and county commissions, school boards, or legislative interim committee meetings.

The final pillar, Serve, asks Montanans to serve their community through volunteer opportunities, culminating in “Montana Makes a Difference Day” on Oct. 24, 2026. On this day, citizens are asked to dedicate time to a community service organization, by volunteering at a local food bank, church, or other organization. Other opportunities exist during the final quarter of 2026 to engage in service, including on Veterans Day in November and by participating in Wreaths Across America in December.

We also encourage Montanans to log their volunteer hours with America Gives, which is the largest organized volunteer effort in U.S. history. America Gives is an initiative of America250 focused on ways for all Americans to give back within their communities. With over 8.5 million volunteer hours already logged, it’s an exciting way to say you contributed to civic life during our nation’s 250th anniversary. Learn more at https://america250.org/america-gives/.

At its core, Two Lights Montana is designed to bring Montanans together. To help us promote and document this initiative, we are asking all Montanans to participate in each phase of Two Lights Montana and then share their experiences on social media.

Use the hashtag #TwoLightsMT and tag the Montana 250 and ServeMontana Facebook pages. We want to document, share, and promote what all Montanans learn, experience, and do.

Finally, please post your photos AND a summary of your actions. Tell us what surprised you most when you visited a museum or historic site. Tell us all about your interaction with your local government body or elected official. Tell us all about the great work you did volunteering with others to clean up a park, help an elderly neighbor, or serve as an election judge. THIS is what civic engagement is all about. THIS is how to maximize the privilege of citizenship.

We want all Montanans to embark on a journey of discovery and growth this year. By learning, engaging, and serving others, we live up to the demands of civic life in our constitutional republic, and we participate in the pursuit of happiness that inspired our Founders 250 years ago.