Growing positive norms to create healthier, safer communities.

The Montana Institute is dedicated to fostering healthier, safer, and more supportive communities through innovative applications of the Science of the Positive and Positive Community Norms frameworks. We partner with passionate leaders to improve positive norms around issues including substance use, mental health, suicide prevention, traffic safety, child maltreatment, and workplace safety, using evidence-based approaches that reduce harm and increase health.

About the Montana Institute

OUR FRAMEWORKS

WHAT WE DO

We leverage cutting-edge norms science, the research behind strength-based approaches, and transformative leadership development to help our clients decrease harm by growing the good that already exists in their communities. Our work reverses the usual problem-centered frame, and focuses on measuring and fostering strengths and protective factors to transform individual attitudes and behaviors and entire community cultures.

  • Training & Workshops

  • Technical Assistance & Consulting

  • Survey Development & Research

  • Keynotes & Presentations

Growing the Good: A Minnesota Story
featured in the 2024 APHA Public Health Film Festival!

What happens when visionary leaders apply Positive Community Norms to reduce youth alcohol use? Spoiler alert: positive changes not only in rates of alcohol use, but in how adults see youth in their communities…and how youth see themselves. Watch to learn how four Minnesota communities were transformed over the course of a five-year project.

Upcoming Event

June 17-20, 2025

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 EVENT
WILL OPEN IN SEPTEMBER

REcent Work

Shifting the Narrative: From Party Mom to Most Don’t

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Protecting Missouri Kids Is Something We Agree On

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Broward County Youth Embrace the Positive

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Let’s Stay Connected!