Our Children's Trust

I was a law clerk this past summer at Our Children's Trust, and I had an absolutely amazing experience. I've always admired OCT's work from a distance, and I admire the organization more than ever after meeting and working with OCT's staff. Everyone at OCT is so kind and genuinely dedicated to the incredibly important work they do. I learned so much about litigation, legal research, and advocacy from the attorneys there. I'm excited to keep supporting OCT as they help their youth plaintiffs realize their rights to a livable environment and stable climate.

One of the saddest situations is hearing a child cannot play outside for fear of the air quality triggering an asthma attack or it just being too hot to be outside. I've been a non-traditional educator for more than 50 years and children are meant to run, climb, and play in the outdoors, learning simultaneously. The Children's Trust - a true advocate for our young ones and youth are attacking just such scenarios. It is wonderful to know that their research and legal teams are hard at work. However, to do this work, they need our support!

Last summer, I had the great privilege of interning as a law clerk for OCT. As an aspiring environmental advocate who had been following the Juliana case from the beginning, my time at OCT felt like a dream come true. This organization fights relentlessly for our rights and the rights of future generations in the face of the climate crisis. The team is compassionate, wise, strategic, and fiercely determined. Every moment is dedicated to advancing their mission. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn how to be an effective advocate and to contribute to the most critical fight of our time. If someone is going to get it done, it's Our Children's Trust.

I am a monthly donor to Our Children's Trust. I have a granddaughter who is a teenager now. It was becoming very clear to me that today's children will soon be the adults who have to make the tough decisions needed to protect/save our environment. Then I read an article about the lawsuit brought by young people in Montana against the state for not living up to its promise to guarantee a healthy environment for all residents of Montana. I was so impressed by these young plaintiffs and by the organization that helped them prepare for the lawsuit and for their day in court. When I learned more about Our Children's Trust I decided that this is an organization that is enabling young people to become true advocates for the environment and for human health. The young people who are bringing lawsuits to protect the environment and our health will be well-trained to continue that work as adults thanks to Our Children's Trust.

I am the grandfather of one of the plaintiffs in the Navahine case. Professionally, I have been a lawyer for 54 years, and have experience in the environmental field. OCT has done a magnificent job in professionally and expertly handled giving youth a much needed voice in the existential threat to their health and well-being posed by climate change. OCT and the children they represent have given youth a chance to sit at the decision making table when governmental authorities are considering climate related issues. Giving young people a voice in decision making is a huge step forward in not only empowering youth, it also encourages young people all over the world to be lifelong stewards of our fragile planet. Our continued funding and support of this remarkable nonprofit must continue in earnest.

The work Our Children's Trust does is incredibly important because our government has knowingly for decades ignored climate science and is putting the interests of big oil and banks ahead of the health and futures of it citizens and Mother Earth itself. This is an existential problem which was barely mentioned in our recent election. Our Children's Trust has been working for years to give voice to young people who have no voice or vote in their future yet are most at risk of the consequences of climate change. My son is a lawyer for Our Children's Trust and I could not be prouder of the work he and the organization have done and do to protect our most valuable resource, our children!

Chuck Bellinger

Aloha, friends. I am a grandmother of one of the Hawai'i plaintiffs of Our Children’s Trust lawsuit against Hawai'i Dep. of Transportation. I am very proud of the dedicated work of this world class organization. This dedicated team are brilliant, wonderful, stellar human beings, and their knowledgeable lawyers are the best. We have been privileged to have a front row seat in the Hawai'i case in which the OCT sued and won the case against the Hawai'i DOT. The DOT now has the joyous responsibility to clean up their toxic fossil fuel emissions by 2045. They are now supervising the agreement to assure its completion and success! Exclamations to that. The amazing work of this stellar, world class organization is nothing short of amazing. We were able to witness them in court. When our children's health and lives are dependent on good air and water and these basic human needs are challenged, OCT is here to make a difference! I'm startled by their high degree of love, kindness, fierce grit, knowledge and intelligence to make a huge difference on our small delicate planet. We are the intelligence of the universe as we know it. The dedicated team at OCT are finely tuned and aware of the stakes of their, and our present and future actions. I feel privileged and awed by the whole team of the OCT organization. Thank you for your work to help save our beautiful planet for our granddaughter's future. We must mirror and emulate their kind, brilliant, and dedicated example to fight for justice for the Earth, our only home. Good Planets Are Hard To Find. Sincerely, thank you, Louisa DiGrazia

Interning for Our Children’s Trust has gone beyond my expectations of gaining hands-on learning experiences while working for a nonprofit law firm that values science, fundamental rights, and youth voices. It’s been a meaningful experience where I’ve felt my work contributes directly to OCT’s mission. I’ve had the chance to work on projects that not only support the firm’s goals but also help me develop skills that will be valuable as I pursue a career in the legal nonprofit sector.

I am a plaintiff in the Held v. State of Montana lawsuit with Our Children's Trust. This organization has changed my life, and is changing the world.

OCT gave me, a high schooler at the time, a way to act on my fears about climate change and my love for my home state. They empowered me to speak in court, to the media, to share my story and encourage change at a statewide and national level. I have learned so much, from science to law to media skills. I have never met a team of people I enjoy working with as much as Our Children's Trust attorneys and staff. And, together, we secured a VICTORY in Montana court last August!

Our victory, along with the other fantastic work OCT does, is beginning to tip the legal scales in favor of youth, rights, and a livable future. I am honored to work with them, and I know that they will continue to fight for my rights and my future, as well as those of hundreds of other plaintiffs and millions of youth around the world. Thank you, OCT!

As a small business owner looking to bring about real change due to our planet’s unsustainable path, I have found financial supporting Our Children’s Trust to be the best means of leveraging my resources to bring about real-world change. OCT is winning in the states and around the globe and I get to support that! I really believe this is the most effective use of resources to shift the world off of fossil fuels to a better future (and yes, I have solar panels all over my plant)

I deeply admire Our Children’s Trust for its unwavering commitment to fighting climate change by empowering youth and holding states accountable to safeguard the earth for future generations. This organization’s groundbreaking work is vital because it reminds us that the choices we make today directly impact the world our children will inherit. Saving our planet is not just about reducing carbon emissions or protecting wildlife—it’s about protecting the rights of our youth and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a healthy, sustainable environment. A vibrant, thriving planet benefits everyone, fostering cleaner air, safe water, and more opportunities to connect with nature. Being outdoors and surrounded by the beauty of a well-preserved environment inspires creativity, strengthens communities, and promotes mental and physical well-being. By amplifying the voices of young people, Our Children’s Trust champions the urgency of addressing climate change and the shared responsibility we all have to protect our planet.

In such uncertain times, and on the heels of historic wins in Montana and Hawaii, I believe that this is the most important organization to support to ensure a safe and healthy planet for future generations.

I'm interning with OCT after learning about their impactful work in my law course at Columbia. I'm honored to be a part of such a dedicated organization that is spearheading the initiative to secure youth's right to life and to a safe climate. This work is especially meaningful to me in light of the 2024 election results, and it gives me hope to see so many people actively working to address the climate crisis. At OCT, I've been on the ground at Capitol Hill educating members of Congress about the landmark Juliana v. US case and urging them to cosign an amicus brief letting the case proceed to trial. It was incredibly powerful to watch the number of cosigners grow over just a few days. I feel great satisfaction knowing that my voice contributed to an amazing team effort that exceeded our goals - more than 40 Congress members supported children’s climate rights and the Juliana youth plaintiffs' right to be heard in court!

I worked as a student law clerk with Our Children's' Trust this fall semester and it was the perfect externship experience. As a law student pursuing a career in the world of environmental nonprofits I feel honored to have gotten the opportunity to work for such a groundbreaking nonprofit as OCT. Everyday I was impressed by the level of top notch lawyering and genuine care that OCT's attorneys brought to everything they did. I learned so much at OCT that I have already seen affect the way I approach my school work. The whole experience with OCT was so inspiring!

I've been following this brave organization for several years, donated what I could afford each year, and cheered when they won in Montana. Following the plaintiffs and their lawyers is so inspiring. Climate disruption keeps me up at night, but I take heart in the unwavering strength of Our Children's Trust. Thank you for your commitment and your excellence in reporting!

I made a small donation - totally unrepresentative of the important work they are doing - to support these young people who will inherit what will be left of the earth when my (and several subsequent generations) are done with it. The most amazing aspect of their work of pursuing environmental (and social) justice through the courts is that it unmasks the degree to which our governments are complicit in the degradation of our environment; the more complicit, the more barriers they throw up to prevent these cases from ever seeing the light of day. I will be donating more.

I have enormous respect and gratitude for everyone involved in Our Children's Trust: the young folks, their supporters, the attorneys, and all those who help them. They see that this Climate Emergency is THE most important challenge of our time and are tackling it with courage, creativity, caring and connection.
I first met them at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) in Eugene, OR in 2015 where they presented workshops and panels on their approach to challenging the government's lack of action re the Climate Emergency, which has only gotten worse since then. I was very impressed by the dedication, brilliance, kindness and caring of all involved. Later I was fortunate to attend two hearings in Eugene and one in Anchorage and my respect and gratitude has deepened each time. Anyway they can be supported is support for all beings on this planet.

As some one who believes Climate Change is thee most pressing threat facing this amazing planet we call earth and threatening humanity's existence, AND it will be my children and grandchildren who will suffer the most, I am so honored to be a donor of Our Children's Trust who are the voice of our youth. What Our Children's Trust is doing taking the youth's right to a livable future to the highest levels of our courts is remarkable, inspiring and so, so important!

Our Children’s Trust is doing something incredibly important that no other nonprofit has done before. Their atmospheric trust litigation is groundbreaking, innovative and brave. Their engagement of youth plaintiffs is righteous and their tenacity is admirable. I’d give them 10 stars if i could. They deserve all our support for trying to safeguard the future.

Our Children’s Trust is doing something completely remarkable—supporting young people in their legal quest for climate justice and the guarantee of a livable planet. I am a writer and an author of books for children and I am awestruck by this real-life story playing out in courts in the United States, Canada, Mexico and many other countries and international jurisdictions.

Our Children's Trust fights the good fight and the youth, lawyers and support persons are selflessly working on behalf of all us. My job over the decades has been to stand back and determine what is the most needed intervention in an economy, country, industry, etc. and then go for it in a responsible and determined manner. This is what OCT has done - I am in complete awe. Guided by science and an ethical imperative to consider future generations, this is one of the most impressive organizations I have ever seen. We owe everyone involved a great deal of gratitude and our full support.

Check out this inspiring movie that tells their story! https://www.netflix.com/title/81586492

OMG! I can't say enough about these kids and their efforts, and the importance they hold in the fight for a livable planet. I'm almost hopeful.

Our Children’s Trust is an amazing team of dedicated legal professionals delivering on their passion from their hearts to put our children and next generations at the front of Climate Rights. This is especially powerful given that even though our Global Climate Change/Crisis has recently and quickly risen to our biggest-ever existential threat to humanity, legal protections for youth and children' safety and health in this crisis we've created are pretty much non-existent - but for Our Children's Trust and a few other powerfully focused youth and child allies who are demanding and helping to build Climate Rights at all levels of courts all over the world. I continue to learn so much from the youth and children Our Children's Trust is representing every single day.

This is an extraordinary nonprofit. The staff are brilliant and dedicated to supporting youth and defending their right to a livable climate.

I have followed this nonprofit for several years now and observed the consistent effort of children and young adults to make a difference in our society and bring awareness to issues of climate change. These are the people who are most affected by climate change since they are our FUTURE.
Kirk Rensmeyer

Our Children’s Trust has taken on the most important human rights question of our time, the recognition of a constitutional right to a safe climate. Their young clients represent the generations who will be most profoundly harmed by climate change if our government does not act in time, and OCT knows the normal political process is not up to that challenge; only a constitutional mandate can spur the action we need. Equally impressive is that the youth who have taken on this fight appreciate the fact that OCT doesn’t cultivate superstars, but fosters collective effort. As a litigator myself, I also commend them for the effort they make to train staff to support these young people through the trauma of litigation. Especially with young plaintiffs it has to be such a challenge to balance enthusiasm for the cause and excitement about the milestones, with not having unrealistic expectations, and coping with the devastation of adverse rulings. This isn’t normal litigation where individual interests in personal compensation is at stake. These plaintiffs are fighting for their world and their future, so setbacks are existential to them. These are amazing people doing amazing work trying to clean up the mess my generation and those before it created.

Sincere, resilient, dedicated, transgenerational, passionate, informative, and neccessary.

Our Children's Trust continues to amaze and inspire my family and me, lighting a path of possibility in the face of what can feel like pretty profound powerlessness. To witness these young people advocating for their lives and the health of our planet and all beings moves me deeply.

Our Children's Trust is leading in gaining recognition of the simple truth that our governments must stop making the climate crisis worse and instead act to protect their people. Just like big oil corporations, the governments of the US and of the states are actively harming us by allowing and encouraging fossil to continue and expand. Our Children's Trust confronts this atrocity in the courts, performing a vital role in moving the nation towards real action on climate.

This a highly motivated and extremely efficient organisation. They communicate well and manage to get across the extreme importance of the work they are doing for the next generation and the planet as a whole. I wish there were more organisations like this.

I work with teens on climate issues and having Our Children's Trust out in front taking bold legal action on their behalf makes a world of difference.

Our Children's Trust has been working very hard for years to bring accountability to the role of government in addressing climate change problems. I applaud and support all their efforts!

This is the organization representing one of climate's biggest stakeholders, our children and youth. They're angry and scared. I'm grateful to Our Children's Trust for amazing persistence in the face of extremely well-funded opposition.

Our Children's Trust is on the frontline of efforts to insure a livable world for the next generations. Support for them will be money well spent as they litigate to force government action to address climate change.

As a former non profit executive, I appreciate the vision of Our Children's Trust and how they are tirelessly advocating for relief from Climate Change for the benefit of upcoming generations. I am proud to be a supporter.

Our Children's Trust is doing the most important work of capturing the collective imagination for the sake of the young. Every day over the past 15 years when I've walked into a class room to teach Sustainability Studies or Environmental Literature I've wondered about the futures awaiting the students. Our Children's Trust is helping us face that question practically, legally, and ethically. It is providing the far-sighted vision and far-reaching commitment we need profoundly. --John Sitter, Professor Emeritus, Emory University and University of Notre Dame

I encountered this nonprofit through the work of their stellar lawyers through youth v.gov, the most amazing movie possible. I so appreciate the idea that animates Our Children's Trust, to sue governments to take responsibility for our planet on behalf of our children. I think their work is so professional and thoughtful and their care for their plaintiffs so crucial. Our Children's Trust gives all of us something to cheer about- and they give us hope. Adriane Leveen

I'm inspired by the young people who have taken on this work. Keep going.

OCT is on trial to fight for all of our futures. Their work is vital to all life on this planet. It’s not easy work, but could not be more necessary or meaningful.

This is such an important organization! The work they do couldn’t be more important! Protecting our planet for the generations to come! Thank you for fighting this fight for all of us!

Our Children's Trust is doing the most important work: securing a safe, healthy, viable future for not just youth, but all of us on planet earth. All the other amazing social work, health care work, education work, amounts to little if we don't address climate change and climate catastrophe. The air we breath, the water we drink, the soil we plant and grow food in, the oceans and forests that breath life into our plant - all of these are contingent upon the success of Our Children's Trust.

I am grateful to Our Children’s Trust for the vital work they’re doing to secure a livable world for my beloved children and grandchildren. The plaintiffs in Juliana vs. the United States and their attorneys are doing battle against overwhelming opposition, and it’s on behalf of my loved ones. I believe in them, and so I've donated to the organization as a gesture of support and appreciation.
I first learned about Our Children’s Trust and the lawsuit through news reports; later, I watched the documentary Youth v Gov. Whenever my own efforts as a climate activist seem pitiful and fruitless, when my spirits start to flag, I think of them, and I get back to work.

Working for OCT was a wonderful experience! The attorneys could not have been more supportive of the interns and gave a lot of great feedback. I would recommend OCT to anyone interested in environmental litigation and climate change advocacy.

Working with Our Children's Trust is a dream job - there are few organizations that are so tight-knit and fired up to fight against climate change every day. Every person at this organization inspires me on a daily basis, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work here.

I had a wonderful experience working for OCT for a summer. Their attorneys and staff are profoundly dedicated to the climate movement and to their clients. The organization is advancing some of the most cutting-edge and impactful litigation in the country, and I felt honored to work there.

Our Children's Trust (OCT) is showing leadership and foresight in its efforts to create a meaningful shift in the status quo by pushing for systemic change, change that will positively impact the youth and the generations to come. OCT's legal approaches in arguing for the right of young people to a stable climate are compelling, persuasive, and innovative. The passion stems from Julia Olson and her team, who care deeply about the youth that they represent and who are fully invested in the organization's mission to advance the youth's legal rights. The OCT team members effectively collaborate and support each other as they forge ahead to fight for the youth that they represent.

Through its legal claims and grass roots advocacy, the organization is strengthening the intersectionality between youth rights, civil rights, and environmental rights. These young people have brought important, valid claims regarding harms that they are suffering due to the current climate crisis and the actions of the government causing these harms. It is time the courts allow these young people to advance their claims in the courtrooms and stop pointing to the ballot boxes. Many of the youth are not even old enough to vote! These young people are knocking on the doors of our country's courtrooms demanding justice and not being allowed to enter.

As a legal clerk with OCT, I am able to see the team's passion and hard work firsthand. In the public realm, I am witnessing the momentum build. Supporters recognize that this fight is not only for the benefit of the youth in the lawsuits. It is for the benefit of ALL young people. The fight is for all of our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbor children, students, any young people that we love. It is for those yet to be born, the ones that are just a twinkle in our eyes. I encourage everyone to join in supporting OCT's efforts to protect the plight of our youth and our planet.

“One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

When I first learned about Our Children's Trust I was immediately impressed. I had never encountered an environmental organization that recognized the severity of the climate crisis and the importance of system-wide change. OCT recognizes the systemic change needed to save our planet and is forcing the courts to recognize this as well.

But OCT is so much more than a legal organization; it represents a possible future where we listen to science and protect our youth. It is hard to be hopeful when the world is on fire but OCT’s work, and the young people they champion, provide me with inspiration.

I believe that Our Children's Trust is leading the country towards a better future for everyone on this planet. I have watched the 21 plaintiffs grow during the fight for our earth and appreciate all the work they are doing to keep this world habitable. Thank you OCT for everything you've done to keep people aware and fighting for what's right!

Our Children's Trust is a great group folks doing everything in their power to make this a better world for the generations ahead of us. I very much appreciate all the hard work they are putting in to keep the planet habitable for all of us, but especially the kids.

Our Children's Trust is doing the most important work possible to fix the climate crisis. And, they are doing it with and for the kids who are suffering most from the crisis. They are pretty darn relentless too, moving cases forward in lots of different places, and against some of the worst polluting countries. Thank you, Our Children's Trust! I am behind you all the way.

I want say that OCT has been inspiring in their diligent action towards securing a livable future for all people. By consistently putting forward new legal challenges to the anti-climate status quo, they advance one of the many fronts in the battle for our future. Seeing their banner alongside allied organizations gives one hope that through concerted effort in a variety of avenues we can truly be heard. They are in the courtrooms doing the exhausting work of navigating a hostile bureaucracy on behalf of those who are most vulnerable and providing a legal framework to continue the struggle for a future which is not for the few, but for all.

Our Children's Trust is perhaps the most important organization fighting for the recognition and action for the climate crisis in a tangible and meaningful way. By making a stable climate a constitutional right, this organization provides the path for the systemic change so desperately needed, their success is the success of all humans on this planet. This talented and unbelievably dedicated group of individuals are a beacon of hope, their task and vision is clear. Science and law should be one the same side, not law and politics; Our Children's Trust's constitutional rights solution to mitigate the climate crisis is the best chance humanity has at healing our planet.

"A vision without a task is but a dream.
A task without a vision is a drudgery.
A vision and a task are the hope of the world."
- Church of England, Sussex, England

Our Children's Trust is a responsive and caring group. I have followed them for a long time on social media. Their Fight to protect the earth and their advocacy for legally binding, science-based climate recovery, is critical to future generations! These 21 youth plaintiffs are an inspiration to us all and set the finest of examples for young people everywhere.
Thank You OCT for your dedication and commitment to making a difference!! We all have the right to a safe climate!

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and it's best hope for the future" JFK

Our Children's Trust is just about that: our children and their children. It is not only reassuring but motivating to know that there is an organization working hard for the good of our planet's longevity. Thank you.

In my just-released book ChiIdren's Voices in Politics, I feature the Juliana and other youth activists supported by Our Children's Trust (OCT) as inspirational examples of young people and their adult allies worldwide who are stepping up to the challenges shirked by our political leaders. Of the many issues in which youth are now leading the way, including gun control, democratic resistance (in Hong Kong and elsewhere), and racial justice, none is more important to confront globally and in the long run than the impending catastrophe of global warming and climate change. OCT's pro bono lawyers have conceived a brilliant legal case based on threats to the children's constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property as a result of both neglectful and malignant government policy. I'll be closely following their multistate initiatives in the months and years to come!

I have been donating to and tracking some of the legal cases these youth and their attorneys have carried forth in Colorado. Although losing the Martinez case (raised issues about the lack of protection for public health and the environment when it comes to oil and gas development) at our Supreme Court in 2019, they helped provide impetus for changes to our Oil and Gas Conservation Act so that it now clearly prioritizes health, safety, and the environment over industry profits. The youth and public trust doctrine are so important to fight the present and impending impacts of global warming.

I know one of the youth plaintiffs and have been so inspired by him (Nick) as I have seen him grow and develop in the atmosphere of courage and civic responsibility his role demands. And even if I did not know Nick and his family, I would be inspired and comforted - and, yes, challenged - by the determined action of youth to provide for their own future (in the unfortunate failure of their elders to do so).

Our Children’s Trust is a fantastic organization supporting the plaintiffs a significantly important legal battle that has ramifications for everyone on the planet. I proudly support them with a monthly donation. My experience with the organization has been warm and positive with every interaction.

I’ve supported Our Children’s Trust since I fell in love with Kelsey Juliana about 5 years ago on PBS. So smart, enthusiastic and committed to a better planet for our kids. After learning more about OCT that was it. Fantastic team, hurdle after legal hurdle, in it to win it! OCT is fighting for all our children and won’t give up. They’re a great investment.

I have been a supporter of Our Children's Trust for a few years now. I am grateful they are standing up for our shared planet Mother Earth. If our Mother Earth is unhealthy then all life that lives on her is also unhealthy. Life is sacred and until humanity respects the sacredness of all life we can never be free in Unity Consciousness. Separateness is an illusion and the Our Children's Trust knows this and feels this and is willing do what needs to be done to protect Mother Earth. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I'm supporting Our Children's Trust with a monthly donation since they are working through the court system to force our government to actually address the Climate Crisis. Until we can elect congressional and White House representation that addresses the Climate Crisis with the seriousness it deserves, the courts are our best and only hope of avoiding complete catastrophe. I hope you will join me. to fight the Climate Crisis on every front and help save the planet for our grandchildren.

Long before the Green New Deal came into being or Greta Thunberg had started her Friday protest outside the Swedish Parliament, Our Children's Trust was drawing attention to our Climate Crisis and the need for young people's future to be protected under the Public Trust Doctrine.

I became a supporter of their cause in 2011 and have seen the case of these amazing 21 Youth Plaintiffs increasingly gain the attention and legal standing they deserve . Their battle was unique at the time. As more and more awareness comes about, their work is that much more significant. There must be U.S. governmental accountability once and for all - these youth and all young persons in this country and around the world are entitled to Justice and Action!

I support Our Children's Trust... Excellent group for an important cause not just for America's youth. The case may have long-term effects nationwide and well beyond.

Our Children's Trust have been nothing but up front about the battle they are engaging in. They are bringing the executive branch of the US government to court. David vs Goliath.
Their campaign has been very public and well communicated. I have watched their lawyer stand in court twice and seen videos of the litigants explain why this is so important.
I am not a US citizen, but have donated to support their cause, nay *our* cause. Every living thing on this planet depends on their success.
I have nothing but respect for these children and their legal council. I will continue to support until they see this through!

My connection to Our Children's Trust began in Yellowstone National Park, the last park in which I worked before retiring from the National Park Service after 30 years. A young woman, Holly Bartlett, worked for me and was a top-notch interpreter (naturalist). She later married another Yellowstone employee, Matt McRae. I consider Holly one of my "adopted" children, employees who became life-long friends. As I came to know Matt, he became an "adopted" son-in-law. Both are incredible environmentalists and I'm lucky to have them as friends.

They gave birth to a beautiful girl, Avery, who, at an early age (I think perhaps five) collected donations to help save an animal she had fallen in love with, the snow leopard, and she's been an active environmentalist since. Avery is one of the inspiring and passionate plaintiffs in OCT's case against the federal government and her involvement was my first link to OCT. Then, Matt left his job with the city of Eugene to work for OCT.

But, it isn't just this amazing family's involvement with OCT that fueled my passion for supporting their efforts in any way I could - financially, as a cheerleader, getting the word out on Facebook and at rallies/marches I attended (pro-science, women's rights, etc.), and plain old word-of-mouth. No, it also goes back to who I am and my career with the NPS, whose mission includes this phrase (from the Organic Act of 1916, establishing the National Park Service): "...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Let me emphasize that - FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. This should be ingrained in every American, every global citizen, it seems to me. It's the old concept that we are stewards of this planet and should be leaving it to future generations in as good or better condition than we found it.

Our Children's Trust is committed to just that and they are one of the few groups who still inspire me and give me hope that it might just be possible to undo or at least minimize the damage we've (all of us earlier generations) done to our climate, to our planet.

I was so inspired and committed to them and their cause that, when the trial was to begin late October, 2018, I made arrangements to fly to Eugene, stay in an airbnb near the McRae's house for a week, hoping to be outside the courthouse, even if I couldn't be inside for trial proceedings. Before I left, the trial was delayed, but I decided to go, anyway. I volunteered a number of hours at the OCT headquarters, trying to help in any small way I could to free the staff for their more important work. It was a tremendous experience, meeting these bright, passionate, focused, fun people!

They are working for the rights of the 21 plaintiffs. They are working for us. They are working for future generations. There is no more important or urgent work than that and they have my full support. I love you, OCT! I love you, Avery, Holly, and Matt. (And I will proudly wear my OCT tee-shirt to continue to promote awareness!)

I recently got involved with Our Children’s Trust as a volunteer and donor, and couldn’t be prouder to support their work. I truly believe they are the last, best hope to change our economy and entire system in time to make a difference with climate change. Getting involved with OCT has helped turn my hopelessness into positive action and optimism.

I am extremely honored to support the vital work of Our Children's Trust. They represent the best of the climate justice movement, the next generation, and the good people who support both.

OCT empowers and assists young people in channeling their passion for the most crucial issue we face – the future of the planet and those who inhabit it. Best yet, their work is done with scientific intelligence, legal strategy, fiscal responsibility and, most importantly, a tremendous sense of humanity and respect for and from all involved.

Thank you to the whole OCT team, a truly Great Nonprofit, for its urgent mission and effective and heartfelt work.

For the past year our first Congregational Church of Sonoma has worked with the OCT to help support the 21 news plaintiffs and Juliana versus the United States. The OCT is an amazing organization! It is filled with dedicated lawyers and staff who worked tirelessly to support the 21 youth plaintiffs. We have been so inspired by the work of OCT and the 21 youth that many of us traveled to Eugene Oregon this past weekend to be in solidarity with them on the steps of the US District Court. Of all the many nonprofit organization’s I have worked with in the past decades, the OCT stands out at the very top! It deserves our deepest gratitude and widespread support. John Donnelly, earth care committee, first Congregational Church of Sonoma.

Amazing organization. Fighting the fight, fiscally responsible, transparent, and helping to save to save our environment in all the right ways. I recently attended the rally at the 9th circuit court in SF, it was not only inspiring and liberating, but for the first time in a long while, it made me feel hope. Give, give and give more to OCT!!!!!

Lisa

After retirement I decided to launch a website www,pasop.org which is an acronym for Peoples' Alliance Supporting our Obligation to Posterity (PASOP). My hope was to bring renewed attention to the directive within the Preamble of the US Constitution that we are to conduct our social dynamic such that benefits are shared equally by "ourselves and our posterity". When I read about Our Children's Trust I immediately was drawn to their cause, and offered what support I could, because it was clear their mission was totally congruent with that of PASOP, with the added advantage of much more expansive legal and scientific support. Their commitment and competence has given me hope that this message will gain the respect and attention the welfare of our youth and future generations deserve. Our Children's Trust has been, and remains and inspiration to me and our expanding PASOP family.

We love this organization because it is doing the work vital for our environment, climate AND our children! The have been steadfast in their commitment to defending youth in the courts and around the world! This is no small feat and we believe in all the work they are doing.
Thank you to the whole team at OCT! Onward!

I first learned of Our Children's Trust in 2015. I am the founder of a sustainability startup and have been educating myself about the risks of climate change for over 10 years. My husband is a litigator and he was blown away by the uniqueness of their legal strategy.

We have 12 nieces and nephews ranging in age from 14 years to 2 years old. And while we may live long enough to experience the initial, most dramatic impacts of climate change in our lifetimes, they will be undoubtedly be burdened with adapting to it.

When we saw the faces of these 21 beautiful, diverse kids and read their stories, our hearts were moved beyond words. Finally, we found an organization with an innovative approach to securing the outcome that the vast majority of Americans want - urgent, focused action on climate change.

Our only wish is that we could do more. However, we take comfort in the fact that our contributions have helped this incredible team fearlessly and persistently pursue justice, not just for these amazing kids, but for all of us.

Thank you to Julia, Lou, and your amazing team. You are making history. Godspeed.

I was heartened by all 21 plaintiffs' reverence for life as I listened to them articulate their love of and concern for our planet on their Children's Trust website. I was inspired to support them by going to Eugene, OR, when they gathered there in anticipation of proceeding with their federal lawsuit against the government. I heard them personally and succinctly express themselves on the courthouse steps as an unfortunate "stay" had once again and only days before had been issued. It blocked what could have been the start of creating laws to insure the health of our planet and all of its inhabitants. The OCT team is tenacious! We should all rally behind them! Thank you, "21"!

I discovered the work of Our Children's Trust (OCT) when one of their powerful youth plaintiffs— Kelsey Juliana— appeared on Bill Moyers to discuss OCT's lawsuits on behalf future generations who will share this planet. Ever since, we have been following, supporting and spreading the word of OCT’s actions. The need to focus on the environment is acute, now more than ever, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recent report makes painfully clear. OCT is the group that has their eyes on the prize of a more healthy environment for future and present generations and they’re using the courts to get there. As with all justice movements—like the movements for racial, gender, economic equality—amplifying and supporting the movers and fighters on the front lines is vital, for those on the front lines have the most to lose. And in the fight for a livable, sustainable and just climate, those with the most to lose are the youth. Quite simply, they are the ones who’ll live through and battle the worst of our climate crisis. This world is not theirs to inherit. This world is theirs now. OCT represents these kids’ best chance for their day in court at a time when the executive and legislative branches are not doing enough. I heartily endorse them as a Great Nonprofit.

Our Children's Trust gives me the most value for any of my financial contributions. Their mission (stopping the pollution of our atmosphere with greenhouse gasses) is of utmost importance. Their approach is uniquely appropriate to the problem. It is a plainly stated review of well established evidence about the biggest threat to our species presented to the highest court in the nation. What better information to present and where better to present it. This amounts to the most effective and most direct challenge to the biggest enemies of humanity. Aside from the value of their mission, they are also a distinctively committed and hardworking group of people. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Julian Bell MD, Ashland, Oregon, julianbell@hotmail.com

Our Children's Trust is a wonderful organization doing amazing, meaningful work for all of us and all of our children by working to win legal rights for a clean and sustainable environment.
Their dedication and steadfast commitment to youth is remarkable and will have long-lasting solutions to these big issues!

This is a truly inspirational organization. I am every day amazed at what people can do together to make a difference in the world and Our Children's Trust is a shining example of this.

How do I love Our Children’s Trust? Let me count the ways.

* They want to save the planet.
* They do this by supporting science-based solutions to our climate crisis.
* They give a voice to the youth who will inherit whatever my generation leaves them. Just on that alone I owe them a lot.
* They have been great to work with, keeping me informed of what they are doing and making me feel a part of their effort.
* They care.
* They know their ‘stuff.’ I’m not a lawyer. They are.

Bottom line, you will feel better about yourself by being a part of their team which will assist us to get to the solutions we need on the climate crisis. The time is now and this is one very good way to get there.