Dear Family and Friends,

It is the time of year when many of us focus on the gift of giving; to our family, to our friends, to our churches, to organizations that have meaning and purpose for all.  

An organization committed to protecting the rights of children is Our Children's Trust (OCT).  OCT was created by Julia Olson (my daughter) in 2010.  It  is a non-profit, public interest law firm that provides strategic, campaign-based legal services to youth from diverse backgrounds to secure their legal rights to a safe climate.  Julia and the OCT staff are unwavering in their commitment to children's rights to a stable climate. 

The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time, and it impacts children most of all. Today, the lives of two billion young people around the world are threatened by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. These children are our children.  These children are our grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Yes, there is hope. Hope if we work together.  Together, we can create systemic, lasting changes to protect their futures. 

I’m raising funds to help forward the progress of Our Children’s Trust in this challenging time.  OCT  empowers young leaders to secure their legal rights to a safe, livable climate. These youth plaintiffs are taking bold action in courtrooms around the world—holding governments accountable and demanding policies that prioritize children and the planet over corporate and political interests. 

Every dollar I raise supports innovative legal strategies backed by cutting-edge science, and the partnerships needed to uplift these brave young leaders. Your contribution will help ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, happy, and healthy. 

Please join me in making a difference! I will match all gifts given.  My goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000.  Please consider donating through my page and then share this page and this story with your family, friends, and your social network. Together, we can build youth power and ignite the change our world needs. 

Attached below are links if you would like more information on the work of OCT around the world. 

Let’s secure a livable future for generations to come! 

With hope for a sustainable future and gratitude for your donation,

Sheryl Olson

 

BREAKING NEWS!!!
Held v. State of Montana
On Dec. 18, 2024 the highest court of Montana agreed: Children have fundamental rights to a safe and livable climate!! This was a resounding 6:1 victory! 
This landmark decision is now firmly embedded in Montana’s constitutional law, ensuring that no politician can revoke these protections, today or in the future. Below is a PBS Montana video re this case.  Worth watching!
PBS Montana 

This 11-min piece on Held v. State of Montana, that features Grace and her fellow 15 youth plaintiffs, speaks to the impact of our youth-led climate litigation. 
 

The New York Times Climate Forward Event 2024

Outside the courtroom, we advocate on behalf of children everywhere. Julia Olson, our founder, co-executive director, and chief legal counsel explains why the climate crisis is a fundamental children’s rights issue. Here is a link to her 4-minute presentation.

 

PBS Hawaii

In this 14-min piece on Navahine v. Hawaii Department of Transportation, Navahine and Pāhonu share their story about the lawsuit and how climate change has impacted their communities, and the road ahead. We are in conversations with our experts on how to build on this settlement to impact transportation in the U.S. and globally.
 

The Case for Climate Action

The Fortune Impact Initiative™ is a membership community dedicated to supporting executives who manage the risks and growth opportunities that put people, planet, and purpose at the core of their business strategies. Mat dos Santos, co-executive director and general counsel, spoke at the Fortune Impact Initiative with Held plaintiff Grace about how young people are leading the way through climate litigation (20-minute video).