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Dear Friends,
After ten years with Our Children’s Trust, I will retire from my role as Deputy Director on July 1, 2023. Rest assured, I’ll continue to support Our Children’s Trust in every way possible, though now just a bit more from the sidelines.
I am so honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to this existential work.
Lou with Held v. State of Montana youth plaintiffs in Helena, June 2023 (Photo by Robin Loznak)
From the beginning, Our Children’s Trust has been singularly focused on solving the climate crisis so young people and future generations can enjoy a safe and healthy future on a well-stewarded planet.
Our Children's Trust has long known that durable, science-based climate protections can only be secured through broader constitutional and human rights laws. So, with our pioneering cases, beginning in 2011, Our Children’s Trust introduced the world to the rights-based pathway to legally mandated, science-based climate protections, inspiring others around the globe to do the same.
I am so grateful to each one of you for your partnership, motivation, support, and friendship.
You, our supporters, donors, partners, “friends of the court,” pro bono experts, board members, lawyers, and law clerks, have enabled us to tackle this global problem, to hold our governments accountable for their knowing role in causing this crisis, and to protect our children and our planet. You have enabled us to give voice in the halls of justice to the climate injustices experienced by our young clients at the hands of our governments. You have enabled us to articulate the depth and breadth of our claims, grounded in fact, science, and law, in the highest courts of many lands, and to bring about a systemic and science-based remedy to the climate crisis that is so evidently within our grasp.
I am so proud to have served with all of you and the team at Our Children’s Trust as we collectively and peacefully change our world for the better.
Lou and Julia Olson greet outside the courthouse in Helena, MT following the conclusion of trial, June 2023 (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Together, we have overcome years of better-resourced government defense against our efforts and the young people we represent. And, we are at a threshold.
Just this month, Our Children’s Trust brought the first ever constitutional climate trial in the United States to open court. Our work at trial in Held v. State of Montana was nothing short of exceptional. Our work bringing Juliana v. U.S. back toward trial in the U.S. District Court also demonstrates the immense power of our endurance and skill. And, our forthcoming trial in Navahine F. v. Hawaiʻi Dept. of Transportation, and others will build on this powerful momentum.
As I step to the side, I thank you all for your support of this extraordinary work over the years. Please keep that support coming as Our Children’s Trust’s powerful, innovative, and skilled team brings this work to completion in the years ahead. I am thrilled that Elizabeth Dickinson is serving as our Chief Development Officer and we’ve cherished our time working together for the last five months. Liz is no stranger to Our Children’s Trust, as she secured the requisite funding in 2011 for the partnership between WITNESS and Our Children’s Trust that resulted in our award-winning TRUST film series featuring our early plaintiffs and efforts.
I intend to stay actively involved with Our Children’s Trust, as a donor, advocate, and champion, as this exceptional team continues the arduous work ahead.It is happening now. And it will continue to happen, with your sustaining partnership, friendship and support.
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