Dear John,
In 2010, I founded Our Children’s Trust premised on the idea that the courts are vital to upholding our democracy and safeguarding our children and the planet. Our bold mission and innovative strategy have ignited climate rights litigation worldwide.
We began powered by volunteers who shared a love of children and our planet. We’ve since expanded to a global team of 31, operating with a $6.5M budget sustained by thousands of supporters like you. Additionally, our volunteer network – ranging from experts to law students and lawyers – has also grown remarkably to amplify our global impact.
I cannot thank you enough for believing in Our Children’s Trust. Your support advances work to secure universal recognition of children’s climate rights by courts around the world and ensures life on this planet is protected for future generations.
After 13 years as executive director, I am excited to have a partner to share this responsibility. I will continue to drive the development of cutting-edge legal strategies leveraging the incredible momentum gained from our landmark decision in Held v. State of Montana last year and as we prepare for trial in Navahine v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
I’m thrilled to announce that I have a new leadership partner, Mat dos Santos, who now joins me as Co-Executive Director. This shared leadership model is enhancing Our Children’s Trust mission-driven work by increasing our capacity to serve our youth clients and to manage our incredible growth. Our Board of Directors unanimously approved this new structure.
To learn more about our shared leadership model and the fantastic team leading our day-to-day work, please take a moment to read my blog post, “Our Children’s Trust Moves to a Dual Leadership Model.”
This Earth Month, one of our amazing donors has challenged all of us to raise 169 gifts in honor of our 169 youth plaintiffs. Please help us unlock their $40,000 challenge gift!
Warm regards,
Julia Olson
Co-Executive Director & Chief Legal Counsel
