Yesterday, we watched as voters made a choice that left us hurting.

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Dear John,

Yesterday, we watched as voters made a choice that left us hurting.

We saw fear take the lead.

But today, we rise.

Because here is what we know: We know that there are values we still share and hold close—all of us—across geographies, experiences, and politics. A love of children. Of our roots and our families. Of life and health and safety.

75 million children, who have the greatest stake in the future of this country, had no vote in this election. We have their backs now, and until we secure their fundamental rights to a safe and livable future.

Here is how we’re moving forward:
* We will take our wins in Red and Blue states in 2023 and 2024, and scale those wins to file more cases on behalf of more youth in more state courts across the U.S. to enforce their fundamental rights to life under state constitutions.

* We will work hand-in-hand with young people and all three branches of government to ensure strong implementation and enforcement of wins—from Hawai‘i to Montana.

* We will work with educators and community-based partners to ensure young people know their climate rights and know how to hold onto them for generations to come.

* Juliana sparked a worldwide movement, one that refuses to be extinguished, no matter the setbacks. We will continue to challenge the system, demand the recognition of federally-protected climate rights, and hold our leaders accountable for upholding those rights.

* From the federal district courts to the Supreme Court, we will bring meaning to our Right to Life and Freedom. We will make sure children are ever-present in the evolution of U.S. constitutional law so there will never be a void again.

* In partnership with lawyers around the world, we will establish clear human rights standards that protect children and the planet, while rejecting political compromises that jeopardize children’s safety and futures.

Donald Trump’s dangerous promises—to dismantle the clean energy transition, to open further the floodgates for oil and gas extraction, to block our nation from global climate agreements—are nothing less than a direct assault on the future we are working for. His words of hate, fear, and vitriol can feel overwhelming, but know this: we are in this for the long haul. And we are not alone.

Our democracy was built to withstand moments like this. Our founders gave us the courts—a critical check on power—to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of every American. And today, we are ready to activate them. We will make the climate emergency politician-proof. And we will ensure that future generations have a livable world, no matter who holds power.

We know the journey ahead is tough. But with courage, unity, and unwavering resolve, we will create the change we so desperately need. We have the power—right here, in working hand in hand with young people and experts and you, in the courts.

To our youth—we’ve got you. We aren’t going anywhere, but forward towards justice with you.

Friends, family, colleagues, advocates, and champions: We cannot do it without you. You, our supporters, collectively represent 113 countries, every US state, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. You are powerful together. We are the only organization, small but mighty, whose mission is dedicated to doing precisely this work on Planet Earth. More than ever before, we need you to power this work. We need you to power the young people still here, still fighting for their right to life on Earth.

We have power, in our constitutions and in the courts. Let’s claim it and secure fundamental rights for generations to come.


Onward,

Julia Olson & Mat dos Santos

Co-Executive Directors & your fearless advocates

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OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
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