Dear John,

This has been another legacy year for Our Children’s Trust and our groundbreaking work across the globe. 

This summer, we secured an actionable, enforceable settlement agreement that puts Hawai‘i’s transportation system on the fast track to advance key climate solutions like electrifying and expanding our network of clean energy choices. The state listened to our expert legal team, our youth plaintiffs, and our pro-bono experts with the know-how to tackle greenhouse gas pollution and move us to a safe, healthy, sustainable economy. For the next 20 years, young people in Hawaiʻi will have their voices heard as their state moves to a zero-emissions transportation sector by 2045. This is a first-of-its-kind binding agreement between young people and their government with court oversight! All three branches of government are working together and are accountable to youth and future generations. 

This month, in an historic ruling, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the decision of the trial court in the landmark case, Held v. State of Montana, siding with the 16 youth plaintiffs who had sued the state over its promotion of fossil fuel extraction and its failure to consider climate change impacts in its decision-making. It affirmed the constitutional rights of youth to a safe and livable climate. Even in the face of partisan political attacks, the state courts acted to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms secured by Montanans in their constitution.  

We have the know-how. The resilience. The momentum. The time to act is now—but we can’t do it without your support.  

I am asking you to make a year-end donation to Our Children’s Trust so we can keep working every day for young people and their right to a healthy climate system. We will carry these wins forward to states across the country.  

Your donations help us provide free legal representation and unwavering support to our plaintiffs—young leaders whose deep understanding of climate stability, environmental stewardship, and human dignity inspires our mission. You amplify children’s voices backed by strong legal advocacy, robust community partnerships, and cutting-edge science.  

Together, we can advance solutions that protect our environment and children’s health, uplift communities, and transform our energy systems—all rooted in a durable rights-based approach that is resilient to elections and political influence. But we can’t do it without you. 

Thank you,  

Julia Olson  
Founder, Co-Executive Director, and Chief Legal Counsel 

If you have already made your year-end tax-deductible gift, I thank you.  

For all gifts through December 31, your gift will be tripled thanks to a generous challenge grant! Invest in what you believe in!