View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]

Dear John,

Today, on International Human Rights Day, 13 courageous young Montanans are taking a historic step to protect their rights and uphold the rule of law. These youth, all plaintiffs in Held v. State of Montana, are returning to the Montana Supreme Court because their state is openly defying the Constitution and their landmark win. On a day dedicated to protecting fundamental rights worldwide, it is fitting that these youth are taking action to defend their constitutional rights.

The petition, Held v. State of Montana II ([link removed]) asks the Court to strike down new unconstitutional laws, enforce the Held ruling, and ensure Montana fulfills its constitutional duty to protect a clean and healthful environment for current and future generations.

In Held, the Court was unmistakably clear: Montana’s youth have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, including a stable climate system, and they are being harmed by climate change right now. The Court also affirmed that every additional ton of greenhouse gas pollution worsens those injuries.

Instead of complying with the ruling, the 2025 Montana Legislature passed new laws specifically designed to undermine Held. State agencies are now blocked (again) from fully considering or regulating greenhouse gas pollution while fossil fuel permits continue to be approved. These actions deepen the harms the Supreme Court has already recognized the youth are experiencing.

Because all the facts were already established in Held, there are no remaining facts left to argue in court. That’s why this case can — and must — go directly to the Montana Supreme Court now: the harms are ongoing, the State is openly defying the Court’s decision, and the Supreme Court can enforce its ruling with the urgency the situation demands.

No young person should have to watch their victory be erased while their health, safety, and future are put at risk.

WHY HELD V. MONTANA II MATTERS

This case is about more than laws. It is about whether constitutional rights have meaning. It is about whether the State must protect its young people. And it is about whether a historic victory for children’s climate rights will be honored or ignored.

These brave Montanans are asking for protection for their health, their land and water, their communities, and their futures. They are doing everything in their power to defend their rights. Now they need all of us standing with them.

Democracy breathes through youth voices like Rikki’s. Please consider donating to Our Children’s Trus ([link removed]) t ([link removed]) . Your support ensures these 13 Montanans —and youth across the world— have the resources to advocate for their constitutional rights today, so we all may have a tomorrow.

In solidarity,

The Team at Our Children’s Trust

PS – Thank you to everyone who donated for Giving Tuesday. Because of you, we reached our $100,000 match from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund and received over 100 donations—unlocking an additional $10,000 from an anonymous donor. These resources are already supporting the youth in Held II as they stand up for their rights and our shared future. Thank you.
DONATE TODAY ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]'s-trust/?viewAsMember=true
[link removed]
[link removed]

Copyright © 2025 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
P.O. Box 5181 Eugene, OR 97405

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) .