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Dear John,

"When we work together across generations, the movement becomes not just louder, but deeper and stronger. That is how we win." – Delaney Reynolds, Youth Plaintiff

Even right now, I am filled with optimism as youth, lawyers, scientists, and supporters like you step up with courage. Together, we are filling the fissures in democracy with transformative justice.

This has been a year of progress and resilience—proving democracy lives where youth champion it.

In September, we made history with the first federal evidentiary hearing in a youth-led constitutional climate case. Five young plaintiffs testified in Lighthiser v. Trump about how climate change impacts their lives right now. Joseph, diagnosed with asthma at age three from living near California fossil fuel wells, still can't escape wildfire smoke that causes lung spasms. The executive orders challenged in this case forced him to abandon his environmental policy degree as federal funding evaporates. Former White House advisor John Podesta testified that the administration is "willfully blinding itself to climate science."

While the judge "reluctantly" dismissed the case, inviting the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse him, it conclusively affirmed that presidential policies contribute to a "children's health emergency." This isn't over.

Joseph captures what’s at stake:

Youth aren't just tomorrow's leaders—they're democracy's heartbeat today. Will you stand with them?

We're appealing to the Ninth Circuit in what could become the most significant constitutional climate appeal in U.S. history. We're supporting youth councils in Hawaiʻi, enforcing the Montana victory, advancing new litigation in Wisconsin and Florida, pursuing the Juliana petition at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and preparing a landmark youth climate trial in Vancouver, Canada, in October 2026. The youth need us to be strong.

Your gift funds legal expertise, trauma-informed plaintiff support, and youth leadership development. It creates platforms for youth with real power and transforms climate anxiety into healing and leadership.

These are challenging times. Courts dismiss cases. Government actions threaten children's lives. What we've learned from those who fought before us: sticking just to defense doesn't win. Going on offense does. Don't let them tire you out or take away your hope. Let this moment light you up.

From courtrooms to town halls, youth are safeguarding democracy—and together, we transform their hope into systemic change that prioritizes children's health for generations to come.
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With fierce determination and a heartbeat of hope,

Julia Olson

Founder, Chief Legal Counsel, and Co-Executive Director

Our Children's Trust

P.S. If you have already made your year-end tax-deductible gift, thank you. Your generosity powers this movement.
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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

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