I'm a climate scientist. And I'm a mom.
I am a climate scientist, a college chemistry professor, a climate justice trainer, and a mom.
This is not an easy combination. I’m constantly aware of the state of our climate and what it means for the future on this planet. I also know how to respond to this planetary crisis. I know we need to talk to people about it, and I know we need collective action. And it’s still hard.
When my son, Ian, started the local Fridays for Future strikes at City Hall when he was 11, we were quickly joined by young and adult members of Climate Action Families. They shared their resources – email programs, megaphones, organizational connections, cardboard, markers, and chalk… and made sure the kids knew there were adults standing with them. The young people who came from the group were strong, thoughtful, and collaborative. I didn’t know I was looking for it, but I soon realized this was the right place for me and my child.
As a college professor and climate justice curriculum trainer, I have encouraged countless people to move into action. I know the power of education.
In addition to that, Climate Action Families has given my family a community – a grounding network of friends where we don’t have to hide our hopes and fears. It’s been a home for us now for five years. I have seen my son find bright peers who respect the work he’s done, and with whom he can be silly, play games, enjoy “goat ball” (CAF’s very own sport), and experience the wonder and awe of connecting with the natural world. I have watched Ian learn and gain confidence from stepping into leadership roles many times now while engaging in climate justice activities—leading marches, making art, testifying at hearings, visiting representatives, gathering signatures, handing out flyers, and educating his community. He has learned the power of his own voice and the power of uniting with other youth.
I’m surrounded by other parents who understand what’s happening, and are not giving up. And we are all learning how to parent and stand with these bold, incredible young people, together.
With just a little bit of adult support I’ve seen Climate Action Families’ youth become powerful and important voices at policy tables and in the halls of power — places where their voices are not usually heard. And many of these young people are choosing careers in this work, meaning we are witnessing the creation of a durable network of climate champions who can amplify each others’ work. This is exactly what we need right now!
Our community needs Climate Action Families, and CAF could do so much more with broader community funding.
Demands on parents make volunteering challenging. We are so grateful for the parents and volunteers who do volunteer. But we can face it – our kids really need our focus, and most of us are also working.
This year some generous donors allowed us to bring on three UW work study students to help with our programming and social media. Their contributions are invaluable and we would like to continue to keep up the same level of support for the first half of 2024 and by the middle of next year we hope to bring on an Organizing Director.
Can you make a donation today?
Our vision is to support many more young people in elementary and middle school to engage in the climate movement. We can do this by making it fun and easy to plug in. We are restarting our Climate Justice Ambassador training next year, providing an easy entry point for youth to learn how to act on climate in a healthy, strategic, and collaborative way. Finally, we are bringing electrification education and advocacy to youth and families, so we can clean up the air for kids- at school, in their communities, and in their homes.
We know what we have here is fantastic and unique. We know it is the right thing for kids, and we know it offers the support many families are missing. It may not always be perfect, but in a race to save our ecosystems while creating an Island of Sanity for ourselves, it’s the best thing I’ve experienced.
I’m excited about everything we could accomplish… if we had the resources. Let’s make this into the resource that meets the needs of this unique time.
Please donate what you can so we can reach many more young people and families in 2024.