WASHINGTON, DC—Our Children’s Trust Founder and Executive Director Julia Olson, lead counsel on the groundbreaking federal climate lawsuit brought by 21 young people, has joined the nonprofit funders’ network Rachel’s Network as an Advisor.

After becoming a mother, and realizing the greatest threat to her children and children everywhere was climate change, she founded Our Children’s Trust.

The organization’s highest profile lawsuit, Juliana v. U.S., asserts that the government has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources by contributing to climate change. The case is going to trial in February, 2018.

“This landmark case seeks to establish for future generations the right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere and it has given voice to those who will be most impacted by climate change: young people,” said Rachel’s Network President Fern Shepard. “Julia’s approach to change is not only pragmatic and legally sound, it’s inspiring.”

“It’s a privilege to be part of Rachel’s Network and its treasure of women role models,” said Julia. “I’m also honored to be able to elevate the voice of young people in their struggle for climate justice and to stand in a courtroom to advocate for their fundamental rights. We need systemic change and the transformative vision of women and youth in the 21st century will lead the way.”

Before Our Children’s Trust, Julia worked for 15 years representing grassroots conservation groups in the West. She helped protect rivers, forests, parks, wilderness, wildlife, organic agriculture and human health. Julia also teaches environmental courses as an adjunct instructor at the University of Oregon School of Law.

Rachel’s Network Circle of Advisors are women leaders in environmental fields who provide high-level expertise and keep us connected to nonprofits that share our goals. This esteemed roster includes author Terry Tempest Williams, climate leader Rev. Sally Bingham, Green 2.0 Executive Director Whitney Tome, and Sustainable Economies Law Center Director Janelle Orsi.

Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit organization named in Rachel Carson’s honor, promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Network builds productive alliances among members and offers services that empower them to lead.

Our Children’s Trust is a Eugene,OR-based non-profit that elevates the voice of youth to secure their legal right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere for the benefit of all present and future generations.