VIDEO: Ask the Plaintiffs - Held v. MT Q&A
On June 21, 2023, we cohosted a live virtual Q&A with plaintiffs and an attorney from the historic Held v. State of Montana youth-led climate lawsuit. Plaintiffs Sariel, Olivia, and Kian joined us to share their experiences and reflections following the trial, and we were fortunate to also hear from David Schwartz, attorney with Our Children’s Trust, about some of the behind-the-scenes details, logistics, and feelings surrounding the case.
Watch the full conversation in the video above.
Huge thank you to Sariel, Olivia, Kian, and David for your participation in this event as well as all your and your team’s work leading up to, during, and following the trial! Thanks also to our moderators, Evan Romasco-Kelly and Izzy Milch, as well as all the event cosponsors: Our Children’s Trust, Families for a Livable Climate, Gallatin Valley Sunrise, Forward Montana, and Moms Clean Air Force Montana with support from Mike Durglo Jr., Tribal Preservation Department Head of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.
One of the most common questions we received through this event is how folks can continue to support these efforts moving forward. Our best advice is to stay connected: show up when engagement opportunities arise, amplify and talk about climate change and solutions in your daily lives, and support organizations like Our Children’s Trust and other local climate and advocacy groups.
HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY CONNECTED & ENGAGED:
Learn more about the Held v. State of Montana case and sign up for updates HERE.
Connect with & support our organizations:
Our Children’s Trust: The world’s only not-for-profit law firm representing young people and their legal right to a safe climate. Based out of Eugene, Oregon.
Call to action: Help support the national climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States, by contacting the U.S. Department of Justice to tell them to allow the youth to be heard.
Watch Youth v Gov (streaming on Netflix), a documentary which tells the story of Juliana v. United States.
Gallatin Valley Sunrise: Bozeman-based chapter of Sunrise, a youth-led organization fighting for a livable climate.
Connect: Join them this Friday, June 23 at Beall Park from 5-7pm in Bozeman for a gathering to connect, celebrate and debrief the Held trial with the community.
Forward Montana: Youth civic engagement organization working to build political power with and for young Montanans. Based in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and the Flathead Valley.
Families for a Livable Climate: Network of Montana parents, caregivers, and community members working to ensure that our kids have a vibrant, secure, and healthy future. Based out of Missoula.
Call to action: Take our Climate Action Pledge