Families for a Livable Climate - PDX

There is a glaring lack of parents and families currently active in the climate movement in Portland (and beyond). So many parents are deeply concerned about the climate crisis and wanting to take action, but struggle to find meaningful ways to plug in that fit with family lives and schedules. That's where we come in...

A new and rapidly growing group is forming by & for parents and families to advocate and take action for climate justice and a livable future in ways that are accessible & inclusive for working families. We are building our collective “parent-power” in the fight for climate action and our children's future, and nurturing the next generation of climate activists & leaders.

Why we need your support:

There is great momentum behind this initiative, and huge potential. With less than 11 years remaining to make the huge systemic changes necessary to avoid the worst of the climate crisis, there is no time to waste and we need all hands on deck. 

Your contribution will help this organization to take root and grow to its exciting potential as quickly and intentionally as possible.

We're raising seed-funds to hire a part-time staff position, pay for childcare, materials, space rental fees, create a basic website and database, etc.

All contributions will be matched dollar for dollar!
Two generous supporters have already pledged to match all gifts received before 1/31, up to $7,500 - Your gift will be doubled!

About Families for a Livable Climate:

As parents, we would do almost anything to keep our children healthy and safe, and to provide as bright of a future as possible for them. The climate crisis is upon us, and the future of all children is at stake. We are bringing parents and families together in the fight for climate justice and a livable planet!

TOGETHER WE WILL

* Advocate and fight for a better future for our children and all young people around the globe

* Elevate our collective voices as parents and build our collective power  
* Organize & take action in ways that fit in with busy family lives and schedules

* Bring more parents & families into the movement 

* Engage our children in activism & learning about climate issues in age-appropriate ways

* Build community resilience and discuss parenting in the age of climate crisis

* And so much more…

We are developing working groups in the following core areas. In the coming weeks and months we'll embark on a strategic planning process, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders and participants to identify the key initiatives and strategies that will be our initial focus, based on where we expect to have the greatest leverage and impact.

Core areas of work:

• Elevating our voices as parents and building our collective power, as we advocate for bold systems change to address the climate crisis. We will:
  • Advocate for local, regional, or national policy initiatives to address the climate crisis. 
  • Promote renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and/or other solutions
  • Organize against fossil fuel industry & infrastructure
  • Work with schools to advance curriculum, renewable energy infrastructure, policies and practices to address the climate crisis.
• Engaging children and youth in learning about climate change, environmental justice, and activism in age-appropriate ways
• Expand and diversify the climate movement, by making it accessible for working families and people of all ages, and mobilizing parents and children to take meaningful action
• Building community resilience and mutual support as we face the challenges of parenting in a time of climate crisis

In our first few months of operation we have:

• Organized a multi-faceted ‘kid zone’ at the Climate Strike Festival on Sept 20th, making the event more accessible and engaging for thousands of children and families.
• Convened two initial general meetings, each engaging 50+ parents and children in learning, connecting, strategizing and taking action
• Sent 30+ unique child-hand-made postcards urging the Governor to take a stand against the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline and export terminal
• Sent a group of parents to Salem to rally against Jordan Cove
• Submitted written testimony on the Metro Transportation Plan, on behalf of 40 families
• Delivered letters to ODOT decision-makers opposing the I-5 expansion, hand-signed by 35 parents and children
• Obtained 501c3 nonprofit status through merging with an existing organization (Create Plenty) and grew the Board of Directors from 3 to 8 members.
• Established a growing volunteer leadership team of highly skilled and motivated parents with diverse experience and backgrounds
• And much more…

Our partners and collaborators:

We're currently working in collaboration with 350PDX and Mothers Out Front. We are in conversation with a number of other organizations with whom we hope to build collaborative partnerships in the coming months. 

Donations to Families for a Livable Climate / Create Plenty are tax-deductible.
Questions? Contact Katy Kolker: pdxfamiliesforclimate@gmail.com, 503-939-4914