Dear kidlets,

To my sweet little ones who do not yet know about or fully understand the ugly parts of the world–about violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, environmental degradation. Perhaps naively, I try to shield you from these things for as long as possible. I imagine a future where things are better. I see glimpses of light–with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on gay marriage, for example–and I want to celebrate these with you. I want you to grow up in a world that is better than the one I grew up in. I want to teach you to love people equally, to ask hard questions, and to take care of the world in which we live.

I think about the problem of climate change often–I worry that the damage that has already been done is irreversible and that we have taken advantage of our resources in a way that we will not be able to repair.

It frightens me that people in positions of power still deny climate change. We need small scale AND large scale change–and we need it fast.

I will teach you about the importance of supporting the environment and fighting climate change. I will continue to make informed decisions for myself and our family. I will vote.

We all can do better. I hope for a better world for you, and for your children, and for all that come after.

Mama