Contact: Kia Smith, kia.smith@mothersoutfront.org
Bella Cockerell, bella.cockerell@mothersoutfront.org

Mothers Out Front New York Creates Space for Moms and Caregivers During Climate Week NYC

NEW YORK (September 27, 2024) – Last week, Mothers Out Front New York hosted over 90 mothers, caregivers and others at two events during Climate Week NYC. At these events, mothers, caregivers and others participated in an electric school bus experience, learned how to advocate for electric school buses in their communities and took the time to pause and rejuvenate from the demanding work of advocacy and caregiving. 

On Tuesday, September 24, mothers and other caregivers gathered at Greenwich Village for an immersive electric school bus experience, Green Dreams & Electric School Bus Rides: A Family-Friendly Climate Week Celebration. While kids used watercolors to imagine their sustainable future with art, moms and other caregivers discussed the dangerous impact that dirty, diesel buses have on students and learned how they could advocate for electric school buses in their community. 

“My son was spending 40 minutes on the bus each day to travel the one-and-a-half miles to his preschool,” said Jennifer Gessner, a member of Mothers Out Front’s Westchester Rivertowns team. “ Forty minutes is a long time for a four-year-old to breathe in dangerous toxins and air pollutants.”

“We know moms and caregivers are the best ESB messengers for school districts, because our kids are suffering the health and climate effects from diesel buses every day,” said Bobby Monacella, Senior Campaigner at Mothers Out Front. “Our goal is to give advocates the tools to ask their districts to apply for the $965,000,000 in federal funding available right now for ESBs.”

After a week of advocating and connecting with other moms and advocates, our caregivers took some time for themselves and rejuvenated during Pause: A Space to Heal and Reconnect During Climate Week on Thursday, September 26th. Co-sponsored by Mothers Out Front, Dear Sundays, Climate Mental Health Network and Safe Space, moms and other climate advocates enjoyed light snacks and workshops geared toward relieving stress and anxiety as they relaxed and connected with each other.

“Pause was such a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Climate Week NY, advocacy and the daily responsibility of caregiving,” said Damaris (Lizeth) Argueta from Mothers Out Front NY. “It’s hard to take care of others when you’re operating from a deficit, so I’m really grateful that Mothers Out Front was intentional about creating space for moms to pause and take care of themselves.”

For photos of these events, click here.

About Climate Week NYC
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 600 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online. Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening. Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. 

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Over 250 Schools and Playgrounds Near Gas Leaks in Boston and Chelsea: Mothers Out Front, Conservation Law Foundation and Others Sue National Grid for Gas Leaks, Violating Federal and State Laws 

“Dangerous and potentially explosive gas is actively leaking near 258 schools and playgrounds in Boston and Chelsea. We cannot continue to put our children and communities at risk. National Grid can’t continue putting Band-Aids on its aging pipelines. They must take action to protect our kids and invest in electric energy, an energy source that is cleaner and safer for our kids and communities.”

“It is unconscionable to see this many gas leaks near places where our children spend so much time. By allowing gas to continue leaking this close to where our children learn and play, National Grid is creating unnecessary risks to our community’s health, safety and well-being. We all need and deserve cleaner energy in our communities.”

BOSTON, MA (August 13, 2024) – In order to protect our children and ensure all schools and playgrounds are safe from methane gas leaks, Mothers Out Front, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Boston Parks Advocates, GreenRoots, and eight individuals have announced plans to sue National Grid for both federal and state law violations on gas leaks and tree protections.

“Dangerous and potentially explosive gas is actively leaking near 258 schools and playgrounds in Boston and Chelsea,” shared Tania Castro-Daunais. Castro-Daunais is a Mothers Out Front Member Leader who lives in East Boston, where active leaks are occurring near Excel Academy Charter School and eight parks and playgrounds. “We cannot continue to put our children and communities at risk. National Grid can’t continue putting Band-Aids on its aging pipelines. They must take action to protect our kids and invest in electric energy, an energy source that is cleaner and safer for our kids and communities.”

As of June 30, 2024, 46 of the 195 schools in Boston and Chelsea were within 350 feet of gas leaks. Additionally, 212 of 537 parks and playgrounds in Boston were within 350 feet of a gas leak, and one park in Chelsea was also within this distance of a gas leak. “Utility companies advise people to move at least 350 feet away from any suspected gas leak, so it is unconscionable to see this many gas leaks near places where our children spend so much time,” said Sonja Tengblad, an East Boston mom whose 6-year-old son often plays at six of the eight East Boston parks near gas leaks. Tengblad is also the Founder and Co-Coordinator of Mothers Out Front’s East Boston Team. “By allowing gas to continue leaking this close to where our children learn and play, National Grid is creating unnecessary risks to our community’s health, safety and well-being. We all need and deserve cleaner energy in our communities.”

“Mothers Out Front was founded in Massachusetts on the conviction that there is no more powerful force for change than mothers mobilizing to protect their children,” said Beth Shipp, Executive Director of Mothers Out Front. “Our moms have been fighting gas leaks in the Boston-area since 2015. It is time for National Grid to join us and commit to no longer exposing children to toxic and explosive fumes.”

If National Grid does not come into compliance, Mothers Out Front, CLF, and the other listed plaintiffs will file a federal lawsuit. This is a first of its kind federal case. The full notice letter can be found here.

Mothers Out Front members and staff are available for further comment.

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Contact: Kia Smith, kia.smith@mothersoutfront.org
Jorge Defendini, jorge.defendini@mothersoutfront.org

Mothers Out Front Statement on Climate In-Action of the New York Legislature

As moms and caregivers, we know that every year that goes by without meaningful climate action directly impacts our children’s lives and future…While we are thrilled that the Legislature passed the Climate Superfund Act to finally make big oil companies pay for the damage they have caused, if the NYS Assembly is serious about protecting New Yorkers from continued climate catastrophe and rising energy costs, they must enact laws that will end our ratepayer-subsidized expansion of fossil fuels and chart an equitable path to clean energy.

New York (June 10, 2024)– June 7th marked the last day of the legislative session in New York. Alongside creating a great deal of uncertainty around Congestion Pricing, the New York Legislature woefully under delivered when it came to passing crucial climate legislation.   

“As moms and caregivers, we know that every year that goes by without meaningful climate action directly impacts our children’s lives and future,” said Sarah Smiley, Volunteer of Mothers Out Front New York. “That is why we are greatly disappointed to see the NYS legislative session end without passage of key climate policies like the NY HEAT, PRRIA, and JETA acts. While we are thrilled that the Legislature passed the Climate Superfund Act to finally make big oil companies pay for the damage they have caused, if the NYS Assembly is serious about protecting New Yorkers from continued climate catastrophe and rising energy costs, they must enact laws that will end our ratepayer-subsidized expansion of fossil fuels and chart an equitable path to clean energy.” 

The failure to pass the NY HEAT Act this session is deeply disappointing for mothers and caregivers who strive for a better future for our children. Without this crucial legislation, the burden of high utility bills continues to fall on the most vulnerable families, and our progress towards a sustainable future is stalled. We want to make it clear that the climate movement will hold the Assembly Majority accountable for this outcome. We remain committed to advocating for the health and well-being of our children and will continue to push for policies that ensure a cleaner, safer environment for all.

Despite state lawmakers like Senator Hickam and organized communities’ continued advocacy for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA), the legislative session concluded without a vote on PRRIA. We remain committed to radically reducing our plastic use and its harmful impact on our communities and will continue to advocate for PRRIA in the future.

Equally disappointing was the absence of the NY Just Energy Transition Act (JETA) for a floor vote. The refusal to pass NY JETA this year presents a major roadblock to New York closing the book on fossil fuels. Without a serious intention to transition away from fossil fuels in our own state facilities, calls for a full-scale transition to renewable energy remain hollow and empty rhetoric. Until Governor Hochul and NY Leadership find the political will and courage to lead on the effort to transition to renewable energy, we will continue to exacerbate the climate crisis with taxpayer dollars. 

While overwhelmingly disappointing, there were bright spots from the closing of session: The passage of the Climate Superfund Act is a crucial win for a renewable New York. For decades, we have known exactly who is responsible for the climate crisis: Big Oil and the fossil fuel industry. Now, New York will hold these polluters – not the taxpayers – responsible for the damage they have caused in poisoning our planet. With the revenue generated from these fees, we will continue to fund the transition towards green, renewable energy for years to come! We urge Governor Hochul to now sign this bill!

On July 18, 2019, New York State enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), one of the nation’s most ambitious climate laws. The Climate Act mandates a 40 percent reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction by 2050, using 1990 levels as the baseline. This was a landmark in climate legislation and made NY State leaders for the nation. We are heartbroken to see that this law is not being implemented and worry for our children’s future with the continuous delay that adults are causing of climate related legislation. Laws mean nothing unless they are implemented. For our children’s sake, legislatures need to do better. We will not stop the fight. 

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Contact: Kia Smith, kia.smith@mothersoutfront.org

Mothers Out Front Celebrates $900M in EPA Electric School Bus Rebate Awards for 530 School Districts to Purchase 3200 Zero Emission Buses

“The recent success in New York State clearly shows that parents want this shift to electric school buses. It’s a powerful message that we prioritize our children’s health AND the environment.”

June 6, 2024 – Mothers Out Front is thrilled that thousands more children will soon have a clean, healthy ride to school thanks to the recently announced $900M in Clean School Bus Program rebate awards. On May 29, EPA awarded rebates to approximately 530 school districts spanning nearly every state, Washington, D.C., and several Tribes and U.S. territories to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

As a climate justice organization, Mothers Out Front is pleased to note that prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. 

In Mothers Out Front’s organized states, volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to connect community members and school districts with educational materials and technical assistance to help them make the shift to electric school buses. This current round of EPA funding, the third of four in the Clean School Bus Program (CSBP), brings another huge push forward in the transition to ESBs, with great results in our organized states:

• Virginia: 116 clean school buses in 18 school districts 
• Massachusetts: 165 clean school buses in 17 school districts
• California: 380 clean school buses in 47 school districts
• Colorado: 25 clean school buses in five school districts
• New York: 355 clean school buses in 47 school districts

In New York state specifically, Mothers Out Front mobilized members and citizens to vote yes in late May for budgets and propositions that will bring more electric school buses to their school districts. These initiatives were largely funded through CSBP grants as well as state funding that NY state legislators worked tirelessly to establish in 2022, meaning the burden to electrify NY’s school bus fleet will not fall to the taxpayers. Statewide, NY saw an 83% success rate for school districts voting to accept state and federal funding for electric school buses, showing that parents firmly stand in favor of a clean ride to school for their children.

This summer, Mothers Out Front is launching a nationwide electric school bus campaign to help moms and caregivers in any state, territory, or Tribal area replicate the on-the-ground, mom-driven approach we have taken to our local campaigns in our five organized states. We will provide resources and support for parents and caregivers to start their own campaign to electrify their community’s school bus fleet or help their district continue on the journey to full electrification.

In the shorter term, Mothers Out Front continues to urge school districts to consider applying for EPA’s  2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program (CHDVP), open until July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. 

On June 20 at 12pm ET, Mothers Out Front is co-hosting a CHDVP webinar with EPA Region 3, Highland Electric Transportation, and VA Clean Cities. The webinar will be chock full of information about applying for this program and will be useful for interested parents, school district officials, state legislators, and utility companies in any region. Please join us – RSVP here. 

“The recent success in New York State clearly shows that parents want this shift to electric school buses,” said Bella Cockerell, Mothers Out Front NY State Organizing Manger. “It’s a powerful message that we prioritize our children’s health AND the environment. However, this is just the beginning. We need community members to step up and help decision-makers connect with the available resources and funding. Mothers Out Front is here to support community members in these efforts, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for a 100% zero-emission electric school bus fleet by 2035 in New York State. Together, we can ensure every school district makes this vital transition.”

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Contact: Kia Smith, kia.smith@mothersoutfront.org;
Jorge Defendini, jorge.defendini@mothersoutfront.org

Mothers Out Front Urges Voters To Vote “Yes” On School District Electric School Bus Propositions

New York (May 13, 2024) – Mothers Out Front is mobilizing moms and voters throughout New York – including Beacon, Ithaca, Newfield, Johnson City, Alexandria, and North Colonie – to vote yes for budgets and propositions that will bring more Electric School Buses (ESBs) to their school districts. These initiatives are largely funded through federal grants as well as state funding that our state legislators worked tirelessly to establish in 2022, meaning the burden to electrify our school bus fleet will not fall to the taxpayers.

“We parents moved quickly toward electrifying our bus fleet once we understood the harms linked to fossil fuel school bus exhaust, including heart and lung disease,” said Cristina Arnold, a volunteer with Mothers Out Front in Northern Westchester. “We had many questions about adopting the newer technology of electric school buses, but the research shows that electric school buses win in every category: reliability, safety, cost, and comfort.”

Municipal officials and climate justice champions also voiced their support for electric school buses.”NY State has the opportunity to be a leader across the country on the electric school bus transition with our comprehensive, equitable state policy,” said Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (NY 125). “By helping school districts make the transition to ESBs with the aid of available federal and state funding, we’re quickly shifting to a healthy, clean ride for kids and a swift reduction in carbon emissions for our state. We need to help schools build from the ground up by stabilizing their charging infrastructure to be fully prepared for this transition. We have no time to waste on both of these critical issues, and voting yes on school budgets and for ESBs on May 21st ensures we meet our goals.”

Ithaca Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo echoed these sentiments. “By helping school districts make this transition, we are positioning ourselves to shift to healthy, clean transportation for our youth, while also significantly reducing statewide carbon emissions. We have no time to waste on both of these critical issues, which is why I am voting YES on Proposition 2.”

Electric school buses are just as much a public health issue as they are a climate justice issue. “We have known for quite some time now that toxic school bus emissions from gas and diesel are both an outdoor, air quality issue, and an indoor, school bus cabin breathing issue, increasing the risk of lung disease,” said Max Micallef of the American Lung Association’s Clear Air Initiatives.

All New York State School Districts Elections will be held on Tuesday, May 21st. Check your school district website for details and polling locations.

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

ALBANY, NY (April 23, 2024) – Mothers and caregivers across New York are deeply disappointed by the recent budget decisions made by Governor Hochul and the New York State Assembly to exclude the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) (S.2016-A/ A.4592-A) from the final state budget. By blocking crucial legislation like the NY HEAT Act, elected officials are prioritizing the interests of the fossil fuel industry over the well-being of New York families.

“This is an existential crisis. Every year we delay taking bold action on climate justice, we put more New Yorkers at risk of illness, displacement and even death. As mothers and caregivers, we refuse to stand idly by while our children’s futures are jeopardized,” said Bella Cockerell, New York State Manager at Mothers Out Front. “We call on Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and members of the New York State Assembly to prioritize the passage of the entire Climate, Jobs and Justice Package. The fight is far from over. We will continue to push for the passage of vital climate and affordability legislation, and we won’t rest until our voices are heard and meaningful action is taken to protect our planet and our communities.”

“The NY HEAT Act is critical to phasing out climate-polluting fracked gas in an orderly way, while saving New Yorkers hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies that we currently pay to fossil fuel companies. As a mom-driven organization, we are outraged that a few Assembly Members sided with fossil fuel lobbyists instead of our children’s right to a healthy environment and blocked this legislation from the budget. We expect Governor Hochul to put our children’s future ahead of fossil fuel profits and push to get the NY HEAT Act passed this session,” said Amy Hill, Co-Coordinator with Mothers Out Front’s Westchester Rivertowns Team.

bethany ojalehto mays (she doesn’t capitalize her name):
“My children rely upon our leaders to act now to preserve the conditions of life not only for them, but for all our relatives. The failure to enact climate policy in this New York budget is a broken contract,” said bethany ojalehto mays, a member of Mothers Out Front New York. “Our leaders are breaking their contract with our children, with our earth. They are failing in their role as those who make decisions for seven generations. It appears that our leaders have not a single generation in mind at all, but only a rapt and profitable personal enchantment with the fossil fuel industry.”

“My first thought upon hearing that the NY HEAT ACT being excluded from the budget is: how will I tell my children?” said Megan Dyer, a member of Mothers Out Front. “Children in New York state are worried for their futures, and rightly so. But they continue to do their job despite the uncertain futures they face. They study for exams, turn in homework and do chores around the house. They know more than most adults about how dangerous methane from fracked gas is, as it is the fastest rising and most heat trapping of all the Greenhouse gasses. 

“How can Governor Hochul, a grandmother, and Assembly Leader Carl E. Heastie, a father, not feel responsible for the futures of all of our children? It is clear that corporate interests rule in New York state, and as a result, underserved communities must continue to bear the majority of the burden for the new gas infrastructure that our energy providers continually pass onto the rate payers. Climate disasters will continue to rise and summer temperatures will affect the ability to grow food around the globe leading to further food insecurity for the poor.

“My children and I have been advocating for NY HEAT for the last 6 years, and have been so inspired by the incredible climate movement that has grown up around this bill and we will continue to fight for the future of this planet and of all of our children. We know that we are running out of time. Our elected officials should protect our kids.”

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

“The Senate budget makes it clear that they are invested in joining the mothers and others at Mothers Out Front in protecting our kids and ensuring that they have a livable climate. Now we need Governor Hochul, a mother, Speaker Heastie, a father, and the rest of Albany leadership to get on board and include the full NY Heat Act in the final state budget slated to come out on April 1.”

“I have many concerns about how not taking action will impact families.”

“Budgets are not just balance sheets that support our policy priorities, but they are values documents that reflect our communities’ collective values.”

ALBANY, NY (March 27, 2024) – Since the release of the One-House Budget Proposal, the mothers and others of Mothers Out Front New York have been advocating lawmakers to include the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) (S.2016-A/ A.4592-A) in the final state budget. The NY HEAT Act not only facilitates the state’s transition away from natural gas to cleaner and greener heating solutions, but it also invests in the future of our kids by ensuring cleaner air in our homes, schools and parks. The NY HEAT Act also produces financial benefits for the families of New York by ensuring they pay no more than 6% of their household income on energy bills and not burdening the poorest New Yorkers with funding new gas pipelines. 

“In the face of rising energy costs and worsening climate impacts, Mothers Out Front NY stands firm with the families of New York in our demand for immediate action to secure a livable future for all of our children. Our message to Albany leadership is clear: prioritize the well-being of families over utility profits by including the full NY HEAT Act in the final state budget. Every New Yorker deserves affordable energy and a healthy environment, and it’s time for our leaders to make that a reality. The Senate budget makes it clear that they are invested in joining the mothers and others at Mothers Out Front in protecting our kids and ensuring that they have a livable climate. Now we need Governor Hochul, a mother, Speaker Heastie, a father, and the rest of Albany leadership to get on board and include the full NY HEAT Act in the final state budget slated to come out on April 1,” said Bella Cockerell, NY State Manager with Mothers Out Front. 

“Budgets are not just balance sheets that support our policy priorities, but they are values documents that reflect our communities’ collective values. The health and wellbeing of our children and the urgency of the climate crisis are too dire to allow the Assembly to defer taking action,” said Nora Brown, New York Community Organizer with Mothers Out Front.

“Days ago I was in Albany lobbying for the very straightforward NY HEAT Act, which aims directly at the greenhouse gas emissions from heating our homes with fracked gas. Sitting with fellow mothers, others and earth protectors over lunch, I decided to look up the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Carl Heastie, on social media to learn more about why he might be stalling the vote on the NY HEAT Act. Instead Facebook sent me a photo from March 2017 of my kids playing in the snow. On the same day in 2024, Albany was warm enough that we all walked around in our Renewable Heat Now t-shirts. This illustrates the urgency of taking action now,” said Megan Dyer, a member of Mothers Out Front. “I have many concerns about how not taking action will impact families. As a child, I lived on a farm, and today I wonder how farmers will be able to grow food in an increasingly uncertain climate? With food prices already at an all time high already, how will families in frontline communities continue to manage when aberant weather patterns grow more extreme. We can no longer delay the passing of the NY HEAT Act.”

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Washington D.C. — Mothers Out Front and their staff, united through the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), Local 70 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), proudly announce the ratification of their inaugural collective bargaining agreement, solidifying their commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace.

The agreement, negotiated collaboratively between Mothers Out Front and NPEU, reflects a shared dedication to recognizing the value of employees and creating a positive work environment.

“The Mothers Out Front leadership team is committed to a just and equitable work environment where all of our employees feel valued, supported and respected,” said Beth Shipp, Executive Director of Mothers Out Front. “When we invest in our staff, we create a sense of community and belonging that lays an unshakable foundation to support our staff as they work with our member moms to ensure a livable climate for all children.”

Highlights of the three-year agreement include significant advancements in pay and compensation, including annual $2,000 pay increases, as well as job security measures, enhanced benefits, and a strengthened commitment to transparency and collaboration.

“This agreement sets a standard for fair and just workplace practices – creating an environment where everyone can thrive,” said Shira Rascoe, a member of the union bargaining committee. “When staff feel supported, they can be more effective in their work and Mothers Out Front can be even more successful as an organization working towards a sustainable and just future for all children. I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish by working together,” added Jamie Valdez, who also served on the union bargaining committee.

Amy Chin Lai, NPEU President, emphasized, “Our partnership with Mothers Out Front has produced an agreement that prioritizes the well-being of the staff. We are excited about the positive impact this contract will have on job security, compensation, and the overall workplace experience for our union members as they work to mobilize thousands in communities across the country.”

Mothers Out Front and NPEU look forward to implementing these progressive measures, setting an example for other organizations in prioritizing the well-being and job satisfaction of their employees. This agreement marks a significant step towards creating a workplace that aligns with the values of both Mothers Out Front and the NPEU.

About Nonprofit Professional Employees Union:

The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, represents employees at over fifty nonprofit organizations, including Food and Water Watch, the Brookings Institution, and Action Squared. With over a thousand members, NPEU gives nonprofit workers a voice to strengthen their workplaces and continue to do work that makes a difference in people’s lives.

About Mothers Out Front:

Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive.