A mother’s job is never over. We don’t give up when things get hard or when they seem hopeless. Moms are tough. We work hard and we fight for our families and our communities. We don’t just hope for a good life for our kids - we actively work to build a better future for our children.

By Sarah Aswell | Missoula Current

As a comedian and community organizer, I do think there are places comedy shouldn’t go… But when it comes to talking politics, taking on sensitive topics, and making fun of our most terrifying current issues, comedy isn’t just okay, it’s imperative.

A critical part of building a livable future for all involves learning, unlearning, and confronting difficult truths about our past. It is only when we dispel our myths and take an honest, critical eye to our stories that we can authentically begin the work of reconciliation, reparation, rebuilding, and realizing a truly livable future for all.

We have gathered this (non-exhaustive) list of resources to help guide us on this journey of learning, unlearning, confronting, connecting, and taking action.

We at Families for a Livable Climate recognize the power of storytelling, and we also acknowledge how important it is to speak up about climate change. We know, despite widespread misinformation and attempts to divide and silence us, that there is actually vast support for climate action - we simply have to normalize it and mobilize those who are concerned.

What I’m realizing I want is NOT to have to do all the research and work and suffer the burden of making the more difficult but “right” choice - what I want is for the right choice to be the easy, accessible, and obvious choice. What I want is a system where workers are valued, water is kept clean, ecosystems are healthy, air is breathable, and our climate is stable, all inherently. I want a system that enriches rather than pollutes. I want a future that is livable for all.

We held our annual Climate Protector Ride last Saturday (9/17), and are feeling emboldened, empowered, and refreshed in our work to build a livable future for all.

When we are isolated and alone with our thoughts and fears (and doom scrolling) we are like a lonely rain droplet on the window, but joining together in public spaces in conversation and collective action, we have the potential to become a wave. Isolation and despair are the tools and messages of oppression, we reject them when we reach out and connect.

Black resilience, joy, and resistance are powerful, inspiring, and worthy of celebration. And, this celebration needs to be accompanied by real, sustainable, systemic change.

Thoughts and prayers are never enough when terror or disaster strikes, we need actual plans that steer us toward long term security. And when considering the work to keep our climate in the safe zone, how can we think about security without sustainability?