Who better to listen to now, to turn to for inspiration and guidance, than the very people who have taken on powerful interests to fight for their freedoms — and actually figured out a way to beat the bully?  

Below are ten key lessons I’ve picked up from our brave and strategic grantees over the years. I hope you find these lessons helpful, whether you are organizing to challenge an injustice close to home, are involved in impact litigation yourself, or are simply in need of some inspiration in these trying times.  

A class action in Missouri challenged the state alleging it unlawfully deprived children in foster care of their liberty interest by failing to provide adequate oversight in the administration of powerful psychotropic medications. It took courage for Khi, a young child at the time, to stand up to state actors who were in a position to continue to abuse her. Fortunately, Kris was determined to stand up for Khi. While not a relative or in any way legally responsible for Khi’s health and safety, Kris took professional and legal risks to protect Khi. Belittled, gaslit, and threatened, they persisted. They stood up together and prevailed. This is their story…

For many, Hawaiʻi means a vacation filled with relaxation, pristine warm beaches, and an escape from the stress of our daily lives; a time to enjoy all the beauty the islands have to offer. But for those who live in Hawaiʻi, there is no denying the realities of how climate change is affecting the islands and changing the environmental landscape. These changes motivated thirteen youth from across the Hawaiian Islands to act and hold their government accountable for actively contributing to the climate crisis. With strong constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as their desire to protect their lives and the islands that they love, the youth plaintiffs were set up for success in the courts.