Moviendo montañas
Arizona in Action
Our work is in full swing in Arizona and we couldn’t be more excited to share more about our Arizona focus!
Selina Barajas, Arizona Mountain Mamas program manager, is an active presence across the state! She’s rallying members and building membership through engaging events, partnerships, and meetings with critical decision makers and legislators. From holding art nights for public lands to bringing Mamas (and Papas) to the Arizona Public Lands Rally.
AZ Program Manager, Selina Barajas, and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
Health Care Professionals
At Mountain Mamas, we know that healthcare workers do more than care for individuals – they are champions for the well-being of entire communities and our planet. Their work is deeply connected to environmental health, and they witness firsthand how issues like air pollution, extreme heat, and resource scarcity impact public health.
That’s why Mountain Mamas proudly supports our Clean Energy Health Care Professionals Program – an initiative supporting healthcare professionals and families to advocate for clean energy solutions.
Colorado in Action
2025 Colorado Mountain Mamas Lobby Day
Fifteen Mamas attended our 2025 Colorado Mountain Mamas Lobby Day this year! We chatted with lawmakers and staff about legislation that will help make energy efficiency more accessible and affordable, lower emissions in the building sector and help utilities reach 100% renewable electricity by 2040 (bill not introduced). While it’s been a tough year in the climate space, these Mamas are showing up to fight for their kids’ futures.
Sustainability in Jeffco Public Schools
This month, students from elementary, middle and high school levels attended and testified at the Jeffco Public School Board meeting. It was an amazing and inspiring night that we won’t soon forget. Watch these incredible young activists use their voice as they ask the Board to formally adopt a Sustainability Policy to ensure their school district values and prioritizes their current health and future planet. Our testimony starts at 1:59:22- Jeffco Public Schools BoE Live Stream 4/10/2025.
Montana in Action
Mountain Mamas is honored to be part of a new report written by John Tubbs uncovering the staggering economic risks of transferring federally managed public lands to state control. Montana’s $8 Billion Gamble lays out the true cost of such efforts, from wildfire management to infrastructure needs, which would shift a massive burden onto Montana taxpayers.
As the conversation around land transfer gains traction in our state legislature, this report arms decision-makers and communities with facts—not fiction. It’s a critical tool in our fight to protect the public lands that define life in Montana and fuel our outdoor economy.
Check out more press coverage from Montana Right Now and the Helena Independent Record.
Montana Giving Days
Save the date and double your impact with special matching challenges!
Greater Helena Gives
April 30 at 8 PM – May 1 at 8 PM
All gifts matched up to $250
Give in Helena
Give Big Gallatin Valley
May 1 at 6 PM – May 2 at 6 PM
All gifts matched up to $500
Give in Gallatin Valley
Whether it’s clean air, wild places, or a livable future for our kids—Mountain Mamas show up. Mark your calendar and join us in making sure our voices echo loud and clear across Montana.
Legislative Sessions are in Full Swing
As we work to ensure a cleaner, healthier future, we are closely monitoring key legislative bills across Arizona, Colorado, and Montana that could significantly impact environmental policy and conservation efforts.
Colorado
In Colorado, we are advocating for several important bills aimed at reducing pollution and decarbonizing our economy. Notable legislation includes measures to strengthen the transmission grid for clean electricity (SB25-127, HB25-1292), enhance energy efficiency for families (HB25-1268, HB25-1096), and reduce emissions from the building sector. These efforts are part of a broader goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. However, we are also opposing a bill that would classify nuclear energy as “clean” energy, a move that could divert vital funding from renewable sources like wind and solar, while increasing electricity costs and creating long-term challenges with nuclear waste.
Montana
In Montana, we are concerned about several bills that could affect conservation funding and public lands. Senate Bill 307, which has passed out of committee, proposes cutting $20 million from Habitat Montana and $12.6 million from state parks and wildlife programs. This bill threatens outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, despite the state’s $1 billion budget surplus. Additionally, we are tracking LC 2912, which supports Utah’s attempt to seize control of over 18.5 million acres of Bureau of Land Management land—a move that could set a dangerous precedent for privatizing public lands. LC 2912 even claims federal land ownership in Montana is “unconstitutional,” undermining our state’s sovereignty.
Arizona
In Arizona, we are closely watching HB2679, which would grant utilities broad powers, potentially harming the environment, increasing costs for ratepayers, and undermining efforts for climate resilience. We are advocating for more balanced legislation that supports public health and sustainable energy policies.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive critical legislative updates and ways to engage.
Colorado in Action
Youth Lobby Days at the Colorado State Capitol
Mountain Mamas recently co-hosted an event with Denver Public Schools Students for Climate Action in February, to give legislators the perspective of students on the urgency of climate action and reducing air pollution in Colorado. We had great conversations with many legislators who appreciated hearing from young people about this issue. We had 7 students attend, along with 11 Mamas and were joined by several partner organizations, including Black Parents United Foundation, Moms Clean Air Force and GroundWork Denver. Our delegation left packets of letters from students and pictures drawn by students and was also featured in an article by the Denver Post!
Climate Lobby Day at the Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado team also participated in an engaging Climate Lobby Day earlier this month, driving critical visibility around climate impacts across Colorado. One of our engaged Mamas, Meg, shared the following reflection:
“Attending Lobby Day with Colorado Mountain Mamas at the state Capitol last year was inspirational for me! I had attended the Zoom training and felt somewhat prepared for what the day would bring, but the on-site training took it to another level. Very welcoming, relevant, and informative, and then heading to the Senate & House chambers was awe-inspiring! I met my state Senator in person (was star-struck, lol) who later connected me with my precinct chair, and I’ve been neck-deep in Colorado politics ever since. Thanks, Mountain Mamas – it’s great volunteering with you!” -Meg Reed
Montana in Action
Rally for Public Lands
Mountain Mamas was one of the organizers of this year’s Rally for Public Lands at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda. Speakers included two Mountain Mamas: Hilary Hutcheson and Shalon Hastings. You can read a recent op-ed penned by them and fellow rally speakers at the Crónica diaria de Bozeman.
“Gathering in the Capitol Rotunda on Feb. 19 with 1,000 of my fellow Montanans made me realize how important our work is. From all corners of the state, from all walks of life, from grandparents to tiny babies, everyone there is united by their love of public lands and our fierce desire to protect these treasured places that make Montana home.” Erin Benedict, Mountain Mamas Montana State Director.
Check out more press coverage from the Climate Advocacy Rally held earlier this year and a Bozeman Daily Chronicle Op-Ed featuring Montana State Director, Erin Benedict.
Rally for Public Lands in Montana
Mountain Mamas was proud to serve as an Event Organizer for Montana’s Rally for Public Lands on Wednesday, February 19th!
Hundreds of Montanans gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda in Helena for the Rally for Public Lands. The event featured speakers such as Hilary Hutcheson, Ryan Callaghan, and Dr. Shane Doyle, who emphasized the urgent need to protect public access to lands threatened by corporate interests and legislative proposals. The rally underscored the collective commitment of Montanans to preserve their public lands and outdoor heritage.
Legislative Sessions are in Full Swing
Our teams across Colorado, Montana and Arizona are busy rallying, advocating, and engaging in their respective legislative sessions. Stay tuned for more updates next month including bills we’re keeping an eye on, ways to engage, and front-line updates from our team.
Sostenibilidad en las escuelas
Take a Deep Dive into One of Our Newest Programs: Sustainability in Schools
Imagine a world where every school is powered by clean energy, transportation is electric, and the local community is working together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our children. This is the vision of Sustainability in Schools, one of Mountain Mamas newest initiatives piloted in Jefferson County, Colorado last year.
Through Sustainability in Schools, we work directly with school districts and communities to support school sustainability by:
- Bringing communities together to support school sustainability efforts
- Creating opportunities for Local Mamas advocate for schools to transition to clean energy and transportation
- Connecting schools with the resources and expertise they need to implement these changes faster and more effectively
First-hand Account of Sustainability in Schools in Colorado
We recently had the chance the sit down with Pam Martien-Koch, a fierce champion and volunteer with our Sustainability in Schools program in Jefferson County, CO.
Why does the “Sustainability in Schools” program matter? Why now?
It holds significant importance because we’re at a pivotal moment in the climate crisis, where my child, along with many others, is increasingly impacted both in the classroom and beyond by climate-related challenges. When classrooms close due to extreme heat or snow, students lose valuable learning time, and this comes at a time when academic performance is still suffering from the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic.
What excites you about future growth and expansion of the program across all Mountain Mamas territories (CO, AZ, and MT)?
Witnessing the impact a dedicated group can have in supporting our schools is a powerful reminder of the strength of grassroots movements. In our group, we didn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, we listened to those who had paved the way before us. We then leveraged our collective and diverse expertise to drive change swiftly. No single role was more important than another. I hope this demonstrates that by asking for and truly listening to all voices, we can create a model for change.
Students & Parents Gather in Jefferson County, CO
Hear from Sara Kuntzler, Colorado State Director, about a recent event hosted as part of our Sustainability in Schools program in Colorado. Over 50 parents and students that are part of the Jeffco Student and Parents for Climate Action Group joined Mountain Mamas for a screening of “Beyond Zero,” a film focused on a corporation that went net zero.
Our Executive Director is Headed to the Montana State Legislature.
Not only did our Executive Director Becky Edwards RUN for office; she WON big with 71% of the vote in Montana’s House District 61.
Living into our value of seating Mamas at the table where decisions are made, Becky pounded the pavement and knocked on doors throughout her district all this year to meet people and talk about what matters to them.
Our team will be holding down the fort while Becky is in Helena through the early part of 2025, and we’ll definitely be keeping tabs on what she and her fellow legislators are up to!
Climate Advocacy Day in Montana
Mountain Mamas was proud to participate once again in this year’s Climate Advocacy Day on January 24th!
Hosted during the Montana Legislative Session, Climate Advocacy Day is an event where Montanans from across the state gather to raise their voices about climate. Families for a Livable Climate lead a coalition of over a dozen organizations to make this day possible and provide a platform for stories, solutions and advocacy.
Year-End Fundraising Success
The Mountain Mamas team is laser-focused on a strategic goal of strengthening and diversifying our funding base over the next few years. In addition to our annual membership drive, we recently began implementing a comprehensive year-end fundraising campaign across each of our key states. We are excited to celebrate the 2024 year-end fundraising campaign success, made possible by our incredible donors, like you:
- Exceeded a $2,500 matching challenge – our first ever!
- Doubled contributions received as part of Colorado Gives, a statewide giving campaign.
- Pop-up giving days at Kendra Scott locations in Arizona and Colorado exceeded expectations and brought in nearly $2,000!
- Critical foundation funders renewed and increased their giving commitment, ensuring a robust start to 2025.
Thank you for believing in our mission, our work, and our team! Your support keeps us moving forward.
New Mountain Mamas Team Members!
As a nimble and driven organization, our strategic growth plans have opened up new opportunities to expand our team – and our capacity! We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome two new members to the Mountain Mamas team over the last months.
Meet Kristina Klaas
Development Director
Kristina joined Mountain Mamas earlier this year in a consulting capacity and we’re excited to welcome her into a newly-created role, Development Director. Based near Livingston, MT, Kristina is a seasoned fundraising and communications professional dedicated to empowering women and children and helping our world achieve a just future. If you have a question about your giving with Mountain Mamas, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristina at [email protected].
Meet Selina Barajas
Gerente del programa de Arizona
In mid-September, Selina Barajas joined our team in a new role as Arizona Program Manager! Selina is a fourth-generation Tucsonan deeply committed to environmental justice, working to ensure that historically disadvantaged groups have equitable access to healthy environments and green spaces.
Hear from Selina on the exciting opportunities ahead in Arizona!
Durante los primeros años de existencia de Mountain Mamas, nos centramos exclusivamente en organizar, educar e inspirar a las mujeres (en particular, a las mamás) para que defendieran nuestras tierras públicas, el clima y la calidad de vida saludable al aire libre. Gracias al apoyo de algunas fundaciones que nos dieron el espacio necesario para desarrollar un grupo de “mamás” diversas antes de incorporar la recaudación de fondos y la membresía a nivel de donantes, en los últimos años hemos ido incorporando lentamente inversiones financieras de fundaciones adicionales, cuotas de membresía general y patrocinadores visionarios que hicieron grandes donaciones.
Bienvenido a Moving Mountains, una sección dedicada de nuestro sitio web para conectarnos con ustedes, nuestros campeones.
Publicaremos blogs, videos, encuestas e infografías desde “detrás de escena” en Mountain Mamas. A medida que desarrollemos nuestros programas innovadores e impactantes, como Sustainability in Schools, Mamas Rural y más, usted será el primero en enterarse. Es posible que le hagamos una o dos preguntas para ayudar a guiar nuestra estrategia. Y no solo escuchará a Becky, nos gustaría presentarle a todo nuestro equipo de apasionados creadores de cambios.
Si estás leyendo esto, eres un colaborador muy especial de Mountain Mamas y estamos increíblemente agradecidos de que estés aquí. Valoramos tus aportes, tus ideas, tu orientación y queríamos crear un canal de comunicación a través del cual podamos brindarte actualizaciones de lo que ocurre detrás de escena en Mountain Mamas.
Contamos con un plan bien pensado y escalable para aumentar nuestro apoyo financiero y ejecutar nuestro plan estratégico de diez años, que incluye el crecimiento en la mayoría de los estados montañosos del oeste. A mediados de septiembre, nuestra nueva gerente de programas de Arizona, Selina Barajas, se unió a nuestro equipo. Ahora tenemos capítulos en Montana, Colorado y Arizona. Gracias a USTED, estamos en camino de garantizar que las mamás tengan un lugar en la mesa donde se toman decisiones sobre nuestra calidad de vida al aire libre.
Check back often! We’ll also send you monthly email bumps to visit the website and find out what’s new. We value your expertise, your investment, and your belief in us.
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