Mothers Out Front was founded in January 2013 by Kelsey Wirth and Vanessa Rule, two mothers who recognized the power of raising mothers’ voices in the climate movement. Motivated by the urgent need to protect their children from the climate crisis, they realized that no force is stronger than a mother’s desire to ensure her children’s future. Within just three months, they hosted 23 house parties across 9 towns in Massachusetts, connecting with mothers who shared their concerns and passion for change.
Their vision became reality in July 2013, when their kick-off event launched the founding teams, which quickly began organizing local and state-level campaigns. Since then, Mothers Out Front has grown from a small group in Massachusetts to a powerful, national movement with over 35,000 mothers in 40 teams across 5 states.
At the heart of our mission is climate justice—where mothers, caregivers, and allies, across race, class, and generations, come together to hold those in power accountable. We advocate for structural changes that not only slow climate change but also advance justice for those most impacted.
Our campaigns, from clean energy transitions to protecting vulnerable communities, are driven by the understanding that when mothers act together, we can transform systems and create a sustainable future for all children.
Join us in this vital fight for a just and livable climate—because when mothers rise, the world changes.
Vision for the Future
Our vision is that future generations enjoy just access to a healthy environment.
Mothers on a Mission
We organize mothers to ensure a healthy climate for all children by transforming unjust systems.
MOF Values
Inclusive
We recognize, respect, and embrace the diversity of lived experiences in our communities and value the different perspectives brought to our collective work. We commit to learning, unlearning, and relearning together so that we continue to create communities of belonging and acceptance where people can show up as their authentic selves and organize in ways that prioritize those most impacted by climate change in our communities.
Community
We believe that the mothers and all people who organize at Mothers Out Front should experience joy and a sense of belonging as they engage in liberation work around our shared values and concerns for our children and their future. We commit to supporting each other and showing up with authenticity and vulnerability as we work to create sustainable and more just climate and social systems.
Power
We know that when we recognize, sharpen, share, and leverage power, we can create transformational and lasting change for those most impacted in our communities. By resourcing and investing in individuals and building and amplifying our collective power, we support our mothers and their communities in self-determining our shared future.
Impact
We believe that impact is grounded in transformative justice and actions that lead to long-lasting, meaningful, and measurable change. We commit to making an impact by strengthening people’s relationship with their community and supporting their collective action so our communities achieve the changes, big and small, that they want to see in advancing climate justice.
Sustainability
In order to accomplish our mission, we must focus on the longevity of our organization and the well-being of our members, staff, and communities. We commit to understanding the needs of our people, being restorative and not extractive, and creating systems, processes, and campaigns that allow us to thrive, not just survive.