Building the parent-led climate movement of love around the world, with Maya Mailer.

Picture this: a mother and her six-year-old daughter, dressed as a wind turbine, standing outside the headquarters of a major oil company. Around them, other parents and children hold colorful banners, their faces painted with determination and joy. This is not just a protest; it’s a celebration of hope, creativity, and love for the planet.

This is the kind of activism Maya Mailer, co-director of Our Kids’ Climate and co-founder of Mothers Rise Up, has spent years championing. Her mission? To build a global parent-led climate movement that acts from the fiercest place of all: love.

From Humanitarian to Climate Champion

Maya’s journey to climate activism wasn’t linear. She started her career working on human rights and humanitarian crises in places like South Sudan and refugee camps across the globe. Yet, even as she witnessed the devastating impacts of injustice, climate change felt like a distant issue. That changed the day her young children came home from school with pressing questions.

“Is the planet going to heat up so much that animals will die?” they asked.

For Maya, it was a lightbulb moment. She realized that all the progress she had fought for—peace, human rights, gender equality—was at risk of being undone by the climate crisis. Fueled by a sense of duty to protect her children’s future, she co-founded Mothers Rise Up, a UK-based movement dedicated to creative, family-centered climate activism.

A Movement of Everyday Heroes

Maya describes parents as "everyday heroes." They juggle sleepless nights and packed lunches, yet still find the energy to march, bake climate-themed cakes, and rally for change.

In one standout moment, Maya’s group organized a massive march in London, drawing thousands of first-time protesters. The event, filled with music, costumes, and joy, proved that activism could be as inclusive as it was impactful.

“It’s rooted in love, care, and community,” Maya said. “That’s what makes it so powerful.”

Scaling Love: Our Kids’ Climate

What started as local street protests has grown into a global movement. Today, Maya is co-director of Our Kids’ Climate, a network that supports parent-led climate groups in over 50 countries. Their work includes training activists, funding grassroots initiatives, and connecting clean air campaigns to the broader fight for climate justice.

One of their most inspiring programs is the Parent Fellowship, which provides stipends to activists—many of whom are women in the Global South—so they can dedicate themselves fully to the cause.

“Without funding, it’s not sustainable,” Maya explains. “Activism should be valued. It should be paid.”

Creative Activism: From Cakes to Campaigns

One of Maya’s favorite examples of creative activism is "caketivism." Parents and children bake cakes with renewable energy themes, sparking conversations about climate solutions. This quirky approach even landed some participants on primetime TV, spreading the message to millions.

But Maya’s favorite moments often involve her own children. One Halloween, her youngest dressed as a wind turbine to represent a clean energy future. It’s these small, symbolic actions, she says, that help make the climate movement relatable and fun.

Why Parents Are Perfect for the Job

Parents, Maya believes, are uniquely equipped to lead the fight against climate change. Their love for their children—and the desire to shield them from harm—is a powerful motivator.

Yet, Maya is careful not to place the burden of the climate crisis on young people. “We need to lift the burden off our children and step up as adults,” she says. “Kids should be kids. They shouldn’t have to carry this weight.”

The Path Forward: Activism as a Paid Profession

One of the biggest challenges in the climate movement is sustainability—both for the planet and for the people working to save it. Many mobilizers rely on volunteer work, which often leads to burnout.

Maya sees hope in solutions like HERO, a platform that provides climate mobilizers with a basic income. “Movements need resources to thrive,” she says. “Activism is indispensable, and it should be treated as such.”

Join the Movement

Maya’s story reminds us that love is a powerful force for change. Whether it’s marching in the streets, baking cakes, or simply starting conversations, parents around the world are proving that anyone can be a climate hero.

Want to get involved? Visit Our Kids’ Climate or Mothers Rise Up to learn how you can support their work.

As Maya puts it, “We’re building something universal, fierce, and beautiful—because love for our kids can change the world.”

Find out how you can directly fund 100+ verified climate mobilizers with a single subscription at www.herocircle.app. Join thousands of global citizens who care about protecting the planet for future generations.