I recently took the Climate Listening Project across America with Moms Clean Air Force to meet with women who are working together to protect their families and communities. I listened to ordinary women—unsung heroes— confronting fossil fuel industries, climate change impacts, and a culture of extraction. These individuals are doing research, planting seeds of hope, and inspiring people across the country to share their stories, take action, and find solutions.

The first chapter in The Story We Want series is Persistence: The Power of People and Prayer. North Carolina moms Tracey and Caroline share their personal stories about the impact of coal ash in North Carolina and why these women became activists educating and uniting their community.

We visited eight states: California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. From oil and gas operations in southwest Pennsylvania to the disastrous natural gas blowout in California, from toxic coal ash ponds in North Carolina to sea level rise in south Florida, and the extensive fossil fuel infrastructure in Native American communities across New Mexico, the courageous moms featured share personal stories of the real-life impacts of pollution and climate change on their families. These American stories demonstrate the new day-to-day reality for many moms across the United States – women who are talking mom to mom, researching and sharing information, participating in events, educating and empowering youth, and holding their elected officials accountable.

There are more than 1,400 coal ash dump sites in communities across the United States. In 2014 the impact of coal ash in North Carolina became national news with the Dan River coal ash spill but communities have been impacted by coal ash and related health issues for decades – and these moms are tired of being poisoned for the profits of irresponsible fossil fuel companies.

The primary goal for the series is to connect audiences to inspirational women and parents across this country who challenge us all to join the chorus fighting for a better today and a healthy tomorrow.

Details: http://TheStoryWeWant.com

Press Kit: http://ClimateListeningProject.org/press

Take Action: http://MomsCleanAirForce.org