Our Mission
Kids Art for Climate Justice is a mother-daughter founded organization dedicated to making a positive impact for climate and social justice. We are registered as a Washington state nonprofit corporation as of early 2026 (UBI Number: 606 067 150).
Our Mission: To build community and empower youth to feel individually and collaboratively active in their convictions for our planet’s healing, serving as stewards for reforesting our earth.
Feeling part of a community, having a sense of belonging, and active engagement are necessary for our children’s vitality, pride, hope, and resilience.
Our Cumulative Impact – Kids can make a difference!
Our community-wide collaborative art projects have raised and donated $6,300 in total to global and regional environmental efforts.
- Our Current Campaign ($10,000 Goal): Our nationwide Giving Tree Project helps communities offset their carbon footprint.
- Early 2026 ($1,200 Donated): Funded local tree planting initiatives right here in Whatcom County through the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA).
- Earth Day 2024 & 2025 ($900 Donated): Over 150 kids in Bellingham, WA created our first large-scale collaborative sculpture, planting 900 trees via One Tree Planted.
- Earth Day 2022 & 2023 ($3,500 Donated): Funded grassroots ecosystems and frontline communities, split between: The Rainforest Action Network: Protecting and preserving critical rainforest ecosystems and Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA): Supporting regional women leaders to build clean water wells and essential community resources.
The Giving Tree Campaign
Our campaign is a nationwide initiative—piloted in Bellingham, WA—designed to help schools and businesses offset their carbon footprint.
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- How It Works: We invite schools, community groups, and local businesses to partner with us by pledging a minimum donation of $50.
- 100% Direct Impact: We collaborate with One Tree Planted, where every single dollar donated plants one tree. Because of this, 100% of the funds raised from participating businesses and schools goes straight into global reforestation efforts.
- Show Your Support: Partnering organizations receive a certificate to display, showcasing their commitment to climate justice.
- Our Progress: As of October 2026, this current campaign has already raised and donated $700 toward global tree planting!
- Giving Trees: Beautiful wooden sculptures that youth have collaboratively created and are on display at various locals. You can make one in your community. Check out our project page to learn more.
Annual National Poetry Contest – $100 Prize!
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Submissions are officially open for the Kids Art for Climate Justice national youth poetry contest! This free competition invites students to blend literary artistry with real-world advocacy by writing about the natural world, climate justice, and social justice.
- Eligibility: Youth ages 6 to 21
- Submission Deadline: March 1, 2027
- Guidelines: Submit 1 to 3 original, unpublished poems
- Prizes & Recognition: The 1st place winner receives a $100 prize. All qualifying entries will be displayed in an online gallery, with options for winners to feature video or audio recordings of their readings.
- Global Impact: One-third of all gross proceeds raised through poetry events and exhibits goes directly toward planting trees.
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Submissions will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of literary experts, including a State Poet Laureate and an International Poetry Slam Winner. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2027, just ahead of Earth Day.
Get Involved & Make an Impact
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- Submit Your Work: Share your art or poetry to be featured in our online gallery and local pop-up exhibits that inspire our community and fund global justice organizations. Submit Your Work Here!
- Donate to Our Mission: Help us keep these youth programs running. One-third (33%) of all gross profits from our merchandise, programs, and art sales goes directly to planting trees.
- Business & School Partners: Show your commitment to the planet. 100% of all money donated by participating schools and businesses goes straight into global reforestation.
Contact Us & Join the Movement Today!
About Us
Jade Terriss Talamo
When Jade Terriss Talamo was eight, she asked her mother, Samantha Terriss, how they could help the earth. That spark of an idea grew into Kids Art for Climate Justice—a project deeply close to their hearts. Today, they are grateful to the amazing network of children, parents, and artist mentors who bring this project to life.
Now a 10th grader, Jade is a passionate creator who loves spending time with friends and family. She is the 2025 Washington State Poetry Out Loud Winner, a Stella Adler Teen Conservatory alum, and the author of the poetry collection, (W)hole, which explores healing and accountability and how the smallest fragments of our world are mirrored in the grand scheme of life.
Samantha Nadia Terriss
Samantha Nadia Terriss is a dedicated somatic practitioner, counselor, and educator bridging creative expression with trauma-informed, embodied therapeutic work. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts and Peace and Conflict Resolution and an MA in Somatic Counseling. She has advanced training in Mediation and Parent Coaching, alongside certifications in Cranial Sacral Therapy, the Feldenkrais Method (Body-Mind-Studies®), and Somatic Experiencing® for trauma resolution.
Samantha’s global experience includes working as a clinician in various clinics, supporting young children at an orphanage in the Ukraine, and facilitating somatic groups abroad. Passionate about empowering youth, she uses her background in theatre to help young people build confidence, find their creative voice, and become skillful communicators. Co-founding Kids Art for Climate Justice with her daughter continues to be one of the most fulfilling creative ventures of her life.