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mission
Standing for Nature is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a fundamental shift in environmental protection: the recognition and defense of nature’s inherent legal rights. We empower communities and ecosystems by championing laws that grant legal standing to natural entities like rivers and watersheds, ensuring they have a voice in court. Our work encompasses comprehensive education on the transformative power of these “Rights of Nature” laws, alongside strategic legal defense of groundbreaking initiatives that codify them. By fostering a deeper understanding and actively safeguarding these critical legal frameworks, we strive to secure a future where healthy, thriving ecosystems are not just a hope, but a legal reality for all.
our story
Standing for Nature is formerly the Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI). What started off as two friends having lengthy discussions about the “rights of nature,” and the realities of something like that happening in Washington state, turned into legal defense of a rights of nature law in Everett, WA, and the explosion of interest in the community protection of watersheds around the country.
our leadership
Abi Ludwig
Abi brings a unique combination of professional expertise and civic dedication to her political work. She spent a decade in public health research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where she contributed to critical initiatives that inform public policy and community well-being. Her career also includes a successful tenure as a state employee at the University of Washington, where she developed and managed institutional IT systems, showcasing her leadership and adaptability in complex organizational settings.
During her twenty years in Seattle, Abi was deeply involved in civic activism, volunteering tirelessly on various city and state initiatives. She played a key role in advocating for the reform of historically ill conceived cannabis laws, demonstrating her ability to navigate challenging policy landscapes and unite diverse stakeholders.
Since relocating to Olympia in 2018, Abi has continued her commitment to community service, focusing on nature education, preservation, and local civic initiatives. With her rich professional background, grassroots advocacy experience, and passion for public service, Abi is well-equipped to drive meaningful change in the political sphere. She now enjoys balancing her work with the serenity of her property along the Deschutes River.
Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine
Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine is a licensed attorney living on Anderson Island in the south Puget Sound. Rachel graduated from the Evergreen State College in ’97 and the University of Washington School of Law in ’03, and spent most of her professional career working in national drug policy reform, corporate and regulatory cannabis law, and federal cannabis policy. She also owned and consulted various businesses in the cannabis and cannabis wellness industries.
After working extensively to create and navigate a highly disruptive industry, Rachel is now focused on bold initiatives to inspire humans to appreciate the profound connection they share with the earth.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys art, music, gardening, and walking her dogs in the various parks on the island. She assists her husband with his gourmet and functional mushroom business, Moontime Mushroom Co.
Holly James
Holly James is a long-time resident of Everett, and has been very active in her neighborhood and larger community throughout that time.
Holly established the native garden in the Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park, and continues being the prime steward for the park.
In her free time, Holly takes time to care for others, keep in touch with her daughter, and go on long walks around the neighborhood she loves with her furry companions, Odie and Stella.