Children's Defense Fund

Join CDF August 2-8 on Martha’s Vineyard in support of child well-being!

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We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.

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2026 ELS Tour, Columbia, SC

CDF Executive Listening Sessions

Explore CDF Executive Listening Sessions and hear directly from children, youth, and families helping shape CDF’s child well-being priorities.

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Riggio-Lynch Chapel at Alex Haley Farm

CDF Haley Farm

Named for author and activist Alex Haley, CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, is a sacred and safe space for facilitating movement-building moments and training opportunities for prioritizing joy, pursuing justice, and promoting rest as resistance. Explore the rich history of Haley Farm and consider hosting your next event there!

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Ella Baker Trainer reading to crowd.

Become an Ella Baker Trainer

Serve as an Ella Baker Trainer (EBT) and help equip educators, advocates, and community leaders.

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Careers

Join our dedicated team of professionals who are committed to driving positive change.

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Recent News

  • For Our Children: The Conditions Our Children Inherit

    July 31, 2026 – As a new school year begins, children are returning to classrooms while facing growing challenges, from hunger and health care cuts to mental health needs and educational inequities. Explore why this moment calls for renewed commitment to every child’s well-being.…

  • CDF President, Baltimore Parents to Discuss ‘Are the Children Well?’ at CDF Freedom Schools® Town Hall

    July 27, 2026 – CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson is visiting CDF Freedom Schools sites nationwide this summer to discuss children’s mental health with parents.…

  • Education Equity

    2026 Long Beach Report

    July 23, 2026 – A decade of advocacy and partnership in Long Beach documents more than a decade of Children’s Defense Fund-California’s partnership with community leaders to advance education equity in Long Beach. Through stories, data, and advocacy tools, the report highlights community-led efforts to strengthen schools, promote equitable policies, and equip advocates with practical resources to drive change.…

  • New Public Charge Rule Threatens Children’s Access to Care and Essential Resources 

    July 23, 2026 – Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and free from unnecessary barriers to care. A new public charge rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), threatens that vision by creating new uncertainty for immigrant families and discouraging eligible children from accessing the resources they need to thrive. …

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Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

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Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site

At CDF Freedom Schools, we’re not just educating. We’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. We’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound. Find a CDF Freedom Schools site near you.

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Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

Dr. Starsky Wilson speaks into a microphone.

Subscribe to “For Our Children”

Sign up to receive the monthly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.

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For Our Children

CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, shares insights, challenges, and hopes for the future in “For Our Children.” Delve into a unique narrative that guides our mission, celebrates milestones, and navigates the journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Explore now for an inside connection to our vision—where the story of our commitment to children and youth unfolds.

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