CDF: Proposed Head Start Overhaul Will Threaten the Well-Being of Millions of America’s Children
The national youth advocacy organization warns that scaling back the 61-year-old program will harm low-income children and families nationwide.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, DC–The national youth advocacy organization, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), urges federal leaders to preserve and protect the landmark early learning and health services program, Head Start.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration introduced a proposal that would have devastating impacts to the Head Start Program. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the federal register, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposes stripping away most of the quality standards that define what children and families actually receive, including the requirements that ensure children are safe and supported, that hold programs accountable to the families they serve, and that guarantee the comprehensive services children need to arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
Read Here: The Trump administration’s proposed changes to Head Start
Since 1965, Head Start has supported over 40 million children and families across the United States. The federally funded program prepares children from low-income households, from infancy through age 5, for school by providing comprehensive services that support early learning, health, and family well-being.
Read Here: Our joint letter on how Head Start proposal could harm America’s youth
CDF and its partners, EdTrust, Legal Defense Fund, NAACP, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Urban League, The Arc, and UnidosUS detailed in a joint letter the impact scaling back Head Start could have on low-income households across the country.
Following the proposal’s announcement, CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson released the following statement regarding the threat this proposal poses to the well-being of America’s children:
“At Children’s Defense Fund, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. For more than six decades, Head Start has made that promise real for millions of children across our nation. That’s why we are greatly disappointed that the President and his administration are seeking to overhaul this effective program and undermine an approach that has worked for children for generations.
“In the face of repeated attacks by the Trump administration, CDF has worked to preserve and protect Head Start because it upholds the same ideals we value as an organization — that children learn best when their physical health, emotional well-being, family stability, and education are supported together.
“It must be noted that Head Start has made an impact in America not only as an education program, but as an anti-poverty strategy that strengthens children and communities at the same time. If we can reduce the early barriers created by poverty, discrimination, and unequal access, addressing these disparities before children ever enter a school building, young people and our country, as a whole, will benefit.
“We urge the President and his administration to reverse course on this proposal and work to strengthen Head Start, rather than weaken it, for the sake of all Americans.”
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
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.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
BALTIMORE, MD—On Monday, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the national youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), will visit Baltimore to hear directly from children and families about the mental health challenges they face, and the solutions they envision.
During his visit, Wilson will meet with parents, caregivers, and students at the Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School, home to The Y in Central Maryland’s Baltimore CDF Freedom Schools® site. Through this local partnership, the program helps children and young people across the Baltimore area build literacy, leadership, and social-emotional skills while preventing summer learning loss.
Monday’s event is part of a multi-state listening tour designed to inform CDF’s advocacy for children and empower parents, caregivers, and young people to drive positive change in their communities. Dr. Wilson has already participated in town halls in Charlotte, Chicago, Little Rock, and Oakland. CDF has held executive listening sessions with families at CDF Freedom Schools since 2022 across 13 states.
What: CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall
Who: CDF Freedom Schools Scholars & CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
When: CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall: 3pm to 4pm EST
Where: The Y in Central Maryland | Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School | 507 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201
At previous stops, parents, caregivers, and youth have shared what is working and failing in their communities as they strive to raise children with dignity, hope, and joy. By mapping out local barriers and pathways to change, participants are directly fueling the national movement for child well-being.
This year, CDF has focused on asking “Are the Children Well?” to advance discussions on the mental health and social-emotional wellness of America’s young people. This initiative has taken on heightened urgency as communities nationwide begin facing the impact of Congress’ decision, last year, to cut healthcare and nutrition spending in America.
Reporters are invited to join Dr. Wilson and The Y in Central Maryland scholars at 3:00 p.m. EST for the CDF Freedom Schools Town Hall meeting.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. Founded in 1973, CDF envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
July 21, 2026 – Event to feature community-led solutions and practical tools for building lasting political influence and systemic change.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
LONG BEACH, CA—On Thursday, Children’s Defense Fund-California, the local arm of the national child advocacy organization, will release a new report examining and outlining strategies to improve the well-being of Long Beach youth.
The report “Rooted in Community, Rising Together: A Decade of Advocacy and Partnership in Long Beach” aims to serve as a blueprint for residents in Long Beach, and across Southern California, on how to achieve systemic reform to improve the well-being of youth. It demonstrates how stakeholders can build political influence and lasting community power through the usage of practical tools, like public records requests and public testimony, among other things.
CDF-CA will publicly release the report at a community gathering at Georgia’s Restaurant in the Long Beach Exchange. It will host a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, community partners, local families, and youth from Civility Development Inc.’s Long Beach-based CDF Freedom Schools® site to discuss the findings of the report and pathways to building a stronger future for local families.
What: Long Beach Report Launch & Community Gathering
Who: Children’s Defense Fund-California
Where: Georgia’s Restaurant | 4101 McGowen St., Long Beach, CA 90808
When: Thursday, July 23, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST
“We’re hosting this event because the work documented in the report was never ours alone. It was built by the community, and this gathering is an opportunity to honor that history, celebrate what has been achieved, and recommit collectively to what still needs to be done,” said CDF-CA Policy Associate Ryan Bell. “At a time when public investment in children and families continues to face pressure at every level, Long Beach stands as a model of what community driven advocacy can produce, and this event is a chance to share that story with a broader audience.”
Learn More: Long Beach Report Launch & Community Gathering
The report, which features testimony from Long Beach residents and parents, explores how community-led advocacy can drive change and how organizational partnerships can amplify the impact of changemakers. CDF-CA presents this report following a decade of working with local leaders to advance education equity, disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, and strengthen grassroots advocacy in the city.
“This gathering will include a broad table of perspective, reflecting the wide range of people who have been part of this work and whose voices are represented in the report itself,” said CDF-CA State Director Jaren Sorkow. “Our goal is for attendees to be informed about what has been accomplished in Long Beach and energized about what comes next.”
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ABOUT CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org
July 21, 2026 – The bipartisan legislation would establish a permanent pathway to citizenship, grant conditional residency to Dreamers, and protect TPS and DED beneficiaries from deportation.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
AUSTIN, TX—Children’s Defense Fund and Children’s Defense Fund-Texas urge members of Congress to pass the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act.
The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) would provide a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers,” immigrants brought to the United States as children. It offers several protections for young people and their families, including:
- Granting eligible Dreamers conditional permanent residence for 10 years and canceling their removal proceedings;
- Providing a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers by granting them full Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status;
- Providing individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) with LPR status; and
- Protecting Dreamers and individuals with TPS or DED during their application for relief under the American Dream and Promise Act”
“It has never been more urgent to create pathways to citizenship to prevent family separations, detention, deportation, and the chronic stress and trauma of constantly fearing having one’s childhood and family uprooted,” said CDF-TX Senior Administrator of Policy and Advocacy Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq.
Read the Legislation: The American Dream and Promise Act
Children’s Defense Fund believes all young people deserve to grow up feeling a sense of safety and belonging in their families and communities; the American Dream and Promise Act moves us closer to this goal by creating pathways to citizenship that keep mixed-status families together and allow millions of immigrant parents and young people to pursue further education, work, and raise their families without fear of future deportation. This legislation can also help alleviate the trauma that families often experience when their loved ones are unjustly deported.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed the Trump administration to proceed with terminating TPS for more than 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, a move that clears the way for nearly 1.3 million TPS holders across the country—including the parents of more than 260,000 U.S. citizen children—to potentially lose their lawful status and work authorization, placing them and their families at risk of hunger, housing instability, family separation, or deportation to countries where their lives are at risk. Roughly 300,000 U.S.-born children have at least one parent protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protected more than 495,000 Dreamers in the United States from deportation as of December 2025. DACA provides no permanent pathway to citizenship, recipients face mounting delays in renewing their required work permits, and DACA only covers a small fraction of the estimated population of as many as 3.6 million Dreamers who live in the United States. The program excludes anyone who is too young to have entered the U.S. by June 15, 2007.
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| Instagram: | @childdefender1973 |
| Facebook: | @childrensdefensefund |
| X/Twitter: | @ChildDefender |
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
July 15, 2026 – Under the theme, ‘Are the Children Well?’, more than 500 local school-aged children will raise their voices to advocate for the mental health resources essential to their success.
Media Contact: Jaren Sorkow, jsorkow@childrensdefense.org, CDF-CA State Director, 510-882-1742 (On-site Contact)
John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
SAN FRANCISCO, CA– On Thursday, July 16, CDF Freedom Schools scholars from across the Bay Area and Sacramento will participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
This annual event, organized by the national child and youth advocacy organization, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), empowers CDF Freedom Schools scholars to lead collective action projects in their local communities. The CDF Freedom Schools program provides K–12 students and their families with summer enrichment rooted in a research-backed, culturally responsive curriculum that fosters academic success in more than 180 partner sites nationwide in 26 states, including Washington, D.C. By organizing and mobilizing, these scholars raise awareness about the critical issues directly impacting their lives and futures.
This year, CDF Freedom Schools scholars are observing the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) under the theme, “Are the Children Well?,” to highlight the critical importance of mental health and social-emotional wellness among youth. The Chase Center event, which is sponsored by the Golden State Community Foundation and the Golden State Valkyries, will feature a day of advocacy and engagement, opening with Harambee, a high-energy tradition of cheers, chants, and collective spirit, followed by discussions with special guests, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown.
The Golden State Community Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Golden State Warriors and the Golden State Valkyries. Established in 2012, it works to expand educational opportunities and support young people throughout the Bay Area. Through grants, partnerships, and community initiatives, the foundation invests in students, schools, and local organizations to help build stronger, more equitable communities.
WHAT: National Day of Social Action
WHERE: Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Special Guests: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, and other CA Youth Advocates
This year’s NDSA takes place at a critical moment. Public schools have traditionally been the most accessible sites for students to receive essential services, including counseling, therapy, nutrition, and health screenings. However, these programs face growing pressure. Funding cuts to public schools and important basic needs programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, threaten to disproportionately affect young people living with disabilities as well as those in low-income families and rural areas.
NDSA 2023: Northern California CDF Freedom Schools Scholars Participate in NDSA at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center
“The mental health and social-emotional wellness of children and young people across California must be a chief concern for state leaders in Sacramento,” said CDF-California State Director Jaren Sorkow. “Over the last several years, we have seen that when our scholars unite and amplify each other’s voices on issues that directly affect their lives, they become powerful drivers of meaningful change in their communities.”
Local CDF Freedom Schools sites participating in this year’s NDSA will include Lincoln (Oakland), the West Contra Costa Public Education Fund and Easter Hill United Methodist Church (Richmond), the Roberts Family Development Center (Sacramento), and the African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative and Booker T. Washington Community Service Center (San Francisco).
CDF-CA would like to thank the Golden State Community Foundation for sponsoring the event. CDF-CA also extends gratitude to the 49ers Foundation for its generous contribution to this year’s NDSA.
*Journalists interested in covering the National Day of Social Action at the Chase Center should contact CDF Media Relations Manager John Henry at 708-646-7679 or JHenry@childrensdefense.org to RSVP.
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ABOUT CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Golden State Community Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Golden State Warriors and the Golden State Valkyries. Established in 2012, it works to expand educational opportunities and support young people throughout the Bay Area. Through grants, partnerships, and community initiatives, the foundation invests in students, schools, and local organizations to help build stronger, more equitable communities.
July 14, 2026 – Under the theme, ‘Are the Children Well?’, hundreds of local school-aged children will raise their voices to advocate for the mental health resources essential to their success.
Media Contact: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, yimanimcmorrin@childrensdefense.org, CDF-CA Education Equity Dir., 424-326-3824 (onsite); John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
LOS ANGELES, CA– On Wednesday, July 15, CDF Freedom Schools scholars from across Southern California will participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) at the SEED School of Los Angeles in South Los Angeles.
This annual event, organized by the national child and youth advocacy organization, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), empowers CDF Freedom Schools scholars to lead collective action projects in their local communities. The CDF Freedom Schools program provides K–12 students and their families with summer enrichment rooted in a research-backed, culturally responsive curriculum that fosters academic success in more than 180 partner sites nationwide in 26 states, including Washington, D.C. By organizing and mobilizing, these scholars raise awareness about the critical issues directly impacting their lives and futures.
This year, CDF Freedom Schools scholars are observing the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) under the theme, “Are the Children Well?,” to highlight the critical importance of mental health and social-emotional wellness among young people. The event will feature a day of advocacy and engagement, opening with Harambee, a high-energy tradition of cheers, chants, and collective spirit, followed by activities, guest speakers, and discussions with elected officials focused on supporting children’s emotional well-being.
WHAT: National Day of Social Action
WHO: Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA)
WHERE: SEED LA| 8400 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15 | 10:00am to 1:00pm PST
This year’s NDSA takes place at a critical moment. Public schools have traditionally been the most accessible sites for students to receive essential services, including counseling, therapy, nutrition, and health screenings. However, these programs face growing pressure and constraints. Funding cuts to public schools and important basic needs programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, threaten to disproportionately affect children and young people living with disabilities as well as those in low-income families and rural areas.
“The mental health and social-emotional wellness of children and young people across California must be a chief concern for state leaders in Sacramento,” said CDF-California State Director Jaren Sorkow. “Over the last several years, we have seen that when our scholars unite and amplify each other’s voices on issues that directly affect their lives, they become powerful drivers of meaningful change in their communities.”
Local CDF Freedom Schools sites participating in this year’s NDSA will include Civility Development Inc. (Long Beach), The Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment – Community Coalition, Girls Club of Los Angeles – Faith Children’s Center, and Read Lead – McCarty Memorial Christian Church (Los Angeles), and the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences – Equity and Justice Institute (Santa Monica).
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| Bluesky: | @cdf1973.bsky.social |
ABOUT CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org
July 13, 2026 – Under the theme, ‘Are the Children Well?’, 300+ local school-aged children will raise their voices to advocate for the mental health resources essential to their success.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
COLUMBUS, OHIO– On Wednesday, July 15, more than 300 CDF Freedom Schools scholars from across Central and Northeast Ohio will participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
This annual event, organized by the national child and youth advocacy organization, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), empowers CDF Freedom Schools scholars to lead collective action projects in their local communities. The CDF Freedom Schools program provides students and their families with summer enrichment rooted in a research-backed, culturally responsive curriculum that fosters academic success in more than 180 partner sites nationwide in 26 states, including Washington, D.C.
For this year’s NDSA, Ohio CDF Freedom Schools scholars will highlight the importance of mental health and social-emotional wellness under the theme, “Are the Children Well?”. Families, educators, advocates, and public leaders will gather to hear directly from young people about how mental health challenges impact Ohio’s youth and families. The event will also feature a rally and resource fair designed to connect young people with essential mental health support and resources.
WHAT: National Day of Social Action Public Rally & Resource Fair 2026
WHO: Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-OH)
WHERE: Ohio Statehouse (West Lawn), 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1:15 p.m-3:15 p.m.
This year’s NDSA takes place at a critical moment. Public schools have traditionally been the most accessible sites for students to receive essential services, including counseling, therapy, nutrition, and health screenings. However, these programs face growing pressure. Funding cuts to public schools and important basic needs programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, threaten to disproportionately affect young people living with disabilities as well as those in low-income families and rural areas.
CDF-Ohio State Director Dr. John Stanford said this year’s NDSA theme reflects CDF’s belief that mental health and social-emotional wellness are building blocks for health and have a major impact on the ability of children and young people to thrive.
CDF-Ohio NDSA 2025: Central Ohio Students Learn About Civic Engagement at State Capitol
“For many students in Ohio, especially those in families struggling to make ends meet, students with disabilities, and those living in rural healthcare deserts, public schools are often the only source of essential services like counseling, therapy, and health screenings,” he said. “Unfortunately, ongoing funding challenges and resource shortages continue to strip these services away from the very campuses where Ohio students should be thriving. NDSA 2026 will serve as a space for our young people to share their experiences and demand the mental health resources they deserve throughout the Buckeye State.”
Local CDF Freedom Schools sites participating in this year’s NDSA will include Schealthness – Asbury North UMC and Community Development for All People- Siebert, of Columbus, the Southside Kingdom of Hope CDF Freedom School, of Pataskala, and the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, of Cleveland.
The CDF-Ohio National Day of Social Action is sponsored by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, the Marguerite Doughty Conrath Foundation and the Robert Weiler Company in partnership with the African American Male Wellness Agency, the Ohio Association of School Nurses, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, the Center of Science and Industry, and the Columbus Kids’ Book Bank, and the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.
*Journalists interested in covering CDF-Ohio’s National Day of Social Action are encouraged to contact Media Relations Manager John Henry at 708-646-7679 for more information.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
July 10, 2026 – This year’s theme, ‘BEGIN AGAIN! Roots, Sacred Rhetoric & Revolutionary Mothering,’ invites participants to reconnect with the moral traditions that prioritize the well-being of children and sustain justice.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
CLINTON, TN–From July 13-16, the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), will host its annual Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry at the historic Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee.
The convening, which will bring together more than 400 faith leaders and youth advocates from across the country, provides four days of inspiration, spiritual grounding, strategy, and training to strengthen the movement for children across the nation.
WHAT: Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
WHO: 400+ Faith Leaders, Youth Advocates
WHEN: July 13-16
WHERE: Alex Haley Farm, Clinton, TN
As children and families continue to navigate challenging times brought forth by this unprecedented time in American history, the Hall-Proctor Institute provides a space for advocates to recharge and gain the practical tools and advocacy strategies necessary to champion the well-being of children in their home communities.
More Information: Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
CDF has long understood that building a nation where all children can thrive requires the commitment and collaboration of faith leaders across beliefs and traditions. We bring those leaders together every year at Hall-Proctor to deepen that work. This year’s theme, ‘BEGIN AGAIN! Roots, Sacred Rhetoric, & Revolutionary Mothering,’ invites participants to reconnect with the moral traditions that sustain justice work and equip leaders to advocate for children in their congregations and communities.
The Institute features prominent leaders for impactful plenaries, inspiring theological conversations and workshops, organizing trainings, and relevant calls to action and resources participants can take back to their communities. It also hosts the Dale P. Andrews Freedom Seminary, providing students from renowned divinity programs across the country a week of credit-bearing, graduate-level study led by some of America’s leading theological minds.
Watch: Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry Video Recap (2025)
Finally, each evening, attendees will hear from the Institute’s Great Preachers known for translating their faith into action.
This year’s Hall-Proctor Institute Great Preachers include:
- Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor, Alfred Street Baptist Church (Alexandria, VA)
- Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Founder & Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice (New York, NY)
- Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, Senior Pastor, Allen Temple Baptist Church (Oakland, CA)
- Rev. Cecil A. Duffie, Ph.D., Dean of Chapel, Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL)
*Journalists interested in covering the training event or arranging an interview are encouraged to contact Media Relations Manager John Henry at 708-646-7679 for more information.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
July 7, 2026 – From state capitols to local landmarks, nearly 12,000 youth leaders are uniting to lead collective action projects and strengthen their civic voices for this year’s ‘National Day of Social Action.’
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, DC– On Wednesday, July 15, nearly 12,000 CDF Freedom Schools® scholars across the nation will participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA).
This annual event, organized by the national child and youth advocacy organization, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), empowers CDF Freedom Schools scholars to lead collective action projects in their local communities. CDF Freedom Schools provide K–12 students and their families with summer enrichment rooted in a research-backed, culturally responsive curriculum that fosters academic success in more than 180 partner sites nationwide in 26 states, including Washington, D.C. By organizing and mobilizing, these scholars raise awareness about the critical issues directly impacting their lives and futures.
For this year’s NDSA, CDF Freedom Schools scholars will highlight the importance of mental health and social-emotional wellness under the theme, “Are the Children Well?”. Nationwide, CDF Freedom Schools scholars and partner sites will organize public events, such as speeches, sign-making, and community demonstrations, at state capitols and local landmarks to advocate for the necessity of supporting children’s emotional well-being.
NDSA 2024: Austin Students to Stand Up for the Right to Read at Texas Capitol (KUT News – NPR)
This year’s NDSA takes place at a critical moment. Public schools have traditionally been the most accessible sites for students to receive essential services, including counseling, therapy, nutrition, and health screenings. However, these programs face growing pressure. Funding cuts to public schools and important basic needs programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, threaten to disproportionately affect children and young people living with disabilities as well as those in low-income families and rural areas.
CDF Freedom Schools Managing Director Shaquité Pegues said this year’s NDSA theme reflects CDF’s belief that mental health and social emotional wellness is a building block for health and has a major impact on the ability children and young people to thrive.
NDSA 2023: More than 1,600 Students Rally at MN Capitol to Speak Out Against Guns (CBS News – Minnesota)
“Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow; they’re the leaders of today. The goal of CDF Freedom Schools every summer is not only to educate scholars and help them develop a love for reading and learning. It is also to provide them with a safe space to form an opinion and a platform to make their voices heard in their family, community, and country,” she said. “By taking a collective action on issues as important as mental health and social-emotional wellness, nearly 12,000 young people will be able to strengthen their civic voice and help build communities across America that are more just, joyful, and equitable.”
*Journalists interested in covering CDF’s National Day of Social Action or an NDSA event in their local community are encouraged to contact Media Relations Manager John Henry at 708-646-7679 for more information.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
June 26, 2026 –The event invites locals to join for an evening of art, advocacy, and community connection to learn about the threats currently facing the immigrant community so they can stand alongside their immigrant neighbors as allies.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
HOUSTON, TX— On Thursday, the youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-TX) will convene community members, educators, and parents to discuss the impact of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, immigrant detention, and deportations on children and families in Houston.
The goal of the event, called “Free Families,” is to connect attendees to local opportunities to support immigrant neighbors and advocate against the cruel policies that threaten their well-being. The free event will feature presentations from advocates, attorneys, healthcare and mental health professionals, and community leaders regarding the impacts of ICE kidnappings, detention, and deportations on local families and communities.
The event will feature a dinner buffet and an exhibit showcasing artwork and letters from children in ICE detention. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in art as advocacy and connect with local immigrant-serving organizations to take meaningful action as allies. CDF-TX is organizing the event in partnership with members of the Houston Leads coalition and the Central American Minors working group.
CDF-TX Senior Administrator of Policy and Advocacy Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. said the Free Families event will serve as an opportunity for Houstonians to connect with local immigrant-serving organizations and explore how they can take meaningful action to support the region’s immigrant community through volunteering, advocacy, and mutual aid.
Free Families
When: Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: BakerRipley’s Gulfton Sharpstown Campus | 6500 Rookin St, Houston, TX 77074
“Every child deserves dignity, safety, and freedom,” she said. “ICE has separated more than 145,000 U.S. citizen children from their parents, and right now, ICE is systematically abusing and neglecting children by detaining them and their families under horrific conditions. We are holding this event to inform Houstonians about the impacts of these cruel policies on the local community, and to connect folks with the relationships, information, and tools they need to support impacted neighbors.”
Since President Trump’s second term began, more than 6,200 children have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while the parents of more than 146,000 U.S. citizen children have been detained across America. Hundreds of families have been detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, where young people and their parents are denied adequate food, clean drinking water, and medical care.
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| Instagram: | @childdefender1973 |
| Facebook: | @childrensdefensefund |
| X/Twitter: | @ChildDefender |
| Threads: | @childdefender1973 |
| Bluesky: | @cdf1973.bsky.social |
About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.