In Their Own Words
"This is the first year my site is a part of CDF Freedom Schools, so I had no idea what to expect. I honestly have to say this past week I have had a really great experience and I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I never felt the feeling that anything was possible and I could make a difference. In spite of this, so many people with high hopes, dreams, beliefs and positive attitudes surrounded me. I learned how to overcome my challenges and work better with people. I also realized how much passion I have in myself, but I never showed it because I was afraid of stepping up and being a leader. I am honored to be a part of this movement, and I challenge all of you to be a part of it as well."
- Courtney Nguyen, New Orleans, LA
"In the year of 2009, I was a Servant Leader Intern for my [CDF Freedom Schools] site. When I was offered the opportunity to become an intern, I took it as another job opportunity, not realizing I was stepping into a movement that not only changes the world for the betterment of our children, but it changed me also. Letting me realize that my voice and actions make a difference in the world and my voice has an impact on the now and future generations of America and for that, I will continue to be a part of the life changing experience of the Children's Defense Fund!"
- Donta Braxton, Vacherie, LA
Have you participated in the CDF Freedom Schools program? Tell us about your experience!
Participate in the CDF Freedom Schools® Program
How can you become involved in a CDF Freedom Schools program?
- Project Director
Project directors are primarily responsible for coordinating the flow of the resources, facilitating activities among the local sponsor and program sites, and communicating with the Children's Defense Fund. Project directors are hired by each individual sponsor organization and/or site.
Learn more about the Project Director position.
View map to contact the appropriate individuals.
- Site Coordinator
Site coordinators should be experienced in working with large groups of children and in partnerships with adults. A strong site coordinator is responsible, energetic, able to think on his or her feet, well organized and a strong role model. Site coordinators are hired by each individual sponsor organization and/or site.
Learn more about the Site Coordinator position.
View map to contact the appropriate individuals.
- Servant Leader Interns
Servant leader interns are college age youth and recent college graduates providing the front-line care and nurturing of the children. Using the integrated reading curriculum, they serve as facilitators in the classroom and as leaders of parent workshops and community outreach activities.
Learn more about the Servant Leader Intern position.
- Volunteer
All CDF Freedom Schools programs are expected to operate at no charge to all families; therefore volunteers are always welcomed with open arms. Every individual has strengths and talents that can only enhance the functioning and programming of a CDF Freedom Schools program.
View map to contact the appropriate individuals.
- Ella Baker Trainer
Ella Baker trainers are hired and contracted through the Children's Defense Fund. Ella Baker trainers play a major role in the effectiveness of the CDF Freedom Schools program. They are current and past servant leader interns who will assist training local program staff and provide programmatic and technical support. They also take on leadership roles at the annual Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute, as they are responsible for delivering key components of the CDF Freedom Schools program.
Learn more about becoming an Ella Baker Trainer and how to apply.
Project Directors Job Description
Project directors are responsible for maintaining communication with the CDF Freedom Schools national staff; recruiting, hiring and managing local staff; day-to-day supervision of site coordinators and servant leader interns; making arrangements for national and local staff training events; and meeting weekly with the site coordinator(s) and servant leader interns. In collaboration with the executive director, project directors assist in securing a location for the site. Project directors must be identified no later than January 20, 2009, and are required to attend the CDF Freedom Schools Orientation and Training Meeting at Haley Farm on March 26 - 29, 2009. Sponsor organizations are responsible for all travel and lodging costs associated with attending this mandatory meeting.
Site Coordinators Job Description
Site coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the CDF Freedom Schools program model is implemented properly. Site coordinators also are responsible for the management of the day-to-day activities of the site, ensuring servant leader interns have necessary materials and supplies for the classroom and children. Site coordinators are key to maintaining team spirit among the local CDF Freedom Schools staff and must conduct debrief sessions at the end of each day. During the debrief sessions, site coordinators should provide technical assistance and feedback to the servant leader interns on all aspects of their work. Site coordinators, or other designee, should design and coordinate parent workshops. Site coordinators and project directors should maintain open communication among parents, staff, and executive directors. Site coordinators must be selected no later than February 27, 2009. All site coordinators are required to attend the CDF Freedom Schools Orientation and Training Meeting at Haley Farm on March 26th - 29th, 2009. Sponsor organizations are responsible for all travel and lodging costs associated with attending this mandatory March meeting. All site coordinators (regardless of the number of years he/she has been a site coordinator) must attend the CDF Freedom Schools Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute Week I And Week II, May 27th – June 7th, 2009 at Haley Farm. Sponsor organizations will be responsible for travel costs associated with this mandatory June meeting.
Servant Leader Interns Job Description
Servant leader interns are college-aged young adults and recent college graduates who play a key role in the CDF Freedom Schools program. Servant leader interns are responsible for a maximum of ten students and serve as teachers during classroom activities. A majority of servant leader interns should be from the local community or attend a local university; however, including interns from other parts of the country enriches the summer experience. Servant leader interns must be mature, smart, and responsible, and should be selected for their energy and enthusiasm, their ability to engage children and their willingness to work hard with a spirit of servant leadership. Servant leader interns must be chosen by April 17, 2009 and are required to attend the CDF Freedom Schools Ella Baker Child PolicyTraining Institute at Haley Farm on May 31st – June 7th, 2009. Sponsor organizations are responsible for travel costs associated with this mandatory meeting. Servant leader interns are welcomed into the CDF's Youth Leadership Network for Children (YLNC), the youth service and leadership development arm of CDF. Through this CDF initiative, servant leader interns have access to further leadership development activities, legislative updates, and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children.
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