Children's Defense Fund

Join us on November 8 for American Youth Policy Forum, powered by CDF!

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Five smiling, young adults.

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

About Us
Father and daughter hugging.

Take the Pledge for Child Well-Being

Make your voice heard! Because children and youth under 18 can't vote, they are relying on each of us to do our part and be their advocates. Pledge to vote for child well-being this November.

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Young People Lead Podcast

Young People Lead Podcast

The podcast aims to demonstrate how young people can and should lead by telling their stories of how youth are transforming policies for the better and examining research on the policies that most affect them.

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Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson speaking at a podium.

CDF Celebrates 50 Years

Children's Defense Fund's 2023 Policy Forum and Celebration of Joy at Howard University, Washington, D.C., marked our 50th and 30th Anniversaries of CDF Freedom Schools®. This event, focusing on health, early childhood development, communities, economic mobility, and civic engagement, united various community members for two days of learning, networking, and growth.

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Young people with their fists in the air.

30 Years of CDF Freedom Schools®

In 2023, CDF Freedom Schools® National Training united passionate educators, advocates, and youth leaders. This annual event equips attendees with tools, knowledge, and a shared commitment to children and youth, promoting literacy and creating positive change in communities nationwide.

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Blog

  • Education

    Shaping the Future by Shaping Teachers 

    In the face of rising book bans and calls to eliminate Black history from school curriculums, CDF’s Ella Baker Child Policy Teacher Training Institute has never been more important.…

  • Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders

    Reagan believes in taking initiative. So when she learned about our Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN) and our NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, she was eager to do both.…

  • The Lasting Benefit of CDF Freedom Schools®

    Dr. Joy Carrington could tell you about the lasting benefits of CDF Freedom Schools. She and her mother are raising Joy’s twin nieces, Jayda and Jayde, together.…

  • Our Moonshot Goals

    We know that while events at the national level are important, we need to continue our grassroots movement to impact policies at the state and local levels where many of the decisions impacting the lives of young people are made.   …

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

Enroll Your Scholar

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.

Find a Site
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 weekly 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.”CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, offers a personal perspective on challenges, victories, and the path ahead 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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