Date & Time: Tuesday, November, 4-Wednesday ,November 5, 2026
Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
The American Youth Policy Forum, powered by CDF, is convening at a moment when harmful political decisions are undermining the growth and well-being of children and youth. Public education and public health systems have faced significant attacks, including the weakening of the Department of Education and critical protections like the Office for Civil Rights, leaving many children more vulnerable to discrimination and harm. At the same time, delays and cuts to essential programs—such as Head Start, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid—have deepened challenges related to food security, health, and early childhood support. After more than a year of sweeping policy changes, this is a critical moment to assess the impact and reimagine what children in this country need to thrive.
In response, advocates from across the country will gather to reflect, strategize, and chart a path forward for children and youth. Grounded in CDF’s State of America’s Children© and the history of the children’s movement, this convening will explore both the roots of current challenges and the opportunities to build stronger, more equitable systems of care. Together, participants will examine innovative strategies, share collective vision, and turn that vision into action—working toward a future where all children experience dignity, hope, and joy.
This year’s forum, “Doing Our First Works Over: The New State of America’s Children,” will include inspiring keynote conversations, engaging breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with advocates from across the country, participants will examine today’s most pressing issues affecting young people while advancing bold ideas for lasting change.
Date & Time: Tuesday, November, 4- Wednesday ,November 5, 2026
Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
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Rev. Leonard Burton
Plenary Speaker: “Economic Mobility”
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Annie Donovan
President & CEO, Raza Development Fund
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Dr. Daniel Eisenberg
Professor of Health Policy and Management, UCLA; Co-Author, Investing in Children’s Mental Health
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Bruce Lesley
President, First Focus on Children
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Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
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Sharon Parrott
President, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
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Ramesh Raghavan, MD, Ph.D.
Professor of Social Work, New York University
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Heidi Shierholz, PhD
President, Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
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Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
President & CEO
