National Day of Social Action

Each summer, more than 12,000 K-12 scholars in Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® sites nationwide participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA). This annual event is led by young people with support from caring adults and community members. Together, they organize, mobilize, and raise awareness about an issue that directly affects their lives and futures.

NDSA is rooted in the belief that children and youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they’re also the leaders of today. By taking collective action around a shared cause, scholars strengthen their civic voice and help build more just and joyful communities.

2025 NDSA: Public Education is a Public GOOD

2025 National Day of Social Action Overview

This year’s NDSA will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. CDF Freedom Schools scholars will lead actions across the country focused on Education for Civic Life and Work—one of Children’s Defense Fund’s key policy priorities. We believe public education is a cornerstone of democracy, opportunity, and justice. When we invest in education, we invest in the leadership, well-being, and futures of our children and youth.

Why It Matters

Our children deserve better—and the data proves it:

The U.S. spends 2.7 times more per person on incarceration than on public education
State-level funding disparities create wide gaps in access and outcomes
13 states don’t require any civics instruction; only 7 require a full year
Structural racism and inequitable policies continue to create barriers to education, especially for Black and Brown students
The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to education

Education is the foundation for children and youth to build upon to ensure a successful, healthy, engaged, and safe adulthood. We must continue to uplift public education as a necessary investment, tout its successes, and work together to advocate for necessary improvements. We must defend our children’s fundamental rights to education and the constitutional right to equal educational opportunity regardless of race, income, immigration status, religion, disability, or gender.

Get Involved

Support a CDF Freedom Schools Site Near You

Visit our map of 2025 Freedom Schools sites to find a location near you. Reach out to learn how you can contribute to their NDSA plans—whether through donations, supplies, or volunteering.

Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site

Equip Young People to Lead

Educate, Equip, and Support the Young People in Your Lives to Take Action. Use our curated resources to equip the young people in your community to join CDF Freedom Schools scholars in learning about the issue, forming an opinion, and letting their voice be heard through the power of collective action.

NDSA Toolkit: A guide to help align you local actions with the national movement.
NDSA Lesson Plans: Resources to explore the history of education access, current challenges, and ways to take a stand.

Download Additional Resources to Start or Support NDSA Projects in Your Community

Why Your Community Should Join the 2025 NDSA

Because education is more than academics. It shapes our communities, our democracy, and our collective future.

Public education is one of the most powerful tools for social mobility
Investing in education helps every child, no matter their background, reach their full potential
When we center public education as a common good, we bring people together across divides

Engage young people in your community in conversations around public education as a public good and join CDF Freedom Schools scholars as they lead the way in amplifying this message on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Together we can celebrate the good in public education and amplify what is needed for all children to receive the education they deserve.

Questions?

Contact CDF Freedom Schools Sr. Administrator of Curriculum and Programs, Ciara Mackey-Hall, at cmackeyhall@childrensdefense.org.

Media Inquiries

Interested in covering national or local NDSA action this summer? Please reach out to CDF’s Media Relations Manager, John Henry, at jhenry@childrensdefense.org.