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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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