Children's Defense Fund

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Children's Defense Fund Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy!
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The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit child advocacy organization. Since 1973, we have worked relentlessly to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure their access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation.

Freedom Summer 2.0 has been moving across Texas, and CDF’s young leaders are helping lead the way.Since December, CDF-TX...
09/16/2026

Freedom Summer 2.0 has been moving across Texas, and CDF’s young leaders are helping lead the way.

Since December, CDF-TX has partnered with the Black Faith Coalition to bring a youth perspective to its work mobilizing Black faith communities for civic engagement, advocacy, and collective action.

Through this partnership, CDF’s Black Student Leadership Network alumni are helping lead workshops that equip young people with the tools to organize, advocate, and become leaders in their communities and on their campuses.

Houston and Austin set the tone. Next up: Dallas this weekend. Learn more and get involved at blackfaithcoalition.org.

09/16/2026

We are grateful to Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, Executive Director of the Children's Defense Fund, who presented for our second Disciples Mission Week webinar last evening on Healthcare Equity. He urged us Disciples that we are Jesus people and that we are called to help everyone get access to HEALTH, not just healthcare, but HEALTH! Join the HUB for more resources and information on healthcare equity: www.disciplesmissionhub.org

09/15/2026

"Head Start is critical to our existence, for our children, and to our identity as a nation."📢

CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson joined advocates today on Capitol Hill make their voices hear and defend Head Start from a potential federal overhaul that could harm millions of children's well-being nationwide.

Join us in protecting Head Start by sharing your story on why this landmark program is essential for children, families, and communities.

Add your public comment at: https://bit.ly/4xZxu5u

Every child should have access to the care and education they need to achieve their goals. Since its inception 61 years ...
09/15/2026

Every child should have access to the care and education they need to achieve their goals.

Since its inception 61 years ago, Head Start has helped make that vision a reality by supporting over 40 million children nationwide through their landmark early childcare and health services.

A proposed federal overhaul against Head Start could threaten millions of children’s well-being across the country.

That’s why today, families and advocates are on Capitol Hill, including CDF’s President & CEO , to raise their voices and . Watch the press conference at the link in our bio.

09/13/2026

Sundays from the Farm.

At the , Rev. Dr. Cecil Andrew Duffie reminded us that faith has never required silence about those in power.

Scripture is full of people called to speak, preach, teach, and stand against the political powers of their day. Speaking truth to power is part of the work. In this moment, when political decisions are putting children and families at risk, the pulpit cannot afford to be quiet.

The 2026 Children’s Sabbaths manual is now available, with resources to help communities shape worship, center children’s voices, and move from concern to justice-centered action.

Sign up to access the manual and bring Children’s Sabbaths to your community: https://www.childrensdefense.org/events/national-observance-of-childrens-sabbaths/

09/12/2026

Faith communities have always had a role to play in protecting children, strengthening families, and calling this country toward justice.

At the National Baptist Convention USA annual session, CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson joined U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and moderator Minister Kelvin Davis for a conversation about what this moment requires of people of faith.

That call continues through the 2026 National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®. This year, CDF invites congregations and faith communities to worship, reflect, and take action with and on behalf of children.

The 2026 Children’s Sabbaths manual is now available, with resources to help communities shape worship, center children’s voices, and move from concern to justice-centered action.

Sign up to access the manual and bring Children’s Sabbaths to your community: https://www.childrensdefense.org/our-work/building-a-movement-for-youth/childrens-sabbaths-celebration/

09/09/2026

HAPPENING NOW Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson joins the National Baptist Convention for a powerful and timely conversation on what it means to stand with children in this and every election season.

On Labor Day, we honor the legacy of the labor movement and workers who organized, marched, and demanded better for them...
09/08/2026

On Labor Day, we honor the legacy of the labor movement and workers who organized, marched, and demanded better for themselves, their families, and generations to come.

The fight for children’s well-being is inseparable from the fight for families to live and work with dignity.

When parents and caregivers have the resources, protections, and support they need to thrive, children are better positioned to thrive, too.

09/06/2026

Sundays from the Farm.

At , Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan reminded us that attaching Jesus’ name to something does not make just or true. In a time when faith language is often used to justify harm, her message reminds us that the work of child advocacy requires us to look for the substance of justice, not just the language of it. Our children deserve the real thing.

Pierre should be here.He should be starting college. Playing soccer. Studying neuroscience. Building the future he came ...
09/04/2026

Pierre should be here.

He should be starting college. Playing soccer. Studying neuroscience. Building the future he came to this country to pursue.

Instead, Pierre Damas Bel, is gone. His family says the shame, bullying, and humiliation he experienced after being required to wear an ICE ankle monitor took a devastating toll on his mental health.

This story is partly about youth mental health. But it’s also a story about belonging, immigration, and the systems that shape whether young people are able to thrive.

Young people should not have to carry fear, stigma, and isolation alone. They deserve communities and systems that protect their safety, futures, and dignity.

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