Children's Defense Fund

08/13/2026

This year's Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry was a reminder that renewal is part of the work. We gathered at Children's Defense Fund Alex Haley Farm to be challenged, poured into, and sent back out with a clearer sense of what children need from us right now.

There were so many moments of worship, joy, connection, and truth-telling that reminded us we are not meant to carry this work alone. gave us space to remember why we began, who we are accountable to, and what it means to keep showing up for children.

Whether you joined us this year or are feeling called to the Farm for the first time, save the date for : https://www.childrensdefense.org/events/2027-hall-proctor-institute-for-child-advocacy-ministry/

08/10/2026

Clear your calendars! Children’s Defense Fund is thrilled to announce A National Celebration of Joy 2026, our annual gathering to celebrate the people, partnerships, and possibilities that move the work for children forward.

We gather in joy because our children deserve a future filled with it. Come celebrate the joy our children deserve and the community helping make it possible.

Save the date, spread the word, and make plans to join us: https://www.childrensdefense.org/events/a-national-celebration-of-joy-2026/

08/06/2026

For more than 60 years, Head Start has supported children through early learning, health care, nutrition, mental health support, disability services, and family engagement.

Now, a proposed federal overhaul could threaten the well-being of millions of children by weakening Head Start model.For more than 60 years, Head Start has supported children through early learning, health care, nutrition, mental health support, disability services, and family engagement.

Now, a proposed federal overhaul could threaten the well-being of millions of children by weakening Head Start model.

CDF’s position is clear: children deserve greater investment, not fewer protections.

Read our full statement here: https://childrensdefense.org/cdf-proposed-head-start-overhaul-will-threaten-the-well-being-of-millions-of-americas-children/

08/06/2026

We are still on the Vineyard, and there is still time to join us!

This Saturday, we will gather for the Children’s Public Forum, a conversation centered on the well-being of Black children and the future they deserve.

You'll hear from our very own Brittany Packnett Cunningham, CDF Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, and Dr. John H. Jackson, President & CEO of the Schott Foundation for Public Education, as they discuss the challenges facing children and families in America today and the work required to meet this moment.

Register now to join the conversation: https://www.childrensdefense.org/cdf-joy-on-the-vineyard-childrens-forum/

08/03/2026

Sweeping changes to SNAP are making it harder for millions of people to get help putting food on the table. In a new NPR article, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of CDF, spoke about how these changes are affecting children and families across the country.

When families lose food assistance, children pay the price - losing the stability and nourishment they need to grow. Food is a basic need. A country that claims to value children cannot make it harder for families to feed them. Read the full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/03/nx-s1-5906797/snap-food-stamp-federal-changes-what-to-know

08/03/2026

Joy on the Vineyard is here!

This week, Children’s Defense Fund is gathering on Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate joy as part of the work: the joy that renews us, connects us, and calls us back to the mission of ensuring every child can grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.

From the comedy stage to the Children's Public Forum, we are making space to gather, laugh, and reflect.

There's still time to meet us on the Vineyard this week:

CDF's Joy on the Vineyard returns August 2–8, 2026. Comedy, worship & civic dialogue on Martha's Vineyard. Opening Night of the Black Comedy Fest.

08/02/2026

Today, we celebrate Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of Children’s Defense Fund, on his 50th birthday.

Dr. Wilson’s leadership is rooted in faith, justice, community, and a deep commitment to children and young people. In honor of his 50th, Dr. Wilson launched a campaign with a goal to raise $50,000 to build power for children and families. Together, this community has already raised more than $30,000.

Make a gift to Children’s Defense Fund in Dr. Wilson’s honor and help ensure the work he champions continues for generations to come: https://forms.childrensdefense.org/f/donate?tfa_3927=701Vs00001AOmK5&tfa_3937=a0fVs00000O7lRy

08/02/2026

Today is the final day to apply to become an Ella Baker Trainer.

Ella Baker Trainers are pillars of the CDF Freedom Schools® movement. They train, guide, and support the leaders who create spaces where scholars are affirmed, challenged, celebrated, and loved.

For those who have served in CDF Freedom Schools and are ready to carry the work forward: this is your moment!

Apply by the end of today:

Become an Ella Baker Trainer Each year, exceptional leaders who have worked at least two years in the CDF Freedom Schools Program are selected as…

07/30/2026

The CDF Freedom Schools® movement is powered by leaders who believe children deserve spaces where they are seen, affirmed, challenged, and loved.

Ella Baker Trainers carry that legacy forward. Each year, Children’s Defense Fund selects exceptional leaders who have served in the CDF Freedom Schools program to train the next generation of site staff, support new sites, and help keep the heart of the program strong.

Applications for the 2026–2027 Ella Baker Trainer cohort close August 1. For those who have served, grown, and felt called to go deeper: this is your moment.

Apply today: https://www.childrensdefense.org/our-work/cdf-freedom-schools/serve-with-us/

07/29/2026