Meet us at Alex Haley Farm for Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
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We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
About Us
The State of America’s Children®
As the president of the United States prepares for this year’s State of the Union address, Children’s Defense Fund President and CEO Reverend Dr. Starsky Wilson has a message about the state of America’s children.
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Use Your Voice!
The BSLN Fellowship and Ambassador Program offers an enriching opportunity for college students to actively organize in the community and influence public policy. Apply today or share with an eligible college student!
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CDF Haley Farm
Named for author and activist Alex Haley, CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, is a sacred and safe space for facilitating movement-building moments and training opportunities for prioritizing joy, pursuing justice, and promoting rest as resistance. Explore the rich history of Haley Farm and consider hosting your next event there!
Learn MoreRecent News
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New CDF-Ohio Research Details the ‘Quiet Undoing’ of School Discipline Reform in Ohio Public Schools
CDF-Ohio’s report shows during the 2024-2025 school year, Black, non-Hispanic students were four and a half times more likely than White students to experience exclusionary discipline in Ohio.…
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For Our Children: Take Action for Our Children
A call for protecting progress in education and child well-being amid rising costs and policy shifts. Learn how partners are urging action to strengthen supports for children and families and ways to help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.…
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Education
CDF-OH 2025 School Discipline Report
March 23, 2026 — Ohio school districts have made progress over the past two decades, moving away from ineffective discipline policies that perpetuate social inequality and undermine school climate.…
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New CDF-Ohio Report Examines Gun Violence’s Psychological Impact on Youth, Economic Cost to State’s Communities
As gun violence remains a leading cause of death for Ohio’s youth, CDF-Ohio urges lawmakers to reverse this trend by investing in community-based interventions and enacting Child Access Prevention mandates.…
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Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site
At CDF Freedom Schools, we’re not just educating. We’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. We’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound. Find a CDF Freedom Schools site near you.
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Subscribe to “For Our Children”
Sign up to receive the monthly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.
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CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, shares insights, challenges, and hopes for the future in “For Our Children.” CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, offers a personal perspective on challenges, victories, and the path ahead in “For Our Children.” Delve into a unique narrative that guides our mission, celebrates milestones, and navigates the journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Explore now for an inside connection to our vision—where the story of our commitment to children and youth unfolds.
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