Children's Defense Fund

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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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Riggio-Lynch Chapel at Alex Haley Farm

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!

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Recent News

  • 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.…

  • 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.…

  • Gun Violence

    CDF-OH 2025 Gun Violence Report

    March 23, 2026 — Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that prioritizes their safety. Unfortunately, in the United States, the prevalence of gun violence means this is far from reality.…

  • Early Childhood

    The Truth About Youth Crime, Raise the Age

    I was 13 years old when New York decided my childhood was over. It wasn’t a weapon or a felony—it was a dollar. I bullied a classmate into giving it to me, and the state responded by sending me to jail.…

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Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

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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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Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

Dr. Starsky Wilson speaks into a microphone.

Subscribe to “For Our Children”

Sign up to receive the weekly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.

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For Our Children

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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