National Archives - Children's Defense Fund

MN Senator-elect Peggy Flanagan, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, & Gospel Artist Geoffrey Golden to Attend CDF's Celebration of Joy

(Nov. 4, 2026) - The trio will join Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington, D.C., for A National Celebration of Joy. The organization’s signature fundraising event honors the people, partnerships, and possibilities driving its work for children and youth.

November 4, 2026 | National

Voting Rights Are Children's Rights

Voting rights shape children’s futures. Learn why fair representation matters and how adults can protect children’s voices in our democracy.

October 29, 2026 | National

CDF to Celebrate ‘A National Celebration of Joy,’ Honor Liz & Don Thompson for their Work Advancing Child Well-being

(Oct. 26, 2026) - CDF will honor Liz and Don Thompson, founder of the CAFE Group and Cleveland Avenue, with its Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award to recognize their work advancing child well-being.

October 26, 2026 | National

Children’s Defense Fund to Host 2026 American Youth Policy Forum at Howard University

(Oct. 16, 2026) - This year’s forum,“Doing Our First Works Over: The New State of America’s Children,”comes at a moment when harmful political decisions are undermining the growth and well-being of children and youth across the United States.

October 16, 2026 | National

Hundreds of Faith Communities to Mobilize Children’s Rights During CDF’s Annual National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®

(Oct. 15, 2026) - For decades, the annual multifaith observance has united faith communities in worship and advocacy to center youth voices and help every child thrive.

October 15, 2026 | National

Children’s Defense Fund Action Launches ‘Voting Rights are Children’s Rights’ Campaign

(Oct. 13, 2026) - The campaign aims to remind America that while children cannot vote, every law that shapes their lives are written by people who can.

October 13, 2026 | National

CDF to Celebrate ‘A National Celebration of Joy,’ Honor Casey Family Programs for its Work to Advance Child Well-being

(Oct. 8, 2026) - CDF will honor Casey Family Programs with its Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award to recognize its work championing policies and programs that improve the lives of children and youth.

October 8, 2026 | National

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-Texas to Honor State Leaders, Uplift Youth Advocates

(Oct. 5, 2026) CDF-Texas’ ‘A Celebration of Joy’ will recognize three Texans for their contributions to advancing the well-being of young people in the Lone Star State.

October 5, 2026 | National

For Our Children: Shaping "Good Mornings" for our Children

Good mornings start with what we do today, so how you can take action to shape a brighter future for our children? Read the September issue of For Our Children to learn the latest on what's at stake for children's rights including threats to Head Start, upcoming events like our American Youth Policy Forum, and how you can vote for your children and with your children this November.

September 30, 2026 | National

National

Protect Head Start: Submit a Public Comment

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proposing changes to federal Head Start standards. Submit a public comment by October 6 to share how these changes could affect children, families, and Head Start programs.

September 17, 2026