(Nov. 3, 2026) – Children’s Defense Fund’s gala, “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 across America.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, the nation’s leading child advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will convene the American Youth Policy Forum, at Howard University, in Washington, D.C. to discuss how the current political landscape is impacting the growth and well-being of the 73 million children who live across the nation.
The opening plenary hosted by Joy Reid, of The Joy Reid Show, will launch a two-day convening taking place Wednesday and Thursday immediately following the conclusion of the 2026 midterm elections. Reid will host an opening panel of leading child well-being and advocacy experts to turn analysis into action. Panelists will explore what the results mean for federal and state youth policy, highlighting key risks and opportunities for advocates in the upcoming Congress.
What: 2026 American Youth Policy Forum, Powered by CDF
When: DAY 1 – Wed., Nov. 4th 8:30AM-4:15PM / DAY 2 – Thurs., Nov. 5th 8:30AM-4:15PM
Where: Howard University, Blackburn University Center | 2397 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059
In addition, the forum will also include a snapshot release on the forthcoming 2026 State of America’s Children® Report, which summarizes the status of America’s children in areas across the spectrum of child well-being: child population, child poverty, income and wealth inequality, housing and homelessness, child hunger and nutrition, child health, early childhood, education, youth justice, and gun violence.
Opening plenary will take place on Wednesday, November 4th at 9:30AM featuring:
| Joy Reid | Host, The Joy Reid Show |
| Rev. Leonard Burton | President & CEO, Center for the Study of Social Policy |
| Bruce Lesley | President, First Focus on Children |
| Sharon Parrott | President, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities |
| Heidi Shierholz, PhD | President, Economic Policy Institute |
| Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson | President & CEO, Children’s Defense Fund |
CDF Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Brittany Packnett Cunningham said the organization aims to give participants a clear understanding of America’s political landscape and its future impact on young people.
“Election Day may be November 3, but the work for children and youth continues beyond that day,” Packnett Cunningham said. “Together, we’ll examine what the 2026 election results mean for children and youth, explore the policy issues shaping their health, education, economic mobility, and well-being, and identify strategies for moving from uncertainty to action.”
Keynote and panel topics at the forum will cover the state of public education and public health systems, the weakening of the Department of Education, and how attacks on essential safety net programs, such as Head Start, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid, have worsened challenges in food security, health, and early childhood support.
“At CDF, we work to ensure every child is safe and supported,” said CDF National Director of Public Affairs Nick Vucic. “This means holding our nation’s leaders accountable, so their policies and programs truly serve young people. We cannot allow decades of progress to be undone. Therefore, we must come together to shape policies that protect children’s futures and improve their daily lives. We plan to do just that at the 2026 American Youth Policy Forum, Powered by CDF.”