Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy!
Joined February 2009
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Part family reunion. Part tent revival. Part theological study session. Part policy think tank.
#HallProctor2026 is where faith leaders and child advocates come to Alex Haley Farm to refill their spiritual cup and prepare for the work ahead. Register now: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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The #CDFCA Celebration of Joy is just two weeks away! If you live in Southern California, join us for an evening celebrating the voices, creativity, and lived experience of children, youth, and community members across Los Angeles. Learn more and register: bit.ly/4aqptgJ
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"We’re in this together” | This #BlackHistoryMonth, hear from students in our Black Student Leadership Network as they explore what justice truly looks like in America and why their voices matter. Read the blog: bit.ly/4bRwecr
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CDF is proud to stand with our partners in the National Coalition to End Family & Child Detention as we renew our call to end the harmful, cruel practice of locking up children.
Read what #CDFTexas’ Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. has to say: bit.ly/4aBnsgx
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This week, #CDFNewYork’s Sabah Merchant joined youth advocates in Albany for Healthy Minds Healthy Kids and the Kids Can’t Wait advocacy days, urging lawmakers to invest $200M in behavioral health and expanding community supports, so every child gets timely, quality care.
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It’s #TBT. During #BlackHistoryMonth, we reflect on the Black young people whose courage transformed America. We remember Ruby Bridges, who bravely integrated her New Orleans school in 1960. She shared her story at our national conference one decade ago: bit.ly/4hwjUNJ
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We welcome news the federal government will scale back its immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Today we joined lawmakers & @FIANational on Capitol Hill to denounce ICE. We won’t rest until their violent tactics end nationwide and youth are protected: bit.ly/3O9Ar1n
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Have you registered for #HallProctor2026? Early bird registration is happening now. We’re honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, as a Great Preacher. Register today: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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Early bird registration is open for #HallProctor2026! Join us at Alex Haley Farm, in Clinton, Tennessee, with #GreatPreacher Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson as we gather, renew our spirits, and advance justice and joy for young people. Register now: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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Episode 2 of Young People Lead is out now! #CDFCA’s Radical Imagination Fellows talk with @SJLI_CA's Derek Steele on how foster care, housing instability, and systemic inequity shape education. Listen on Spotify, Apple, & YouTube: bit.ly/3O6F2Bj
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This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor Black young people who made an extraordinary impact on American history. Today, we remember Claudette Colvin, who at 15 was arrested in Alabama for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a bus. Thank you, Claudette.
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Early bird registration is LIVE for #HallProctor2026! Gather with us at Alex Haley Farm, in Clinton, Tennessee, alongside #GreatPreacher Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis as we sing, pray, organize, and advocate for children’s well-being nationwide. Register now: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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Early bird registration for #HallProctor2026 is now open! Join us for this powerful convening featuring #GreatPreacher Rev. Cecil A. Duffie, Ph.D., Dean of the Chapel at @TuskegeeUniv. Register now: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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This week, the #CDFNY team took part in a youth justice advocacy day at the New York State Capitol in Albany. They supported the Youth Justice Innovation Act, Youth Justice & Opportunities Act, the @Right2RemainSi1 Campaign, and defended #RaiseTheAge. Amazing work, team!
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The National Coalition to End Family and Child Detention has launched the Paper Dolls to Free Families campaign to call for an end to the practice of family detention. #CDFTexas’ Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. said it reflects Americans’ concerns over ICE: bit.ly/4qhp8RV
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The CDF Policy team was on Capitol Hill this week for the launch of the Bipartisan #OpportunityYouth Caucus.
We’re grateful to @RepBresnahan & @RepTroyCarter for their leadership as we work to expand pathways for the 4M youth disconnected from school and work!
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Are you signed up for our monthly newsletter? 👀
Take a look at this month’s edition of #ForOurChildren to see how we’re advancing child well-being nationwide and read thoughtful remarks from @RevDrStarsky on the work ahead: bit.ly/4r4zfuI
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Don’t miss #HallProctor2026! Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert, nationally recognized scholar and Dean of Howard University’s School of Divinity, will participate this year as one of our Theologians-in-Residence. Early bird registration is open: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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Exciting news! CDF has welcomed the @EriksonInst's Dr. Mariana @soutomanning and Dr. Ramesh Raghavan of @NYUSilver to our Board of Directors. Their expertise in child well-being will strengthen our advocacy. Learn more: bit.ly/3Zk9CK8
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Don’t miss #HallProctor2026 featuring our Theologian-in-Residence and scholar activist Rev. Tamura Lomax. Early bird registration is open for this inspiring event! Register now: bit.ly/3ZJB97M
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