childrensdefense Sign Up Information

Mr,

In the summer of 1964, courageous young people traveled to Mississippi intent on empowering Black people and breaking down deeply entrenched racism with two powerful tools—education and voting rights.

The CDF Freedom Schools^® program that the Children’s Defense Fund has operated for 25 years was built in that model of the Mississippi Freedom Summer, and it is deeply rooted in the principles of intergenerational servant leadership that defined the Civil Rights Movement. These twin pillars of voting rights and education are just as vital this year, in the run-up to a crucially important election and when the rights of Black people in America—including voting rights—are still under threat.

I’ve dedicated over 20 years of my life to the CDF Freedom Schools program—first as a scholar, then as a junior servant leader, Servant Leader Intern, Ella Baker Trainer, Site Coordinator, Project Director, and now as a member of the Children’s Defense Fund staff, while also fulfilling Executive Director responsibilities for the local CDF Freedom Schools sites in Bennettsville, SC. I can tell you first-hand that this program works: children find a love of learning, pride in their identities, and an understanding that change is possible and is in their hands.

Last month, CDF Freedom Schools scholars in elementary school through high school harnessed that power by telling adults in their communities that their votes are important and that they must bring the voices of children to the polls in November. Now, more than ever, children are observing how we respond and how we stand up for them. They are looking for our recognition of their voices and efforts, and they need adults to keep them in mind when they vote in November!

Learn more about my experience and why the model works. I know you’ll be as inspired as I am every day.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

On behalf of all of us at the Children’s Defense Fund, thank you for joining the movement to defend America’s children. We are happy to have you join our community of committed and passionate supporters who care about the well-being and success of our children.

?

As we learn more about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we want you to know that our work at the national level and in states around the country remains committed to the increasingly urgent work of protecting our most vulnerable children and families.?To help make sure children and families have the information they need to navigate this crisis, we’ve compiled useful resources here. We''ve also launched the Children in Crisis Fund to make sure we can respond to the urgent needs of America''s children.?Learn more.

?

To succeed, children need stable homes, quality health care, nutritious food, good schools and safe neighborhoods. For many, that has been disrupted during this crisis. But the fact is—even before the COVID-19 crisis—the basic building blocks are out of reach for too many children. That’s why we’re fighting on all these fronts to make sure every child in America has what they need to thrive.

?

We look forward to partnering with you in the weeks and months ahead to improve the lives of children right now and for generations to come.

?

Warmly,

?

Max Lesko

National Executive Director

Children’s Defense Fund

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Our Voice for Children

June 2020

Justice for Impacted Families

Visit our new COVID-19 Action Center and join the fight to provide relief to families now, while talking steps to abolish systemic barriers that hold our children—especially Black children—back at every step.

Tell Your Senators: Children Need Help Right Now

Help make sure vulnerable children will not get left behind as our country responds to this pandemic. Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund >

Celebrate through?Resistance

Earlier this month, we shared a reflection from a member of our staff about how to mark this year''s Juneteenth commemoration with a mixture of celebration and determination to bring about long-overdue change. Joshua Stewart, Communications Associate for CDF, urges us all to take the time to both reflect and take action by standing up for Black lives—not just on Juneteenth, but every day of the year.

Our Advocacy for Children

As our country faces two parallel pandemics—COVID-19 and systemic racism—our children are being harmed each day that our leaders fail to act. Over the past month, we''ve continued advocating for policies to help our children weather the pandemic and, at the same time, take steps to dismantle racist systems that have held our children back for generations.

CDF Freedom Schools?in the House!

With children across the country having their school year—and their learning and growth—disrupted by the pandemic, the CDF Freedom Schools program is more important than ever this year. Thanks to our committed partners, we’ll be delivering the CDF Freedom Schools experience to scholars all over the nation this summer—even if it looks a little different from past years. Yesterday, we celebrated the conclusion of the 2020 CDF Freedom Schools Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute, which this year was held entirely online, with an inspiring virtual graduation ceremony. Now our newest class of Servant Leader Interns are off to nurture, mentor, and lead our scholars through a summer like no other, and we can''t wait to see how they thrive!

Join Us as the CDF Proctor Institute Goes Virtual!

While we cannot gather in person for the 2020 CDF Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry, instead we will host an inspiring, fully virtual, free event that will be held over two days—Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22. Click below for more information, and we hope to see you there!

Child Watch Roundup

In a Child Watch column published this month, Marian Wright Edelman shared a story from one of our long-standing CDF Freedom Schools partners that gives her hope and strength during this turbulent time.

Catch up on the rest of Marian Wright Edelman''s recent Child Watch columns:

• Hope Through the Suffering
• Let''s Set Our Children Free?
• This Is a Time for Prayer and Action for All of Our Children

Be sure to look for?a new Child Watch column every Friday afternoon.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St. NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

The Children’s Defense Fund stands with our colleagues in Minneapolis, the children and families of Minnesota, and with communities of color across the country. Below is our statement on recent tragic events from Bharti Wahi, Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota.

Dear partners and friends,

?

We stand in solidarity with our community today. The horrific killing of George Floyd at the hands of members of the Minneapolis Police Department is a shocking and painful reminder of how systems are often designed to hurt Black and brown people. The violence and destruction in our cities is a loud cry of visceral pain, anger, and fear. So many small businesses and nonprofits, many owned or led by people of color and indigenous people, have been impacted. We acknowledge that today’s fear and trauma is layered on hundreds of years of historic and acute trauma that Black and brown communities have endured.

?

Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota stands with children, youth, families, and community members to demand a better way. We stand with our Black and brown children, young people, and families to dismantle systems designed to uphold violence, injustice, and inequities. We are here to listen, to support, and to fight for justice.

?

We are honored to work alongside our partners in the community to ensure we have systems and supports so Black and brown children in Minnesota and across the country have what they deserve—so we can truly realize our vision of a nation in which all children and youth thrive.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

Kids can’t vote, but the outcomes of this election could shape their lives for a generation.?As you get ready to vote in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime, we want to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to vote on behalf of children.?That’s why we developed a series of “flashcards” to explain what is at stake for our children in this election, which you can explore on?Instagram?and Twitter.

Explore the flashcards:

From rising hunger and homelessness to school and child care closures to police violence against Black and brown communities, our children are struggling. And the COVID-19 crisis has only exposed and inflamed the magnitude of racial disparities in this country that hold our children back.

?

I’m motivated to vote for children in this election because I know these crises are all interconnected. I know they are all rooted in systemic racism. And I know they all can be solved.

?

What motivates you to vote in this election? Learn more about the problems that are most important to you, and be sure to repost them to help spread the word.

P.S. Did you know that voter registration deadlines begin as early as next week in some states? Make sure you''re registered to vote on behalf of children today: weall.vote/cdf

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

It was a rough summer. And a rough spring. But I’m writing to you today in the spirit of hope.

?

I?am hopeful because we’re in an election season that may well be the most important in modern history—and that means the power of change is in our hands. With our votes, we have the chance to tip the scales towards a more just and equitable America, and that should give us all immense hope.

?

Will you make a gift to the Children’s Defense Fund, in the spirit of hope, as we raise the voices of children today and prepare them to fight for justice in the future?

?

▢ ? Yes, I will support children’s futures today

?

The children, youth, and young people we serve are part of a powerful movement for social justice and a more equitable future. They don’t give up when times are tough, and they won’t give up whatever the result in November. And neither will we.

?

Join me today in looking forward and having hope. Your gift will ensure that our work can continue to fortify, inspire, and embolden the future of this country.

P.S. We’re working full force to ensure that children’s voices are heard as America heads to the polls. Visit our Voting Action Center and make your plan to vote on behalf of children.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

You’re likely already hearing a lot about the upcoming election, and with good reason—this election feels more important than any in recent memory.

?

But before you hear from us, we want to hear from you. As we look toward November 3rd and what we can do to make sure Americans turn out and vote for children, we want to hear what is top of mind for you.

?

Can you take a few minutes right now to complete our short, 7-question survey?

Your answers will help us understand what information, resources, and opportunities we can provide so that all of our supporters feel informed and ready to use their vote to lift up the needs of America’s children.

?

Thank you so much for your time.

P.S. This week is National Voter Registration Week! We want to know what your priorities are, but it’s even more important that you bring those priorities to the polls! Make sure you’re registered to vote at weall.vote/cdf.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Our Voice for Children

July 2020

Take Action for Vulnerable Children

Children, families, and communities are reeling from the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis, but the HEALS Act that Senate Republicans proposed this week is completely inadequate and fails to meet the dire needs of children and families.

?

Tell your Senators to reject the HEALS Act in favor of bold, meaningful legislation that puts the needs of vulnerable children and families over wealthy businesses and corporations.

Watch Young Change-Makers in Action

This month, CDF Freedom Schools? scholars participated in their annual National Day of Social Action, this year calling on adults in their community to vote in November and to vote with their needs and interests in mind. Following the theme of #VoteBecause, three elementary-aged scholars kicked off the action by reading poems and speeches during a live virtual rally, and scholars across the country spent the next day making and displaying posters that told adults in their communities why their votes were so important.

?

Hear from tomorrow''s torch-bearers at the link below and commit to bringing their voices to the polls this November.

Help make sure vulnerable children will not get left behind as our country responds to this pandemic. Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund >

Our Advocacy for Children

As families—particularly families of color and low-income families—continue to experience the devastating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, our state and national policy teams are hard at work ensuring that Congress knows what children need to weather this storm. Here are some of the ways we advocated for the most vulnerable families this month:

Honoring Fallen Giants

In the same week that we celebrated the activism of K-12 children participating in the CDF Freedom Schools National Day of Social Action, we mourned the loss of two civil rights heroes who were dear to the Children''s Defense Fund family. Join us in reflecting on the messages that they shared with our young servant leaders in years past.

Take Action to Advance Racial Justice

We have led the fight for justice for children, with a special focus on children in the Black community, for nearly 50 years. We remain committed to uplifting Black communities and fighting structural racism.

?

Join us today, and we''ll share opportunities to amplify your voice to make sure every child in America has what they need to thrive—no matter where they come from or the color of their skin.

Revisit the Faith and Commitment of Proctor

Last week, we joined with our partners at the Highlander Center to host a virtual 2020 CDF Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry. The free event brought our Beloved Community together over two days for conversations, reflections, blessings, and renewal. You can view all four sessions on demand below.

Child Watch Roundup

In a Child Watch column published this month, Marian Wright Edelman charged us all with holding Senate leadership accountable for ensuring the next COVID-19 relief package includes significant action to protect our children.

Catch up on the rest of Marian Wright Edelman''s recent Child Watch columns:

• A Glory Glory Hallelujah Time?!
• Voting for Our Future
• Lessons from Geese: Standing By Each Other in Difficult Times

Be sure to look for?a new Child Watch column every Friday afternoon.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St. NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

We asked CDF Freedom Schools^? scholars from across the country why voting is important. This week, they’re going to tell us. I’m inviting you to a special, virtual event to hear what they have to say.

?

Join us tomorrow night at 6:30 PM ET.

?

Every summer, the CDF Freedom Schools National Day of Social Action empowers children and youth in kindergarten through high school to speak truth to power and advocate for an issue that’s important to them.

?

With Election Day drawing closer, this year’s theme is #VoteBecause: children holding America accountable to vote for what they really need.

?

It all starts tomorrow with our first-ever LIVE virtual rally, where we’ll hear from three passionate CDF Freedom Schools scholars and special guests.

The CDF Freedom Schools model builds and empowers tomorrow’s leaders, and this annual day of action is at the heart of that mission. We know our advocacy is more powerful and our country is stronger when we put children’s needs and voices first.

?

These young people cannot vote, but they do have a lot to say—and it’s up to us to take their voices to the polls.

We hope to see you there!

P.S. Help us spread the word! Forward this email to a friend who won’t want to miss tomorrow’s virtual rally.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

As new coronavirus cases spike throughout the country, we want to be sure you have access to information about how the dual crises of the pandemic and systemic racism are impacting vulnerable children and families and what you can do to help. That’s why I want to be sure you know about our new COVID-19 Action Center.

?

We’re fighting to help families weather the current crisis and break down deeply-rooted, racist systems that hold children back. The Action Center puts our policy analysis, advocacy efforts, and the voices of families all in one place so you can get informed and get involved. We hope you find it useful.

?

Sincerely,

?

Emily Gardner

Director of Communications

Mr,

?

COVID-19 has upended many parts of our lives, but systemic racism and long-standing racial disparities remain—and this public health crisis has only magnified their effects. Black families and other families of color are disproportionately losing their lives and their livelihoods to this crisis.

We’re calling on Congress to provide relief to families now, while taking steps to abolish systemic barriers that hold our children—especially Black children—back at every step.

?

Today, we’re launching our COVID-19 Action Center.?Here you’ll find resources and analysis about the policy changes we’re fighting for to help vulnerable families weather the current crisis and break down barriers for children and families of color in the long term.

You can join the fight by calling on your elected officials to meet both the urgent and long-standing needs of children and families. Take action now.

?

We will keep pursuing justice for the children and families our nation has failed to protect from the parallel pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism. We couldn’t do this work without you—thank you for being part of this fight.

?

Children’s Defense Fund

?

P.S. If you can, please make a donation to the Children in Crisis Fund today to help make sure the needs of vulnerable children and families are met today, tomorrow, and always.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

This year, you have the power to vote for candidates who will support and protect children today while paving the way for them to lead tomorrow. I vote because the nation’s young people have the strength to bring us closer to the just and equitable country we envision—and I want to ensure they’re empowered to do so.

?

With your gift to the Children’s Defense Fund, you help lift up the voices of children like Ixchel and Sasha, who are ready to fight for justice. This summer, Ixchel told thousands of CDF Freedom Schools^? supporters that our country needs “a group of leaders who represent our community and support Black Lives Matter.”

?

Sasha stood with her and added: “not having equality is really sad. But if we vote, we can make a difference.”

The scholars who attend CDF Freedom Schools and the college-aged youth who staff them give me immense hope that this fight is winnable. They are the next generation of social justice leaders, and it is at CDF Freedom Schools that they hone the skills that will help them move mountains and lead movements.

?

Please make a gift to the Children’s Defense Fund today to support our fight for the future—and our advocacy for the young people who are going to see that fight through.

P.S. Your vote matters. Use our 2020 Voter Resources to make a plan to vote safely and smartly.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

“Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
- Marian Wright Edelman

Mr,

This week is National Voter Registration Week. We’re on a mission to register voters like you who will bring children’s voices to the polls this election season.

The stakes are incredibly high in this election—from the race for the White House all the way down to local elections in your community. The people elected in November will make decisions that impact children’s lives for years to come. That’s why America’s children need you to make a plan to vote on behalf of children.

Our 2020 voter guides explain why voting matters at every level of government, highlight the children’s issues that are at stake in this election, and help you make a plan to vote smartly and safely. Plus, we’re sharing a special message from former First Lady Michelle Obama just for voters like you!

Children can’t vote, but they have so much at stake in this election. When you cast your vote, you can hold officials at every level accountable for standing up for America’s children and ensuring they have what they need to thrive.

P.S. Thank you for joining the chorus of advocates lifting up the voices of children and ensuring they are a priority this November. Share this link with 5 friends or loved ones today to make sure they’re registered to vote at weall.vote/cdf.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

Civil rights activists, political leaders, and Children’s Defense Fund supporters agree: our next President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, is the right leader at the right time.

The New York Times featured the announcement of our historic leadership change, calling it “a generational shift for [a] storied organization.”

We have found a remarkable leader in Dr. Wilson, and I couldn’t be more excited to enter this new chapter in the struggle for equity and justice for all of America’s children. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Dr. Wilson to the Children’s Defense Fund family.

With hope and gratitude,

Max Lesko

National Executive Director

Mr,

Marian Wright Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973 to focus the power and values of the Civil Rights Movement on the fight to ensure all children have what they need to thrive. Today, we find ourselves immersed in a new movement to end racial and economic injustice, and we’re thrilled to share that we have a new leader who is perfectly positioned to guide us in that fight.

Today, we’re proud to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson to be the next President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Dr. Wilson is a thought leader in racial justice, community organizing, and movement building. He is a champion for children’s rights who has long been a member of the Children’s Defense Fund family. He is a familiar face to all who gather in Beloved Community at the CDF Proctor Institute and led the effort to bring the CDF Freedom Schools® program to St. Louis.

He is also deeply rooted in the Black Lives Matter movement. In the wake of the tragic murder of teenager Michael Brown in 2014, he co-chaired the Ferguson Commission responsible for releasing “Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity.”

- Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson

Marian Wright Edelman brought Dr. King’s vision to the movement to end child poverty. Now, as we enter a new chapter of the struggle for equality and justice in America, we’re incredibly honored to follow the leadership of Dr. Wilson to guarantee the rights of all children.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson home.

In solidarity,

The Children’s Defense Fund

P.S. Would you consider making a gift today to welcome Rev. Dr. Wilson to his leadership role and to equip him to continue the Children’s Defense Fund’s legacy of fighting every day for America’s children? Donate today.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Our Voice for Children

August 2020

We are disgusted and devastated by the episodes of violence that terrorize and traumatize Black children and families in communities across this country. The disregard not only for Jacob Blake’s life but also for his children speaks to the centuries of trauma and pain inflicted on Black children and families. We will continue to demand accountability and systemic change.

The March Continues

On the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, we are still fighting for jobs and justice—justice for Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, George Floyd, and far too many others. Read Marian Wright Edelman''s latest column, in which she reflects on Dr. King''s lesser-known message from 57 years ago about the promissory note still bouncing at America’s bank of justice.

A New Freedom Summer

Help make sure vulnerable children will not get left behind as our country responds to this pandemic. Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund >

Our Advocacy for Children

Our state and national policy teams continue to fight to ensure that families—particularly families of color and low-income families—have what they need to survive and thrive. Here are some of the ways we advocated for the most vulnerable children and their families this month:

Celebrating Unlimited Potential

Our five CDF Beat the Odds^® honorees from the Washington, D.C. area didn''t get the proper celebration they deserved when our gala was canceled in March. This month, we virtually celebrated their resilience, academic excellence, and commitment to social change with an intimate gathering just for them. Meet these incredible young leaders and share a note of congratulations.

Youth Voices

This summer, we were lucky enough to have some super-star college interns serving with us across the organization. Three of those fantastic interns shared why the work that the Children''s Defense Fund does has so much meaning for them:

Child Watch Roundup

In a Child Watch column published this month, Marian Wright Edelman shared two powerful prayers from her dear friend Rev. Frederick J. "Jerry" Street to nurture all of us in these difficult times.

Catch up on the rest of Marian Wright Edelman''s recent Child Watch columns:

• Persevere
• So Much Work to Do

Be sure to sign up to receive Marian Wright Edelman''s Child Watch column directly to your inbox every Friday.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

In the fall of 1962, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) assigned me to the town of Selma, Alabama to help register Black people to vote. I had previously been engaged in the Nashville sit-in movement and in the Freedom Rides, helping to fully desegregate a South that was still very resistant, and extending voting rights became the next great struggle I would embark on.

Amelia Boynton Robinson, voting rights activist with the Dallas County Voters League, inspired me to go to Selma. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy: two SNCC teams had already gone down to Selma and determined we couldn’t make any progress there. They said the white people were too mean and the Black people were too afraid, and that the successful movements in Montgomery and Birmingham would not be successful in Selma.

But I had to see for myself.

In Selma, I encountered a community where Black and white residents lived very closely intertwined lives. I got to know Black people who were willing to go to great lengths to register to vote. I also met a lot of resistance to my presence and my attempts to extend the vote. My physical safety and my life were in danger. The FBI later confirmed a conspiracy across three states to murder me, civil rights activist and preacher Benjamin Elton Cox, and civil rights activist Medgar Evers who was killed in 1963. All of this happened because the right to vote is that important.

SNCC focused on both direct action and voter registration, because those are the two fundamental expressions of our democracy. Our direct action brought us so many steps forward, but progress could not be fully won without the vote. We knew if Black people could vote, they could have a voice in who was going to represent them, who was going to make decisions about their communities. They could change how they were looked at and how they were treated.

Today, the vote is just as important as it was in 1962. Your vote is that important. Many, including our political leaders, are working to convince Americans that their votes won’t count, because they know voting can bring about the change that we want to see. You must therefore make every effort to make sure that your vote will count: vote by mail, vote early, or vote in-person on Election Day—just make a plan, and make sure it happens.

Your vote is too important to waste.

P.S. The Children’s Defense Fund has resources you can use to make a plan to vote safely and smartly and to vote on behalf of America’s children. Visit the voter resource center here.

Dr. Lafayette was the co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a leader in the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins, a Freedom Rider, an associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the former national coordinator of the Poor People''s Campaign. He has been a long-time friend of the Children’s Defense Fund and has generously shared his experience and wisdom with young CDF Freedom Schools^® staff and child advocates. He is the current Breeden Scholar-in-Residence at Auburn University and national chair of the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

This “back-to-school season” is the most important in recent memory. Many children are facing what feels like a no-win situation: the same children who are most likely to be left behind by virtual learning are also disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore endangered by a return to the classroom.

?

Children are going to have unprecedented needs that schools and educators must be prepared to meet, including learning loss, social and emotional harm, and even unmet basic needs like nutrition and health care. The CDF Freedom Schools^? program provides a model for how schools and communities can meet these needs. It’s a model that I’m incredibly proud of.

In my 22 years with CDF Freedom Schools, I’ve seen how building a true love of learning and focusing on family engagement is a winning combination. Rather than hammering on phonetics skills, we build literacy by introducing children to stories and characters that resonate with their lives and help them find the joy in reading.

We also meet children where they are. By building relationships with scholars and their families from day one, we are able to make connections, empower learners, and foster leaders. Please consider making a gift to the Children’s Defense Fund. Your gift will help us reach more children with CDF Freedom Schools and will support our advocacy to ensure that children across the country have all the support they need this fall. Together, we can go “back-to-school” stronger.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

Tomorrow we commemorate Juneteenth. It’s a day that represents the end of the brutal system of slavery in America, and it must be celebrated. But while celebrating the end to one brutal system, we must not lose sight of the other forms of oppression that continue today.

From our racist cradle to prison pipeline, to our segregated schools, to hateful rhetoric from our most powerful leaders, you cannot look at our nation today without recognizing that Black people are not yet truly free in this country.

I reflect on my own experiences as a Black man in America, and I’m thankful that I was able to go to college, that I am paid for my work, that I’m able to marry whoever I want. But I want more for myself and for my community. I want Black people to be able to walk down the street and not be harassed or even killed because of the color of their skin. I want Black people to know that what they say matters and will not be dismissed because they are Black. I want Black parents to not have to worry about where their children go, for fear of somebody else’s actions.

So this Juneteenth, I encourage my Black friends to celebrate the progress we’ve made while continuing to fight and hold our leaders and our communities accountable. I encourage my white friends to show up, speak up, and stand in solidarity with Black people, recognizing that every privilege they’ve experienced in life has been at the expense of Black lives.

America should celebrate Black life and Black freedom every day, not once or twice a year. We should celebrate Black life by protecting Black people, not out of fear of backlash, or because it’s trendy, but because this country was built by Black people and the future of our nation depends on the lives of Black people.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Photo credit Mallory Cash, Ed NC

Mr,

This has been a challenging summer, but the CDF Freedom Schools^® sites operating across the country remain enduring beacons of hope.

- Ja’Quay Locke, 7th grade CDF Freedom Schools scholar,

Communities in Schools of Cape Fear (Wilmington, NC)

Even in moments of great fear and uncertainty, our incredible partners shine. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, and as peaceful protests met hatred and violence head-on, our partners in Minneapolis, MN came together with their CDF Freedom Schools family for healing and action.

- Michelle Higgins, Executive Director, Park Avenue Youth & Family Services

Freedom School (Minneapolis, MN)

Scholars at a brand new CDF Freedom Schools site in Pensacola, FL dove headfirst into conversations not only about our country’s history, but also about how they could impact the future.

- Gabrielle Brown, Florida State University Student and Servant Leader Intern, Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast (Pensacola, FL)

At a time when so many things feel out of our control, we''re more grateful than ever for our resilient, dedicated partners across the country who brought their scholars much-needed hope, education, and action this summer.

Thank you to our summer 2020 partners. Please join us in recognizing them for all they do for our country’s children—this year and every year.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

We’re 82 days away from Election Day. That means you have just under 12 weeks to get yourself, your friends, and your loved ones registered to vote—and ready to vote on behalf of America’s children.

Making sure you’re registered to vote is the crucial first step to making your voice heard. In the 2016 election, 100 million eligible voters didn’t cast their ballots—and we can’t let that happen again. That’s why we’ve teamed up with When We All Vote make it easy for you to get registered:

If you’re already registered, thank you. Take the next step and share this tweet to encourage everyone in your life to do the same:

You have the influence and are the best person to talk to your friends and family about the importance of voting. We must all do everything we can over the next 82 days to ensure everyone is registered and ready to vote—so register or spread the word today!

The Children’s Defense Fund team

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

This summer, our “Freedom Parades” brought smiles to the faces of the CDF Freedom Schools^? families we serve here in Washington, D.C. Truth be told, they were also high-points of the summer for me and the rest of our team. In fact, it may be scientifically impossible to be in a bad mood after standing on someone’s doorstep and cheering, “We’ve got the power ‘cause we are the Freedom School!”

?

Engaging families as active participants in their children’s education has always been part of the foundation of the CDF Freedom Schools model—and this year, during our 25th anniversary of the program, that became more critical than ever.?

Across the country, many of the families we work with are having trouble getting their basic needs met, and we knew it was important to support our families this year in more ways than one:

Hope

While our CDF Freedom Schools families are experiencing increased stress, economic strain, severe health risks, and serious barriers to education due to COVID-19, we did our best to be a ray of light by providing families with books, laptops, vital support, and financial resources.

?

Education

Our local CDF Freedom Schools scholars were treated to six weeks of daily education and enrichment—including live virtual book clubs, exciting science experiments, virtual field trips, and more!

?

Action

We created an opportunity for our D.C. CDF Freedom Schools families to mourn the murder of George Floyd and join renewed calls for racial justice at a socially distant Juneteenth gathering at Black Lives Matter Plaza.

I’m so grateful we were able to bring smiles (and much more) to our families this summer. We heard similar stories from CDF Freedom Schools nation-wide, of communities coming together during a summer we’ll never forget and truly making it a summer to remember. Thanks to friends like you, we know that we’ll be able to keep making the CDF Freedom Schools program a cornerstone of communities like ours for 25 more years—and beyond.

P.S. Did you know that we run CDF Freedom Schools as after school programs to extend the learning year-round? Make a gift to the Children’s Defense Fund today to keep those smiles coming all year!

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

The loss of Black lives to COVID-19 and police violence are related evils, and they shouldn''t be disentangled—they''re both the result of deep-rooted systemic and institutionalized racism. And as the disease continues to devastate Black communities, the violent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others by police and white supremacists have spurred a national reckoning with America’s long-standing devaluation and oppression of Black lives.

COVID-19 is exacerbating our nation’s systemic racism and disparities that hurt Black children and families, while these vicious murders signal to them that America does not value their lives or their future.

This violence and harm only widens the racial gaps that hold back our nation’s children at every step. Too many of our Black children were already living in poverty before COVID-19, lacking the stable housing, quality health care, ample nutritious food, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and access to resources and opportunities they need to succeed. But we can do better—and we must stand up for Black children.

We will never stop fighting for racial justice for our children—in our communities, our schools, our policing, and our policies. Thank you for fighting alongside us in pursuit of a country that values the lives of Black children just as much as those of white children. We couldn’t do it without you.

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

As the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic come into focus, it’s clear that this crisis is yet another example of the shameful truth about growing up in America: our children of color and children living in poverty are being hit the hardest.

?

Injustices built into our health care, education, housing, and economic systems are being magnified by the crisis, leaving vulnerable families to fight parallel deadly pandemics—COVID-19 and systemic racism.

?

Mr, please make sure children get the help they need right now by making a gift to the Children in Crisis Fund.

We’re fighting every day to make sure children have what they need to survive this crisis by:

1. Redirecting our advocacy efforts to get children—especially Black children, children in foster care, and other children that are particularly vulnerable—the relief they need to weather this crisis.
2. Ramping up our public education and outreach efforts to make sure families know how to access life-saving resources.
3. Adapting our community-based programs, like CDF Freedom Schools^®, to leverage virtual learning opportunities that allow us to continue providing essential education and enrichment for children across the country this summer—meeting children where they are, when they need support the most.

?

You can help children in need right now by donating today to the Children in Crisis Fund.

As challenging as this crisis has been, we know our nation will make it through. With your help, we can ensure all our nation’s children will, too.

?

Thank you for standing up for children, today and always.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002

We are appalled and devastated by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and Sean Reed by police officers, and the killing of Ahmaud Arbery by a former police officer. We stand in solidarity with Black youth, families, and communities across the nation protesting this brutality and demanding justice.

These modern-day lynchings are part of a history of racist violence against Black Americans tracing back to what our founder calls the birth defects of our nation: slavery, racism, and oppression. To achieve a just future for our children and our nation, we must confront and dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate racism. This means not only reforming policing and the criminal justice system, but also confronting our unjust economic and political systems that create deep disparities in income, housing, education, health and well-being and harm our children and families of color.

Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, the Children’s Defense Fund and its mission to leave no child behind has always been and will always be rooted in the pursuit of racial justice. We know that we will never achieve our mission to ensure every child a safe, healthy, fair and moral start in life and safe passage to adulthood without confronting and dismantling institutionalized racism in America. We also know that our children are watching and learning from what is happening, and how we as a nation respond to this moment of reckoning.

For nearly 50 years we have stood with Black communities leading the fight for justice. We commit to listening to and amplifying the voices of people of color within and outside our organization—especially young people. We are calling on Congress to move immediately to pass meaningful police reform legislation to protect the lives of Black children, youth and adults. We are sharing resources from CDF Freedom Schools that empower children of color to embrace their identities and their power to make a difference—and help all children understand the history and legacy of Black Americans. And we will continue to fight every day for justice for our children.

The fight for racial justice is a moral imperative and a struggle that belongs to all of us. For those of us working toward a better and more just future for our children, it is the most important struggle we face. Every American must stand up and stand together now to demand change.

As we move forward, we reflect on the words of our founder, Marian Wright Edelman, written in 2014 in response to the police killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, but just as relevant today.

“Democracy cannot breathe, and will die, if those enjoined to protect and uphold the law snuff it out unjustly and without consequence. Justice cannot breathe when Black men and boys and women and girls are routinely profiled, abused, arrested, and killed with impunity by police officers. We must stop this. We must protect the lives of our young people—all of them. God did not make two classes of people or children and America continues to do so at its peril.”

In solidarity,

Patrick Bresette, Executive Director, CDF-Texas

Oleta Fitzgerald, Executive Director, CDF-Southern Regional Office

Shimica Gaskins, Executive Director, CDF-California

Max Lesko, National Executive Director, Children’s Defense Fund

Tracy Nájera, Executive Director, CDF-Ohio

Naomi Post, Executive Director, CDF-New York

Bharti Wahi, Executive Director, CDF-Minnesota

Children''s Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002

Mr,

?

Imagine the heartache of watching your children go to bed hungry. As a parent myself, I’m constantly thinking about parents across the country who are seeing their children suffer the brutal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic—forced to watch their children endure everything from missed opportunities and missed lessons to missed meals.

?

At the Children’s Defense Fund, we’re fighting every day to help families weather this storm and regain their footing, so that they can be even stronger on the other side of this crisis—are you with us?

- Jamie in Columbus, OH, grandmother of 3

Source: New York Times

- James in Spokane, WA, father of 2
Source: The Spokesman-Review

- Kristian in Columbus, GA, mother of 3
Source: The Wall Street Journal

This pandemic is not slowing down, and children will continue to feel the effects of this monumental moment for years to come. But we’re not slowing down, either.

?

Mr, with your gift to the Children in Crisis Fund today, we can help make sure children and families receive the support they need during the pandemic and beyond.

?

As a parent, I thank you for not backing down from the fight for children.

Children''s Defense Fund? All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300,?Washington, DC 20002