[link removed]


** Building Beloved Community: A Safe Place and Alternative Witness
------------------------------------------------------------

Dear John,


As with many organizations seeking to serve movements for well-being and justice, each year at Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) begins with a time of reflection on vision. Across gatherings with the Board of Directors, frontline staff, and key partners in the field, efforts to align energy and ensure clarity consume the calendars of leaders. This year has been no different, except that it has been very different.


In January, we gathered CDF board members from across the nation in Washington, D.C., staff from 11 locations virtually, and CDF Freedom Schools® executive directors from 30 states in Clinton, TN, and convened with nearly 200 movement and faith leaders in Atlanta, GA. In February, our team hosted 60 congregational leaders for retreat and reflection on young people’s concerns at CDF’s Alex Haley Farm, and our team engaged hundreds of policymakers with children’s priorities in state capitols across the country.


In every setting—with every partner, and every policymaker, and every parent, and every pastor, and every participant, and every parishioner, in every place—we lifted the vision of Beloved Community. We asserted that this elusive expression of human connection, marked by peace, justice and love, is both required for our children to thrive and the sign of flourishing youth.
[link removed]

To affirming nods, audible “Amens,” and curious inquiry in strategic conversions, we also owned the fact that it is harder to see this vision of Beloved Community today than it was just a few months ago. It is hard for others to hear us speak of such promise amid such peril.
* As Congress passes a budget with cuts to Medicaid, which covers 37 million children…
* As advocates work to defend funding and reclaim the mission of public education…
* As the most diverse collection of high school students in history ponders the meaning of diversity rollbacks from their government on their personhood…
* As the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Administration for Children and Families, is directed to cut thousands of workers in mass firings…
* As Executive overreach and governing homogeneity in America today stirs memories of apartheid oversight in South Africa from a generation ago…


it is difficult to gain a glimpse of Desmond Tutu’s “rainbow people of God” much less Martin King’s Beloved Community. Yet, we must advance this vision vigorously, speak of it openly, and build it relationally. Because the joy, dignity, and safety of our children depend upon it.


In this moment of American history, the Beloved Community is both a place of safety and an alternative witness to what our children, youth, and families experience. Our challenge in this environment is not to lose sight of the vision, but to consider new approaches to bring it into fruition. This calls us—especially as we close Black History month—to practices of Sankofa (reaching back into our heritage to move forward for a greater future). In 2016, the late Rev. C.T. Vivian, a colleague of Dr. King and our Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, addressed servant leaders gathered by Children’s Defense Fund and charged us to be courageous, curious, and creative. “You can’t create the Beloved Community on yesterday’s understandings,” he said. “It’s up to us to create the world we really want.” It is up to us.


I began this week in conversation about CDF with two elders of our tradition (89 and 90 years old, respectively). Each worked with Rev. Vivian in the contemporary Civil Rights Movement and for years through CDF at Haley Farm. Meanwhile, our strategy team hosted a “visioning session” for all staff, projecting 50 years into the future for children and youth. Through the deliberate, reflective, encouraging speech of the elders I gained confidence that the hope-filled visions of our energized young staff team will be successful in crafting a community where our children sing and dance.

Join us as we build it...

For our children,

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
President and CEO
DONATE ([link removed])


** CDF Policy and Advocacy
------------------------------------------------------------

At Children’s Defense Fund, we believe that every child—regardless of immigration status, family income, or background—deserves the opportunity to thrive. That’s why we’re actively advocating for policies that create a brighter future for all young people.


This month, we signed on to two critical pieces of legislation:


The American Dream and Promise Act – Reintroduced by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), this bill provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), ensuring stability for hundreds of thousands of immigrant families.
Learn More ([link removed])

The Poverty Line Modernization Act – Reintroduced by Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA), this bipartisan bill updates the outdated federal poverty measure to better reflect the real cost of living, ensuring low-income children and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Check it Out ([link removed])


** CDF in the States
------------------------------------------------------------

Across the country, our state offices are leading critical initiatives. In Texas, we're advocating for immigrant children's rights, while in Ohio, we're launching a new economic justice initiative to support families. These localized efforts ensure children's needs are met at every level.
Explore ([link removed])


** Upcoming Event: 2025 Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
------------------------------------------------------------

Join us for this year’s Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry ([link removed]) on July 21-24 at CDF’s Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee. This year’s theme is Building Beloved Community: A Place for Play & Laughter. This transformative gathering equips faith leaders, advocates, and community members with the tools to nurture, protect, and uplift children and youth through justice-centered ministry.
Secure Your Early Bird Discount Now ([link removed])


** Looking Back: 2024 Hall-Proctor
------------------------------------------------------------

Last year, nearly 500 faith leaders and child advocates gathered to explore Unleashing the Joy. Through worship, workshops, and community action, attendees deepened their commitment to advancing justice for children. This year’s institute will build upon that foundation, fostering spiritual renewal and equipping participants to lead boldly in their communities.


** Relive 2024 Hall-Proctor
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]


** CDF in the News
------------------------------------------------------------

Children's Defense Fund continues to be a leading voice for child advocacy nationwide.


Here are some of our recent activities making headlines:



** CDF-Texas Concerned About Medicaid Cuts ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

Our Children's Defense Fund-Texas team wrote an op-ed for the Dallas Morning News stating the concern they have for young families in North Texas. Texas already leads the nation in rural hospital closures, and one in three children in its small towns rely on Medicaid or CHIP.



** CDF-Ohio Highlights Efforts to Address Youth Poverty in State Budget Proposals ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

Research from CDF-Ohio's 2024 Kids Count® Data Profiles reveals that nearly half a million children in Ohio are affected by poverty. Our Ohio team finds some of Governor Mike DeWine's youth-focused budget proposals encouraging and advocates for their adoption to address this critical issue.


** CDF-SRO Criticizes Mississippi's Non-Participation in Critical Summer Food Program ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

For the second consecutive year, Mississippi state leaders have chosen not to participate in the Summer Food Assistance Program, denying vital food assistance to children during the summer months. CDF emphasizes the adverse impact this decision has on youth facing hunger.



** Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson Becomes First Black Chair of RWJF Board ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

CDF President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, has been appointed as the first Black chair of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Board of Trustees, marking a historic milestone for the organization.


Stay connected ([link removed]) with us for more updates on our advocacy efforts and initiatives.


Thank you for your continued support in advocating for children’s rights and well-being. Together, we can create a more just and joyful future for all young people.
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
DONATE ([link removed])

View email in browser ([link removed])
Children's Defense Fund . 840 1st St NE Ste 300 . Washington, DC 20002-8000 . USA
[link removed]
update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])