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** American Youth Policy Forum and National Celebration of Joy on November 5-6 in Washington, DC
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Dear John,


Thanks for all you’re doing to keep children in public conversation in a difficult time. I’m encouraged by the witness of people who show up for young people every day. Children’s Defense Fund is honored by our connection to you.


In a moment calling for bold vision and servant leadership, I hope you will join us and other partners as we consider ways to advance a policy agenda for children over the next year, leading into a critical mid-term election. On November 5-6 in Washington, D.C., we will convene the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), powered by CDF ([link removed]) .


During the two-day convening at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library, we hope to align and inspire hundreds of child advocates, policymakers, Congressional and Administration staff, researchers, and young people in analysis and strategy. Together, we will discuss how legislation can better serve young people.


We are pleased to be joined by leading thinkers on children’s health, education, immigration, and youth flourishing. Our keynote speakers will be: Dr. Richard Besser ([link removed]) , president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Lisa Lawson ([link removed]) , president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and author of Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children; Dr. John H. Jackson ([link removed]) , president and CEO of the Schott Foundation for Public Education; and Cristina Jimenez ([link removed]) , co-Founder of United We Dream, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, and best-selling author of Dreaming of Home.


All leaders who care and advocate for children are welcome. Your voice would enrich the conversation. So, I hope you can join us.
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Because as Alice Walker said, “Hard times require furious dancing,” following day one of the AYPF we will gather for A National Celebration of Joy ([link removed]) to honor the contributions of national leaders working to ensure dignity, hope, and joy for children. The dinner will celebrate the Honorable Bennie Thompson ([link removed]) of Mississippi, United We Dream co-Founder and best-selling author Cristina Jimenez, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and include special remarks by Congressman Thompson and LaJune Montgomery Tabron ([link removed]) , president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and author of How We Heal: A Journey Toward Ruth, Racial Healing, and Community Transformation from the Inside Out. Entertainment will be provided by Dove Award-winning artist, Brian Courtney Wilson. On behalf of our Host
Committee Co-Chairs, Marty Rodgers, U.S. Lead for the Health and Public Service Group of Accenture, and Zack Boyers, chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank Impact Finance, we welcome you to join us for the policy and the party!
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Purchase your tickets here ([link removed]*bxae77*_gcl_au*MTU3MzUxMDUyMi4xNzUyOTczNzM2*_ga*MTg2NTY5OTc1NS4xNzU3MzU5MTY0*_ga_9QQTCTFDQL*czE3NTg4OTc1MjUkbzIyJGcxJHQxNzU4ODk4MTY3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA.&utm_source=Children%27s+Defense+Fund&utm_campaign=0e4022427e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_04_11_04_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-281f9d219c-59342.) .

Join us for these powerful events where CDF will gather changemakers—like you—in Washington, D.C., to center the well-being of young people in public policy, with joy.


For our children,

Rev. Dr. Starsky WIlson

President & CEO
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