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:
We outlined what the Senate needs to include in a COVID-19 relief package focused on kids.
We drew attention to the very real threat that millions of children could lose their homes if Congress fails to act with urgency.
We called on Congress to address children's needs and existing racial inequalities as it begins its budget appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2021.
We demonstrated that an increase in Chafee funds is urgently needed to protect and support foster care youth.
We called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to end its cruel policies and false choices by releasing parents and children together.
We urged Congress to include the Pandemic TANF Assistance Act in the next COVID-19 relief bill.
CDF-Minnesota highlighted how we've helped direct some of the state's COVID-19 relief funds to support children, families, and the child care sector.
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:
Be sure to look for a new Child Watch column every Friday afternoon.
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