Our Voice for Children

November 2020

With Hope and Gratitude

This season, we're hopeful. A record number of voters showed up in the 2020 election and made it clear that the cruelty and indifference of the last four years could no longer be tolerated for our children. We will remain committed to pursuing justice for all children, and we're ready to hold newly elected leaders accountable to the work that needs to be done with urgency. And we do it all with immense gratitude for you, our friends, advocates, and supporters.

Here's wishing you and your loved ones a hopeful and happy holiday season!

Missing someone a little extra this time of year? Make a tribute gift to the Children's Defense Fund in their honor, and we'll let them know that you send your love. Donate now >

The Work That Remains

Following the election, Dr. Bernice A. King, the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, shared a call-to-action with the Children's Defense Fund community. She asked us to recommit ourselves to the uncomfortable, messy, and necessary work of eradicating the evils of poverty and racism on behalf of all children. Read her charge.

Our Advocacy for Children

Throughout this whirlwind of a month, our state and national policy teams are fighting to ensure the needs of children remain front and center. Here are some of the ways we're advocating for children and their families this month:

Immigration: CDF-Texas demonstrated that anti-immigrant policies are keeping children and families from programs and services they need and are eligible for—and offered solutions to fight this climate of fear. Learn more.

Child Welfare: We spoke with NPR's "All Things Considered" about how the pandemic is challenging the U.S. child welfare system's ability to recruit new foster parents. Learn more.

Child Health: CDF-New York highlighted how many New Yorkers could lose their health insurance if the Supreme Court were to overturn the Affordable Care Act, stressing the magnitude of this concern amidst the pandemic's economic downturn and disproportionate impact on New Yorkers of color. Learn more.

Early Childhood Education: We once again called on Congress to pass COVID-19 relief that includes $50 billion dedicated to stabilizing the child care sector and protecting the high-quality child care that is essential for our children, families, and the economy. Learn more.

Higher Education: We joined more than 230 other organizations in calling on President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris to boost the economy, tackle racial disparities, and provide much-needed stimulus to help Americans weather the pandemic by canceling federal student loan debt on day one of their administration. Learn more.

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

Child Watch Roundup

In a Child Watch column published this month, Marian Wright Edelman reflected on the role that the "rich inheritances" of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the "Divine Nine" Greek organizations have played in empowering Black leadership—including that of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. Read the column.

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

• Honoring Rev. C.T. Vivian's Legacy
• Changing Symbols

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

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