CDF Freedom Schools® National Days of Social Action

Is your child learning to make a difference this summer? If she is enrolled in a Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® summer program, you'll know the answer is definitely yes! Proudly rooted in the American Civil Rights Movement and the courageous efforts of college-age youths to make a difference, the CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model integrated curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health, and mental health. Classes are taught by college-aged servant leader interns. The CDF Freedom Schools model embraces CDF's mission and encourages children and young adults to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves and in their families, schools, communities, nation, and world through hope, education, and action.

Service is a key part of the CDF Freedom Schools experience, and every year sites across the country participate in coordinated National Days of Social Action. This year's National Days of Social Action are focused on ensuring every child a Healthy Start in life and access to affordable, seamless, and comprehensive health and mental health coverage. The recent landmark national health reform legislation signed by President Obama will give 32 million people in America, including more than 95 percent of all children, access to health coverage previously beyond their reach. CDF Freedom Schools site coordinators, servant leader interns, and students were a critical part of this victory. During CDF Freedom Schools National Days of Social Action over the past two years, more than 12,000 youths across the nation held rallies, marches, had Congressional visits, and mounted letter-writing campaigns urging Congress to support health reform for all children. This year, children are able to see that their efforts really can make a difference.

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