CDF Executive Listening Sessions

In the summer of 2022, Children’s Defense Fund embarked on a multi-state listening campaign led by CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. Spanning seven cities across the United States, we joined in community with CDF Freedom Schools® staff, scholars, and parents to ask about the well-being and state of their children.

The village spoke, and CDF listened.

Through this initiative, known as the CDF Executive Listening Sessions, we redefined the role of expert to center the lived experiences of the children, youth, and caregivers we serve. We listened to concerns related to issues in each community and throughout the U.S. We asked parents and caregivers to share their perspectives on policies and priorities, advancing the hopes of their children.

Their voices inform our work, and help us better understand the challenges they face and the solutions they demand.