The Children's Defense Fund is the website that I have been researching. Their website is
http://www.childrensdefense.org/newsroom/enewsletters/
The sections on this website that I find the most intriguing are the Policy Priorities, Research Library and Programs and Campaigns.
The Policy Priorities section highlights current issues affecting children and families. The most current issues in this section are: ending child poverty, children's health and welfare, early childhood education and care, elementary and secondary education, juvenile justice, special projects for children in need, and family resources.
I have found that all of this information relates to my field and the work I am currently doing but I have been focusing most of my reading on the sections that address ending child poverty and early childhood education and care. I especially appreciate that the information is easy to read and outlines the problem, why it matters and what must be done. There are also articles of information and research linked to each issue.
The Research Library is full of articles relating to the issues on the site of concern to the Children's Defense Fund. I find these helpful because they are full articles full of research and concrete examples of the issues and suggestions on how to take action to be involved with these issues. These articles are contributed by CDF members as well as articles that have shown up in the news.
The Programs and Campaigns section contains the programs and campaigns that the Children's Defense Fund is the most passionate about. These programs include CDF Freedom Schools, Faith-Based Action Program, Black Community Crusade for Children, Cradle to Pipeline, and Youth Leadership and Training. These are programs that are providing extra supports for children and their families while also encouraging and training young people so that they feel equipped to lead their communities to face the issues affecting them and all children and families.
The Children's Defense Fund highlights political and economic impacts that childhood issues are having on our society. The CDF provides accurate information including current statistical research and encourages people that visit their site to take action by becoming active in their communities, contacting legislators and educating themselves about the crucial issues facing children and their families. Oh and did I mention that Dr. Cathy Grace is the Director of Early Childhood Development for the CDF:) I have enjoyed listening to her media presentations and was excited to learn that she is the Director of the CDF!
I have found from diving into the CDF site, my knowledge about issues such as early childhood funding and ending childhood poverty have increased and that there is so much for me to learn. I am looking forward to continuing to peruse the site more to continue to increase my knowledge in all of the issues presented on the site and near and dear to the Children's Defense Fund. The knowledge I gain will equip me with tools of advocacy and action.
I encourage you to check out their site!
Children's Defense Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/newsroom/enewsletters/
I enjoyed reading your post about the children defense fund! Sounds like a site that I would definitely be interested in checking out soon. Childhood poverty is one of those issues that just always saddens me. Too many of our young children are living in poverty, and this has to change. You are so right that there is so much more that we all have to learn. I look forward to continuing to learn from you and your experiences in the early childhood field.
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From reading your post I have gained great interest in the children's defense fund. In this field, it is important to be aware of certain issues and not be blinded by what we wish to be true. Child poverty and health issues are high in risk and if we are aware of the situations there is a better chance of us being able to help in dealing with the situations. The children's defense fund seems to have intriguing information that can help child care workers, parents, and those of other sectors who want to be of service in these situations. Thank you for your insight!
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