Protecting children is the surest way of protecting the future of America, said Marian W. Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to a full house at the IOP's ARCO Forum at the Kennedy School last night.

"What legacies, principles, values and deeds will we stand for in the future?" Edelman asked. "What does it mean to stand for children?"

Edelman, a long-time advocate for children, founded CDF in 1973. She said she believes in establishing strong families and communities to protect the rights and needs of children.

"Together it is going to add up to a powerful momentum," Edelman said.

Edelman also described her efforts to plan CDF's National Stand for Children Day, scheduled for June 1, when individuals from families and communities from across the nation will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Although she said a specific agenda has not been set for the event, she said she is hopeful that individuals will return to their churches and communities after the event and uphold the importance of her mission.

"It's not a one-day stand," she said. "It's a beginning, a catalytic, I hope."

Edelman also advocated the need for political and social reforms that protect children.

"If you are sick of politicians, as I am, of using children as political props and pawns while not supporting what children need, come stand with us," Edelman said. "What kind of values does a nation have when it is willing to pay $20,000 to imprison a youth but can not give even $1000 to support that youth earlier in life so that he or she never is imprisoned?"

Edelman said government proposals to cut programs supporting poor children and their families are misguided.

"We need welfare reform that protects children," Edelman added.

She said life today is especially hard for children in foster homes or children living in poor families.

Edelman said in the U.S. today there are 23,000 poor families with children with a combined income less than that of an entertainment industry executive. Edelman ended her address with a prayer, expressing her concerns and yet optimistic of the future.

"O God, forgive our nation which thinks security rests in missiles rather than in mothers," she prayed.

Many members of the audience said they were impressed and inspired by Edelman's speech.

"She's incredibly powerful. It's heartening to know that there is such a person," said Liz F. Closter, a second-year student at the School of Public Health. "I feel motivated and ready to go out and do what I can to try and make a difference.