Jonah Edelman

"Jonah Edelman is one of the most dynamic and talented leaders in the country. He has become my go-to person when it comes to moving the toughest advocacy issues in America. When it comes to education issues, he is one of a kind. No one does it better." –Geoffrey Canada

It was the Civil Rights Movement, combined with a life-changing volunteer experience teaching a bilingual first grader how to read, that inspired Jonah Edelman to commit his life to public service. As the son of Marian Wright Edelman he comes by it naturally, but has earned his own accolades for his visionary work as one of the nation's leading voices for children.

As co-founder of Stand for Children, Edelman has guided the innovative nonprofit advocacy group in harnessing citizen commitment to affect political decisions and elections in order to get results for children. Beginning with his organizing "Stand for Children D Day" in Washington, DC, where 300,000 people made it the largest rally for children in American history, he helped the organization grow in influence, changing the lives of over a million children and families. Since 2009, the organization has doubled in size with a presence in eight states nationwide. During the 2010 elections, Stand was responsible for reaching voters and strategically investing $1.1 million in PAC funds to help elect dozens of education champions.

Recently recognized by Time.com as one of the nation's top 11 education activists for 2011, Edelman will never stop breaking new ground with his pioneering innovative strategies for advocacy. Committed, focused, and gifted in his ability to galvanize others, he brings energy and vision to improving the lives of our children on a grand scale.

He strongly believes in the power of a number of motivated people to create change and, through his leadership, dedication, and influence, he makes sure that the welfare of our children remains a central priority for all.