Our History & Vision
About Dream
Defenders
Organizational History
The Dream Defenders was founded in April 2012 after the tragic killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. We are a youth-led organization that emerged from a march from Daytona Beach to Sanford, Florida, and a 31-day occupation of the Florida State Capitol. We organize Black and Brown youth to build power in our communities and fight for a future where everyone has their basic needs met.
Grand Strategic Objective
To build a powerful, youth-led movement that shifts the political and economic landscape of Florida and beyond, moving away from systems of incarceration and towards communities where our people have what they need to thrive.
Membership Structure
We build power through local SquaDDs—chapters organized in cities and schools across the state. Members join through orientation, participate in political education, and engage in local and state-wide campaigns under the guidance of the Leadership Council.
- SquaDDs (Local Chapters)
- General Members
- Leadership Council
Political Grounding
Abolition
Feminism
Socialism
Internationalism
Our Vision
The Freedoms
Overview of the Freedoms
Our vision for a world where we are free from prisons and police, and have the housing, healthcare, and resources we need.
Freedom Papers
Read the foundational documents outlining our strategy and vision for liberation.
Read Now →Freedom Papers Videos
Watch our multi-part video series breaking down the concepts within the Freedom Papers.
Watch Series →Current Campaign
Freedom Needs
Fighters
Campaign Overview
A statewide initiative to combat the right-wing assault on our freedoms, mobilizing our communities to defend reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and accurate history.
Campaign Goals
- Build Mass Electoral Power
- Defeat Anti-Freedom Legislation
- Expand Our Member Base