What Can You Do RIGHT Now?
Afterschool programming is a critically important part of the education landscape in the life of a student. It is a place where many kids discover what they love to do and who they want to be. It keeps kids safe during the hours of 3:00PM – 6:00PM, while most parents are still at work. It inspires learning by complementing the school day with enrichment opportunities. Still, dedicated funding for OST has found its way back on the chopping block in the proposed 2018 federal budget. Here are three ways your organization can get involved to actively promote the importance of Afterschool:
1. Attend Action Day in Harrisburg
Every year APOST provides an opportunity for over 100 Allegheny County providers and afterschool participants ages 13+ to join the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) and regional advocates for an Afterschool rally at the state capitol. This is a great civic engagement opportunity for students that includes free travel, breakfast, lunch, t-shirt and organized visits with elected officials. This year’s trip is Wednesday, May 2nd 2018. Click here for more details and to sign up.
2. Tell Your Story
Take a look at the Afterschool Alliance’s marketing tools to assess how you currently communicate your impact. Check out the APOST policy page for local statistics to enhance the success stories you share with your community. This spotlight of the afterschool program at South Hills Interfaith Movement is a great local example of effective storytelling.
3. Save the Date: APOST’s Making Time for Afterschool Policy Symposium
APOST is hosting a regional policy symposium to discuss federal, state, and local policy issues that impact afterschool programs. This event will be held on Thursday, June 7th from 2:00PM-4:00PM at CoLab18 on Pittsburgh’s Northside. Event details and RSVP to follow.