You can take action right now to let your representatives know that afterschool and summer learning programs are invaluable to your community. Use our three-click tool to send pre-written messages to your representatives.
As we all learn how best to navigate the COVID-19 outbreak, we understand that afterschool programs, their staff, their kids, and their communities are vulnerable to the widespread changes our country will face over the next days, weeks, and possibly months. Our leaders MUST know what challenges the afterschool field faces - both to keep us safe and ensure we can best serve our communities through this moment.
Use the sample language below to show your support:
Congress needs to hear from you! Telling your personal story about the impact an afterschool program has made on your life is by far the most effective way to capture people's attention and convince them that #AfterschoolWorks.
There are plenty of ways to tell your story. Here are a few ideas:
No matter how you choose to share your story, remember to:
In addition to answering these prompts yourself, encourage your students, parents, and alumni to share their stories!
Make the case that federal funding for afterschool programs is important to you community, has wide public support, and are proven to help kids learn and grow while supporting working families. Use these resources to tell your story:
You can download a selection of graphics for use on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more from AfterschoolforAmerica.org:
Get GraphicsSocial media graphics elevating the topline information from America After 3PM 2020.
Get GraphicsSUBJECT LINE: Call on Congress to support our kids!
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact families, youth, and the afterschool program providers who serve them. As the Senate and House work to pass President Biden's American Rescue Plan, consider reaching out to your Representatives and Senators to share how this public health crisis is affecting children and youth, families, youth-serving organizations, and your community at large — and how afterschool and summer learning programs can address promote learning recovery and re-engage students.
Please take two minutes to tell your representatives in Congress to stand up for America's children, families, and afterschool options. Take action now.