Afterschool works for Colorado, and for America.

That's not abstract. That's happening in programs across the country, and in every state. That's the infrastructure you've built. That's the work that makes an impact and I’ve seen it first hand.

In my office, I oversee Serve Colorado, and within that office we are directly partnered with AmeriCorps. Many of you know that AmeriCorps members play a vital role in our out-of-school programs across this country.

One example of this is Colorado's Youth Mental Health Corps. This program was built to address two issues at once: a growing youth mental health crisis, and a behavioral health workforce shortage. This is a statewide initiative that places trained AmeriCorps members directly in schools, afterschool programs, community health centers, and other youth-centered organizations.

Through this program, AmeriCorps members are receiving real experience and certification as behavioral health workers. The members of the Youth Mental Health Corps are launching careers in behavioral health while making an immediate difference in their communities.

That's what happens when you pair service with strategy and build strong federal-state partnerships. We solve problems and build futures at the same time.

Which brings me to what you'll be working on this week — how to make the case for afterschool programs in your states. How to work with policymakers in a crowded policy landscape with a lot of demands on state budgets.

I've been on both sides of that conversation — as an advocate and as a legislator. So here's what I know works.

The advocates who make the biggest difference are the ones who consistently show up. They build relationships before they need something, take the time to understand a legislator’s district, and treat policymakers like partners. Over time, that trust matters.

And, once you have that relationship, you have to make the issue real. Data matters. Know your numbers. How many kids are being served? How many are still waiting for access? What’s the return on investment? In a crowded policy landscape, strong data shows that afterschool programs are not just meaningful — they’re effective public policy.

But people remember stories long after a meeting ends. Tell us about the student who found confidence in an afterschool program, or the working parent who could keep their job because their child had a safe place to go after school. Those stories put a human face on the numbers.

And through all of it, be prepared, be concise, and make the local impact clear. Every legislator wants to know what an investment means for the people they represent.

Now, none of this is easy. In today’s political climate, it can sometimes feel difficult to break through. But your work succeeds because you lead with something bigger than politics. You lead with young people and families — and those are priorities that matter in every community.

When you combine compelling stories with clear outcomes, you create a message that reaches across political divides. Afterschool programs strengthen communities, improve educational outcomes, and create opportunity for the next generation.

Your presence and persistence matter. The fact that you continue showing up for young people, year after year, matters.