Get attention with afterschool postcards! Messages from parents and youth get attention from policymakers

1.4 million children across the United States are at risk of losing their afterschool programs, if 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding is eliminated in next year’s federal budget. Supporters must urge Congress to protect afterschool funding!

Postcard messages can be fun and easy! Personal notes with stories about the impact of afterschool in their communities gives policymakers insight on the critical role of programs—and why afterschool programs must be funded.

Invite families to fill out the  Afterschool Works for America postcard at your  program  at a family engagement night, student performance, open house, or even at pick-up.

How to use the Afterschool Works for America postcard

1. Download the postcard, order prints at a local printer (or print your own!), and ask parents and students to complete the statement “Afterschool works because…”
    
   1. Parents may share how the program helps them work a full shift at work without worrying about where their kids are and what they’re doing
       
   2. Students may share the activities and experiences they are having in afterschool, and how it is helping them work towards their goals in school and in life
       
   3. Community members may share how the program is keeping kids safe and learning during the out-of-school time hours
       
2. Once you’ve collected filled-in postcards, mail them to your members of Congress’ local district offices – office locations are published on representatives’ and senators’ websites.
    
3. For a personal touch, collect messages from parents and students and drop them off at a district office, with a sweet treat for the office staff.

The postcard design can be customized on Canva—consider using data from America After 3 PM about the demand for afterschool in your state, or include your program’s logo or a photo of your program in the design.