Registration is now open for your Lights On Afterschool event!

Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide celebration of afterschool, and if you are a program provider, a parent, a community member or a program participant, you know that there is a lot to celebrate. Afterschool programs across the country inspire kids to learn everything from coding to poetry to healthy habits, help working parents, and keep kids safe and engaged after the school day ends. Last year, more than a million people celebrated the unique programs that they love at Lights On Afterschool events across the country. This year, help afterschool programs get the attention they deserve by registering your Lights On Afterschool celebration!

More than 9,000 events come together each October to make Lights On Afterschool a hallmark event of the afterschool movement. In the past, the United States Senate has passed a resolution stating support for increased program access and funding, and the Empire State Building has lit up in support of afterschool programs. Programs have connected with major donors at Lights On events, and each year generates more media coverage than the last, putting afterschool programs in the national spotlight.

You might think that your small event couldn’t make that much of a difference, but having Lights On Afterschool events in every community around the country sends a loud, powerful message to legislators – constituents want investment in afterschool programs! Having a Lights On event in your community showcases your unique program to community members, potential funders and elected officials (who have been inspired by Lights On celebrations in the past to become greater supporters of afterschool!).

Now is the time to start brainstorming – what do you want your Lights On Afterschool event to look like, and what would you like it to achieve? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to hold a hugely successful event, either big or small. Check out the Lights On Afterschool website for more help planning your event, and once you’re ready, register here! Ten free posters will come in the mail to help you start promoting your event – after all, four months fly by when you’re having fun getting ready for the nationwide celebration of afterschool!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 22, 2015, and start collaborating with community members, students, parents and program staff to plan your Lights On Afterschool celebration. Your creative, thoughtfully-planned event can have a huge impact for your program and for the afterschool field as a whole.