Start Planning For Lights On Afterschool 2012!

Download the 2012 Lights On Afterschool Planning Guide now!

On October 18, more than 1 million people will gather at some 7,500 sites across the country and at U.S. military bases worldwide to rally in support of the afterschool programs that help working families, keep kids safe and inspire them to learn.  In today’s tough economic climate, it is more important than ever to increase awareness about how important afterschool programs are to children, parents and communities. With some afterschool program budgets shrinking, providers may have to scramble to stretch their dollars to the max to plan a successful Lights On Afterschool event.  But with nearly three months to plan a Lights On Afterschool event, it’s easy to keep costs down and still be effective.  Check out the latest issue of the Afterschool Advocate for ideas on how to throw a successful Lights On Afterschool event on a shoestring budget.

Plus, we’ve updated our Event Planning Guide to make it easy for every out-of-school-time provider and advocate to take part and help show the important role afterschool programs play in our communities, and in our nation.   Lights On Afterschool events, like afterschool programs, come in all shapes and sizes—from stadium rallies and town parades to open houses and program tours.  Celebrate Lights On Afterschool in a way that works best for your community, helps you showcase the benefits and accomplishments of your program, and calls for support to ensure that before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs everywhere can thrive so that every child can have access to an afterschool program!

The kit includes a planning timeline and checklist, event ideas, sample materials, and ways to use your Lights On Afterschool event to make afterschool an election issue in the weeks leading up to the 2012 elections.  So what are you waiting for?  Get started today! 

Have you already started planning your Lights On Afterschool event?  We’d love to hear your ideas and tips in the comments below!