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Collect signatures to show afterschool matters to your community!

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Collect signatures to show afterschool matters to your community!

By Shaun Gray Posted: Jun 13, 2025

There’s strength in numbers! Signing a petition is an easy and effective way for parents and other supporters of afterschool to show their support for your program. Petitions can demonstrate collective strength in support of afterschool and summer learning programs. The more names you have on your petition, the harder it will be to ignore it.

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!

Invite parents and supporters to sign their name to the Afterschool Works petition at your program during family engagement night, open houses, or at pick-up.

How to use the Afterschool Works for America petition.

  1. Download the petition and make copies of the second page to increase the number of signers.
     
    1. Have parents, staff, and supporters sign the form. The more signatures, the better. Bring the petition to group meetings, such as PTA meetings or other events.
       
    2. Watch how people sign the petition. You want to ensure that the information gathered is accurate.
       
    3. Make copies of the petitions. This will be a valuable tool to follow up with your signers, keeping them informed about the progress of your program.
       
  2. Deliver the petition to your local district offices or your state senator.
     
    1. Use this opportunity to visit your district office to hand-deliver the signed petitions. Bring others with you and share stories about how afterschool and summer programs are essential for children and families in your community.
       
    2. If you’re unable to visit your district offices, mail a packet to them instead—office locations are published on representatives’ and senators’ websites. For a more personal touch, think about printing the afterschool works postcards and have kids describe how their afterschool program works for them. They could also draw pictures!

Visit AfterschoolWorksForAmerica.org to find more tools to fight for afterschool and summer learning programs. Sign up to get the latest afterschool and summer learning policy updates in your inbox

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