Many communities and states have had success getting their mayor or governor to issue a proclamation in support of Lights On Afterschool. In fact, nearly every governor in the country signs a proclamation each year. This gesture is a simple way for elected officials to show their support and gives you something to show off and announce at your event.
More than just mayors and governors can issue proclamations—a school board, parks, and recreation department, your own governing board, or your partners can also issue proclamations for Lights On Afterschool. You can use this as an opportunity to tell them about your program's successes and to thank them for their support. Below is sample language for a proclamation that any organization might adopt to endorse Lights On Afterschool and affirm that afterschool is key to kids' success.
WHEREAS, the citizens of the [Insert state] stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they:
WHEREAS, afterschool programs provide critical support for the academic growth and well-being of youth and offer new experiences and opportunities that help young people learn and grow. Afterschool programs provide innovative, hands-on opportunities for youth to engage in learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive environment. These supports are all the more important today, in the wake of the pandemic.
WHEREAS, the [Insert state] has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults.
WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool, the national celebration of afterschool programs held this year on [date of national celebration], promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
WHEREAS, nearly 25 million families report that they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one were available; for every child in a program, four are waiting to get in.
WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the country are facing operating challenges so severe that they are forced to consider closing their doors and turning off their lights.
WHEREAS, the [Insert state] is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that help our children learn and grow, while helping them develop the skills essential for success in life and work.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Governor [Insert Governor], do hereby proclaim [date of national celebration] as "Lights On Afterschool Day;" AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Governor enthusiastically endorses Lights On Afterschool and commits our state to engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.
WHEREAS, the citizens of [Name of Organization, Institution, or Location] stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they:
WHEREAS, [Name of Program] provides critical support for the academic growth and well-being of youth and offers new experiences and opportunities that help young people learn and grow. Afterschool programs provide innovative, hands-on opportunities for youth to engage in learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive environment. These supports are all the more important today, in the wake of the pandemic.
WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool, the national celebration of afterschool programs held this year on [date of national celebration], promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
WHEREAS, nearly 25 million families report that they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one were available; for every child in a program, four are waiting to get in.
WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the country are facing operating challenges so severe that they are forced to consider closing their doors and turning off their lights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that [Name of Organization, Institution or Official] urges the citizens of [Name of Community or County] to ensure that every child has access to a safe, engaging place where the lights are on after school; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this [Title of Official] enthusiastically endorses Lights On Afterschool and is committed to innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.