Afterschool Alliance: Print

Making Afterschool an Election Issue

Election season presents an important opportunity to put afterschool on the radar of policy makers and the public in a visible and meaningful way.

During presidential election cycles in particular, voters’ concerns are brought to the forefront ofthe public debate and discussed widely in the media. But what concerns will be raised? Whose voices will be heard? What willthe candidates and pundits choose to care about and talk about? It is thevoices of people like you, in local communities, that drive candidates' campaigns.

If you are facing an election in your community, now is the time to tell the candidates:

“I support afterschool, and I vote!”

Whether you have the time and resources to run a coordinated, multi-pronged afterschool issue campaign or you are just looking for some ideas on how to raise the profile of afterschool during election season, this kit can inform your planning, help you assess what you can undertake and hopefully make your job easier.

**Your Afterschool Campaign Toolkit:**

1. What Do I Need & Where Do I Start? Rules of Engagement for Nonprofits
2. Making the Case: Educate & Be Prepared to Persuade Talking Points
3. Reaching Out: Key Audiences The Media The Candidates The Field
4. Tools & Strategies Questions for Candidates Candidate Forum Planning Tips
5. Post-Election Follow-Up

Download campaign resources:

	Campaign Toolkit (pdf): Whether you have the time and resources to run an extended issue campaign, or you are just looking for some ideas on how to raise the profile of afterschool during election season, we have the resources to help.
	Candidate’s Guide to Afterschool (pdf): This guide is a primer on afterschool for all local, state and federal candidates. Mail or email the guide to candidates and their advisors to spread the word about the importance of afterschool for all.

Afterschool Alliance
1616 H St., NW, Suite 820; Washington, DC 20006; Tel.: (202) 347-2030; Fax: (202) 347-2092