The U.S. Congress begins the second session of the 109th Congress in January and expects to end the session in October 2006. It is possible that the session will not end on September 30 and Congress will remain in Washington DC to complete action, as they have done in years past.
Listed below are key decision points in the budget process. Also listed are Congressional recesses, when members are in their local districts. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with your elected officials and to invite them to visit a local afterschool program. This allows them to see firsthand how important afterschool programs are to children and the entire community. Remember, communication with lawmakers is important throughout the year so that elected officials know that your community values afterschool programs. Call, write, fax, e-mail and visit your legislators to let them know that afterschool is making a difference in your community.
Please note the dates for Lights on Afterschool! and the Afterschool for All Challenge. These high profile events are designed to draw public, policy maker and media attention to the benefits afterschool provides to millions of America's children and are ideal opportunities to showcase your program and its achievements.
2006 Afterschool Advocacy Action Calendar
January 18
The Senate convenes the 2nd Session of the 109th Congress.
January 31
The House convenes the 2nd Session of the 109th Congress.
1st Week in February
President Submits Federal Budget to Congress
February 20- 24 President's Day Recess
All Congressional Members at home.
All Members of Congress are at home; Now is the time
to talk to your Congressional delegation about the
federal budget and the need to increase funding for
afterschool programs through 21st Century Community
Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and other programs.
March 20 - March 24
St. Patrick's Day Recess
April 10 - 21
Spring District Work Period
Invite Senators and Representatives to visit your
program and see firsthand all of the great things
that happen afterschool! May 23-24 Afterschool Alliance
hosts 4th Annual Afterschool for All Challenge
w/ National League of Cities
Plan to attend the Afterschool for All Challenge
and make your voice heard! This year the Afterschool
Alliance will be collaborating with the National League
of Cities to host the first-ever National City Afterschool
Summit. For those who can't attend, fax or email your
Representatives and Senators May 23-24th to reinforce
the afterschool message on Capitol Hill.
May 29 - June 2
Memorial Day District Work Period
July 3 - 7
Independence Day District Work Period
Congressional delegations are back in your district;
Invite your members of Congress to visit your afterschool
or summer program and celebrate Independence Day with
your kids.
July 31 - September 1
August Recess, House
Plan a trip for the children in your program to visit
your Representative's district office and see firsthand
the workings of the federal government.
August 7 - September 4
August Recess, Senate
Plan a trip for the children in your program to visit
the Senator's district office and see firsthand the
workings of the federal government.
October 6
Target Adjournment Date
October 12
Lights On Afterschool 2006
Be sure to invite all your elected officials to local
Lights On Afterschool events! Let them see
how important afterschool programs are to the children
and entire community that they represent.
Source: U.S. Senate website, www.senate.gov
U.S. House of Representatives website, www.house.gov
* Congressional schedule is tentative and subject
to change.
