Become An Advocate
Make A Difference
Your voice and the afterschool impact stories you share can make the difference in young people's access to afterschool programs.
Be an Advocate in Your Community
Write a letter to your local newspaper editor. Find tips and a sample letter here.
Work with local media to highlight a successful program and promote an event. Learn more about press releases, pitch letters, and media advocacy here.
Market your program in your community to attract participants and funders, encourage positive media coverage of your program, and build support for afterschool and summer programs. Here is a guide to get you started and below you will find some useful links.
Participate in the Afterschool for All Challenge
Each year, AELA participates in the Afterschool Alliance’s Afterschool for All Challenge on Capitol Hill in support of afterschool and summer programs. You can also take the Afterschool for All Challenge at home and amplify the voices of afterschool leaders on Capitol Hill. Click here to get involved.
Participate in Lights on Afterschool
A project of the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and annually sees more than 1 million Americans celebrate at more than 8,000 events nationwide. Learn more about how you can host a Lights On Afterschool event in your community here.