June marks the official start of summer! Afterschool programs are closing out their programming, while summer learning programs are gearing up for a few months of fun and learning. There are many opportunities to advocate and educate throughout the summer months.
Legislative Advocacy in June
The start of June kicks off with the annual Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington DC on June 7. Advocates from around the country gather together in the Nation’s Capital to let Congress know that Afterschool Works for youth and families in Missouri and throughout the country. Visit the Afterschool Alliance’s website here for more information about how you can participate in the Challenge at home.
If you have summer programming, it’s also time to invite your legislators into your program while they’re not in session. Plan ahead and invite them on a day when kids can display what they’ve been working on this summer—think culminating events or performances—or if you plan to host an event for National Summer Learning Day on July 13 you can invite your legislators out to see your program in action. Take advantage of the opportunities you already have scheduled, and don’t worry about reinventing the wheel! Contact MASN if you need assistance (hansoncb@missouri.edu).
Local Advocacy in June
If you aren’t doing summer programming, June can be a great time to reflect on the past year and start planning for the next year of afterschool. Take the time to thank all of your partners and provide an update or end-of-year report to highlight what happened in your program this year.
Try making an inventory of current and prospective local partners. Use the summer months to make a plan for engaging partners that can provide funding, resources, and volunteers for the next year of programming.
Summer Activities for Youth and Families
With Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June, it can be a great time to have youth thinking about their role models. By not restricting it to just parents, you can make activities that are more inclusive for all children, from all situations. Consider devoting a unit to help youth think about their role models, write about their role models, and conclude the month by having them create something for their role model or invite their role models into your program.
Dates to Remember this Month:
6/7/2017—Afterschool for All Challenge
6/20-6/23/17—MAACCE Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks (Tan-Tar-A)
Save the Date:
7/13/17—Summer Learning Day!
MO Afterschool Advocate 