Advocacy
Quality expanded learning programs rely on the support from youth, families, schools, districts, communities, government agencies, foundations, businesses and policymakers to offer resources and establish beneficial regulations and policies. It is critical that each of these groups understand the value of expanded learning to their communities and their role in supporting and expanding quality access to programs.
We Love Afterschool
February 14
Send a message to your members of Congress or use the #IHeartAfterschool hashtag in the leadup to Valentine’s Day to show your love and appreciation for your OST program!
Advocacy 101
March 5
Curious about the basics of advocacy? Join this session during our Power Up Conference to learn how to advocate for afterschool programs effectively.
Power Up Afterschool Conference
March 5-6
Join OST, school district, policy and community leaders from Kentucky & Oklahoma for this two-day virtual convening full of interactive sessions and practical resources designed to help you engage every student and advocate for afterschool. Register here.
Advocacy Day
March 12
We invite OST program leaders, staff, families, and youth to travel to Oklahoma City to advocate for afterschool during the Institute for Child Advocacy’s annual Advocacy Day and Chili Cook-off. Meet with your legislators, connect with other youth-serving organizations across the state, and enjoy delicious chili all while advocating for youth.
Lights On Afterschool
October 24
Each October, 1 million Americans and thousands of communities nationwide celebrate Lights On Afterschool to shine a light on the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families. Here’s how you can help celebrate!
Afterschool Ambassadors
The Afterschool Alliance's Afterschool Ambassador program identifies afterschool providers and advocates of special achievement and helps them raise their voices in support of afterschool.
Selected from some of most effective afterschool programs and advocacy organizations in the nation, Ambassadors work every day to help keep kids safe, inspire children to learn and help working families. They know firsthand the barriers and benefits that communities face in making afterschool available to all children.
The Alliance selects 12 to 20 Ambassadors from around the country each year, and then provides training, technical support, and modest funding for their Ambassadorial activities throughout the school year. Those activities include: coordinating a major Lights On Afterschool community event; working in concert with other local providers, advocates and business and community leaders to promote afterschool; reaching out to policy makers and the media on afterschool issues; and more.
Meet Oklahoma's Afterschool Ambassadors
Afterschool Ambassadors representing Oklahoma are listed below. Ambassadors are chosen by application in the Spring. For information on how to apply to become an Ambassador, contact the Afterschool Alliance, or call (202) 347-2030.
White-Riley-Peterson Fellows
The White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship equips participants with a real-world understanding of the art, science, possibilities, and realities of policy-making around afterschool and expanded learning. Learn more about the fellowship on the White-Riley-Peterson Fellowship program page and meet Oklahoma's fellows below.
Offered in partnership with the Charles S. Mott Foundation, the 10-month learning experience is grounded in deep discussion and led by policy change-makers. Fellows work closely with their afterschool networks and network leads to build capacity, ensure statewide connectivity, and assist in advancing the public interest policy agenda of the network. The fellowship is named for William S. White, Richard W. Riley, and Terry K. Peterson, all of whom have been instrumental in the growth of afterschool and summer learning programs and policies.
Oklahoma's Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
NAA's selects a class each year to be a part of the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Classes. It includes 20 young professionals selected for their influence on the programs, organizations, and communities they work with—and in turn, the broader field of afterschool. The honorees are recognized and celebrated during the annual NAA Convention.
Each honoree receives a free NAA Executive membership, a free NAA Convention registration, ongoing leadership development, support in broadening their professional networks, and other opportunities to expand their impact. Those selected must be willing to respond to a written interview, submit a professional photo, agree to be featured in an issue of AfterSchool Today magazine, and be highlighted on NAA's social channels and digital content. Want to see our state represented?! Know someone who has contributed to the field and youth in our state? Make sure to nominate them when submissions open in the Fall!
