How to be an Afterschool Advocate

The recent experience of afterschool professional Len Heid illustrates why it’s a good idea for afterschool and child care professionals to make their case to government. Heid is Executive Director of Kids’ Country, a nonprofit child care organization in the Bay Area, who recently made a presentation to the San Ramon City Council to thank the city for its support of Kids’ Country. He also invited the city’s participation in construction of a new program site – a request that resulted in the city’s providing $200,000 for the project.

“Over the years we’ve been working with the city, and they’ve given us close to $1 million,” Heid says. “It’s important to build relationships with your local representatives because, when the time comes, they’re there to help you.”

Why advocacy matters

People joining together to educate policymakers and support a cause is what advocacy’s all about. In California, where term limits bring newcomers into government regularly, advocacy plays a special role in making sure officials know that afterschool programs keep kids safe, support working families, and foster student success.

“It’s critical that our elected representatives hear from voters that afterschool programs matter,” says Jen Rinehart, Interim Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance. “Just a year ago, the voices of local supporters helped to prevent a $400 million afterschool budget cut. You can deliver your message to officials in any number of ways: write a letter, arrange a meeting, or simply vote for a candidate who supports strong afterschool programs.”

Begin with a meet and greet

Organizing a face-to-face meeting can be a good place to start. “One of the things we tell people to do is to start building a relationship before you ever need something, and to start with the staff person,” suggests Michelle Lew, District Director for State Sen. Joe Simitian. For example, all legislators have staff in their home districts who keep them informed about local issues, including afterschool needs.

Though nonprofit organization and schools are barred from lobbying, these meetings are perfectly legal. “We see it as a responsibility of nonprofits to keep us informed about how legislation impacts them,” Lew says. When wearing your school district or nonprofit hat, simply talk about afterschool policies in a way that steers clear of particular pieces of legislation.

Finally, Lew advises: “Do not threaten, insult, or chastise the elected official of their staff if you need something.” Storming in to tell an official your vote hinges on meeting your demands is not the way to win influence.   

For more afterschool advocacy tips, ideas, and resources, visit www.afterschoolalliance.org.