Every year, one million Americans join together to celebrate Lights On After School (LOA). It’s the only nationwide event held to highlight after school programs and the positive impact they have on children, families and communities.

Launched in October 2000, the event also provides the after school community an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the need of affordable, quality programs in communities across the country.

Why Advocacy Matters

There is overwhelming evidence that after school program participation yields a range of benefits for youth. Quality after school programs create additional time for children to learn in a structured environment, to close achievement gaps and explore interests in a different setting than school, according to Paul Young, author of Principal Matters. In fact, studies show that students in high-quality after school programs have better attendance, behavior, grades and test scores compared to those who don’t participate.

Despite the benefits after school programs offer youth, program funding such as 21st CCLC continues to be threatened by budget cuts. And, though the House recently passed an amendment that continues 21st CCLC funding through next year, the work to make the case for after school is never finished.

Advocating for After School

It’s not too late to add your voice to the conversation. Here are a few ways you can advocate for after school during Lights On After School:

Hosting a Lights On After School event? Invite your elected officials to help them see the impact of after school first hand. After School Alliance provides a sample invitation to help you engage policymakers.
Get your mayor, local city/county councils or other local organization to issue a proclamation in support of Lights On After School. By designating a LOA day in your community, you can continue to celebrate and advocate for after school for years to come. Check out this sample proclamation to get started.
Share your story. Use photos and videos to showcase the work you do daily to motivate, inspire and engage youth in your program. Share student achievements, key milestones or even activities that foster key skills. Use these tips to share your story on- and offline.
Engage families during Lights On After School and beyond. Make sure parents and caregivers are aware of the exciting things their children are doing after school. Share regular updates of their child’s skills, interests and behavior to help demonstrate the benefits of program participation. By doing so, you can help convert participating families into after school advocates.

Lights On After School is a great opportunity to celebrate after school programs and share the positive impact they have on youth. Learn more about the event and how you can get involved by visiting www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.