With each election come new Members of Congress and numerous new state executives, legislators and local officials, providing an unprecedented opportunity to get afterschool on their minds before the process of governing even begins. The good news is that voters are behind you: 76 percent of voters want federal, state and local leaders to increase funding for afterschool. So how do we bring this information to policy makers? Here are a few ideas and things to keep in mind when you’re advocating during the transition process:

Plan now—if you wait until the various legislative bodies come into session, it could be too late. Begin strategizing as soon as possible and let elected officials hear from you now—before their policy priorities are solidified.

• Relevant Resource: Look at our Take Action page which has sample letters and scripts that you can use to jumpstart your conversations with newly elected officials.

Know the Climate: In the current political climate, the next six months will be a critical time for elected leaders to address issues affecting the nation’s economy (including the high rate of unemployment and working families) and national security.  We as advocates can demonstrate  that afterschool is intrinsically linked to these issues.  Advocates can utilize important facts and statistics to make the case for afterschool in your community during the transition period and beyond.

• Relevant Resource: Issue Briefs
  • Afterschool Programs and Working Families in the Wake of the Great Recession
  • Afterschool: A Wise Public Investment
  • Afterschool: A Natural Platform for Career Development

Partner with as many other organizations as you can on your top ideas. When you approach elected officials with a strong coalition and a unified message, you have a much better chance of being successful.

• Relevant Resources: 
  • State Pages: Click on your state to see state-level data and individual and organizational contacts in your state
  • Afterschool for All: Enter your city or zip code to see a list of local supporters

Arm Your Allies with Research: Do you have some unexpected partners that agree with you? Are there allies of afterschool in your community who aren’t from the traditional constituencies (business leaders, law enforcement officials, medical professionals)? If so, be sure to keep them informed on the important outcomes of afterschool programs.

• Relevant Resources:
  • Research:  Evaluations Backgrounder, America After 3 PM Study, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Summary, Roadmap to Afterschool for All

           
Build Relationships: Think about who will be the next chair or leader of a committee that matters to afterschool.  Work to make contact and shore up your relationship now. 

• Relevant Resource: Organizing a Site Visit, Building Relationships with Policy Makers

Know Your Leaders: If you have specific policy ideas, get a champion in Congress, the state legislature or local legislative body to introduce a bill and then work to get bi-partisan co-sponsors so as to build your credibility. At the same time, work to build your base of support among other afterschool providers and advocates.

• Relevant Resources: Afterschool Caucuses

Show Support: When you’re talking to policy makers, show them that support for afterschool is the right thing to do for youth and for all of their constituents.  Poll after poll reveals that afterschool has the overwhelming support of the general public.

• Relevant Resource: Polling Data

Sample Follow-Up Materials:

• Follow-Up Letter to Newly Elected Official
• Post-Election E-mail to the Field