Now more than ever, it is critical to tell our legislators how essential quality afterschool and expanded learning opportunities are to the development of the whole child. For providing quality services, supporting working families, supporting economic growth, strengthening workforce development and keeping kids safe, the answer is simple:

Ready, Set, Advocate!

To get you started on the road to effective advocacy and prepare you for Advocacy Day on April 23rd, check out the tools and resources in the steps below:

Ready: Learn about ELO Policy, News and Research

·         Register for Advocacy Day at http://afterschoolworksadvocacyday.eventbrite.com/.

·         Attend one of MAP's Advocacy 101 meetings that are being held across Massachusetts. These meetings will assist you and your staff outline the budget process, share advocacy techniques and tips, and work to connect participants with lawmakers to arrange site visits to your program during your hours of operation.  If you would like more information about the Advocacy 101 meetings contact Peter Christopher, MAP's Communications and Policy Associate at pchristopher@massafterschool.org.

·         Arrange for transportation from your region to the State House. For more information, contact Katie Magrane at kmagrane@massafterschool.org.

·         Review information about the Massachusetts General Court, the budget process, and afterschool policy, available at www.massafterschool.org and www.afterschoolalliance.org.

·         Stay up-to-date on legislative happenings by joining MAP's Advocacy Center.

·         For even more information at your fingertips, follow MAP on Facebook and Twitter!

Set: Develop the Message: Afterschool Works!

·         Set up a meeting with your elected officials as soon as possible. For helpful suggestions on how to set up a meeting, use the Setting Up a Legislative Meeting Tip Sheet. Once you have set up your meeting, contact Nicole Wilkins at nwilkins@massafterschool.org.

·         Parents, as the voting voice of their children, play a critical role in the advocacy process. Engage staff and parents at your program by encouraging them to register for Advocacy Day, discussing experiences and stories to share with legislators, and arranging legislative meetings.

·         Contact your local media to spread the message of afterschool and ELO to businesses and others in your community.

Advocate: Meeting with a Legislator or Aide

• Work with program staff and participants to create something to give to your legislator that you can bring to your meeting – items like photos, posters, letters and drawings from kids and parents in your program not only provide examples of the great things you are accomplishing in your program, but will remind your legislator of the need for quality afterschool and expanded learning opportunities throughout the budget process.

·     Prepare for your meeting. The Meeting with Legislators and Aides Tips Document will provide you with some recommendations.