The APOST Afterschool Advocacy Ambassador Program
Please click here for the flyer.
YOU play an important role in the healthy positive development of youth on a daily basis, right? YOU help children create, learn, dream, solve, cope, care, grow…and so much more, right? YOU understand that your OST program plays a major role in the lives of all the youth and families who depend on it, right? BUT…does the general public, our policymakers, community leaders and other decision makers understand the importance of OST to youth and communities at large? Not quite. It’s time for you to become a CHAMPION of OST and advocate on behalf of the youth and families who benefit!
Why Should You Become an APOST Advocacy Ambassador?
Well, unless you think the OST world has all of the funding, resources and public and political support it needs, you should be advocating on behalf of your organization and your youth. You change lives everyday…make sure the world knows it! And, APOST will make sure the world knows it, too, by featuring your organization’s commitment and effort on www.afterschoolpgh.org and all other APOST advocacy materials. APOST will also be sure to keep you current on all local policy and advocacy activities.
How Do You Become an APOST Advocacy Ambassador?
To become an APOST Advocacy Ambassador, all you need to do is agree to participate in at least 3 of the suggested advocacy activities (or others of your own creation!) within a year from the date of commitment.
Who Should Become an APOST Advocacy Ambassador?
Youth workers, Program Directors/Supervisors, Executive Directors, Volunteers, Parents/Caregivers, Youth, Community Partners, and anyone else who is positively impacted by your OST program should become APOST Advocacy Ambassadors. Every voice counts!
What Are Some of the Advocacy Activities We Can Participate In?
The APOST Communications & Advocacy Committee will keep you abreast of all advocacy activities and efforts needing immediate action. Here are some suggested activities with which you can participate:
- Visit your local Representatives and Senator
- Invite your local Representatives and Senator to visit your OST programEducate your Member of Congress about the importance of OST
- Empower youth to advocate via letter/postcard campaigns, hosting a “Take Your
- Legislator Out-of-School Day,” visit local legislators, creative use of media
- Help organize, attend and recruit others to legislative forums
- Host a gathering of your OST colleagues to plan district-wide advocacy efforts
- Write a letter to the editor
- Hold a voter registration drive at your site so families are positioned to advocate with you
- Start a discussion about a critical issue on the APOST Blog and invite others to join
- Get on board the bus to the State Capitol in October for Afterschool Advocacy Day
- Take part in “Lights On Afterschool” activities in October
- Engage parents & families in all of the above!
If you are interested in becoming an APOST Advocacy Ambassador, please contact Mila Yochum at APOST@uwac.org or 412.456.6876.