Kansas Enrichment Network E-Newsletter
October 2005
Read the Archive of past newsletters!
Contents
1. National Afterschool Month and Lights On Afterschool
Governor Sebelius has proclaimed October 20 Lights On Afterschool Day in Kansas , have you prepared an event to celebrate? See http://www.kansasenrichment.net to find out how. Go to: http://www.afterschoolalliance.com for event suggestions and planning "how-to”.
2. Grants and Scholarships
There is scholarship money available for Afterschool workers in Kansas to attend the MOSAC2 Annual Meeting and Professional Development Institute (PDI) to be held in Kansas City MO , Clarion Hotel Sports Complex, October 21-23, 2005 .
Full information on the PDI is at http://www.mosac2.org/05conference.htm
The scholarship application is at http://www.mosac2.org/awards.htm
Applications should be completed and submitted ASAP to address on form.
Looking for grant opportunities? Grants.gov provides a simple, unified electronic storefront for interactions between grant applicants and the federal agencies that manage grant funds. There are 26 federal grant-making agencies and more than 900 individual grant programs awarding more than $350 billion in grants each year. Visit www.grants.gov for information about grants available across the federal government.
The current edition of the newsletter of the Coalition for Community Schools examines funding issues ranging from community resources to schools, including tips and tools for securing funds. To read the newsletter, visit http://www.communityschools.org/newsletter/newsletterv.4.9.html .
For more grant opportunities, see our information page on available grants.
3. Curriculum Tools
Looking for ways to integrate world issues into your afterschool program? Try subscribing to the National Geographic's “Places to Explore” e-newsletter. You’ll get information about destinations across the globe, including high-quality photos! To sign up, go to http://ng.chtah.com/a/tBDRBSlASJ4TXAZcdeQANSQgx.ASOEJvmj/ngs4
4. Research and EventsThe Kansas Enrichment Network is hosting a workshop on the Continuous Improvement Process Rubric for Afterschool Programs November 1, 2005. Communities and/or organizations that have an afterschool program, just starting an afterschool program and those that would like to develop a program are all welcome to attend. See our website for more information.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is launching a new educational program to stop drugs among the youth. See http://www.kansasenrichment.net to find out how you can get literature and materials for your students.
The 6th Annual Youth Development Symposium is coming up soon, but there’s still time to register. The Symposium offers best practices and program guidance for workforce development professionals who serve youth, and leadership growth opportunities for the youth they serve. If you’re interested, see http://www.kansasenrichment.net to find out how to register online.
Submit a presentation for the 6th annual conference of the Kansas Community Education Association. The conference will be March 10, 2006, at the Wichita Airport Hilton. Proposal evaluation criteria will include relevance to conference theme, categories, desired topics, originality, utility of content, and overall quality of proposal. See Kansas News for more information.
5. K.E.N. Website!The K.E.N. Website is undergoing some renovation to better serve your needs. It now features a new structure, action page, and online calendar including a form for your event submissions. Please go to http://www.kansasenrichment.net and give us your feedback on the design, content, and accessibility. Your opinions are important to us!
6. Kansas Action for Children Alerts
Kansas Action for Children publishes special alerts to let you know about immediate legislative issues involving children.
CALL CONGRESS TODAY
Stop cuts to Food Stamps and Medicaid
National Call-In Day to Save Children’s Programs Oct. 17 – 18
Congress will decide whether to cut programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid, leaving more children hungry and unable to see a doctor.
Critical Facts:
--The Senate leadership plans to cut at least $35 billion over five years the week of October 17, including at least $10 billion from Medicaid and up to $3 billion from the Food Stamp Program.
--The House of Representatives leadership wants to cut even more--$50 billion—the week of October 24th.
--Polls show that 71% of Americans oppose program cuts.
Here’s Our Opportunity:
After a weeklong recess, Congress returns to Washington on Monday, Oct. 17 ready to begin cutting budget reconciliation process. We need to greet them with two full days of non-stop pressure with the Call-In Days to save programs for children. We know that many members of Congress, from both parties, are concerned about whether these are the right choices. We need to tell them that now is not the time; these cuts are the wrong choices and the wrong priorities.
The Kansas Connection:
Don’t forget that Senator Roberts and Representative Moran on their chambers’ Agriculture Committees. The will have a direct voice in the cuts to food stamps
Take Action Now:
Please pass on the Call-In Day information to maximize the pressure we put on Congress.
1. Call 1-800-426-8073 to contact the Capitol Switchboard.
2. Ask to be connected to a Senator from your state or your representative.
3. Sample script:
When the phone is answered say, “My name is (name) and I live in (city/state). I would like (Senator/Representative’s name) to oppose the $35 billion in program cuts to food stamps and Medicaid . Now is not the time to cut these essential supports for vulnerable children and families. Thank you.”
What's Next?
The Senate plans to begin reconciliation markups in committee on Wednesday, October 19. The House will begin the week after that. We will keep you posted on schedules, events and any other important information.
This call in day is being organized by the Coalition on Human Needs; we thank the American Friends Service Society for generously donating the toll-free call in line.