Kansas Enrichment Network

YOUTH ADVOCATE FOR AFTERSCHOOL

While afterschool advocates of all ages spoke out at the fifth annual "Afterschool for All Challenge" in Washington D.C. this spring, many of the youngest supporters - those who benefit most directly from afterschool programs - carried their messages furthest through the halls of Congress. Emily Walden, 11, of Lander, Wyoming, and Nicole Lasky, 18, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, took great pride in coming to Washington, D.C. to tell lawmakers about the powerful role afterschool has played in their lives.

Walden, who will be in seventh grade this fall, told lawmakers she loves the Power Hour where she gets help with her homework, and enjoys the speed-stacking activities at her program. "If there was no program, I would go home alone and try to figure out my homework on my own," she said. Walden enjoyed visiting the city, citing the dome at the Capital as her favorite landmark. Her trip was sponsored by Washington Partners, LLC, a full service government affairs and public relations consulting firm.

Lasky, a youth leader in her community in Albuquerque, traveled to Washington with Lanny Leyba of the New Mexico Forum for Youth. Lasky delivered presentations before state leaders and youth advocates at the "Challenge" and offered advice to both groups on how to incorporate youth into afterschool advocacy efforts. Their trip was sponsored by Winning Connections, a Washington, DC-based grassroots advocacy firm.

Youth Advocates Share Views
In addition to Walden and Lasky, more than 60 other young people traveled to Washington to tell lawmakers what their afterschool programs mean to them, their siblings, parents and friends. These budding advocates gathered in the Youth Lounge, where they honed their advocacy skills, met with peers from across the nation, and prepared to talk with congressional leaders about why afterschool programs matter to youth.

Ranging in age from 10 to 19, some youth advocates shared their views on afterschool in an informal survey, and many said getting extra homework help and attention from staff were significant benefits offered by afterschool programs. Erika, 10, said that her afterschool program offers her "more time to think about what happened in school... to do my homework and get help right there." Nicke, 15, said that afterschool staff "spend time making sure that I understand what is being taught."

Survey participants also felt that their afterschool programs improved their self-confidence and leadership skills. No doubt these skills came in handy when discussing the benefits of their programs with their Senators and Representatives at the "Challenge!"

7/18/06