Afterschool Advocacy

The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) establishes and maintains relationships with local, state, and national elected officials to advocate on behalf of and alongside out-of-school time programs and youth across North Carolina.

Out-of-school-time program providers, youth, and other vital stakeholders are encouraged to communicate the value of their programs, share the needs of their community and programs, and express their hopes for the future. Ultimately, your voice matters! 

Anyone can be an advocate for afterschool! NC CAP offers several opportunities for advocacy throughout the year. 

Advocacy Ambassadorship – In 2021, NC CAP launched the Advocacy Ambassadorship for out-of-school time providers across NC that are currently engaging in afterschool advocacy efforts or want to learn how to advocate for afterschool. North Carolina Afterschool Advocacy Ambassadors engage in monthly virtual sessions focused on a range of Program Advocacy Topics. To learn more about the Advocacy Ambassadorship, email us at ncafterschool@ncforum.org 

Advocacy Postcards – Advocacy postcards are disseminated throughout the year. Participants (staff, youth, etc.) can engage in STEM-based postcards or generalized advocacy postcards. NC CAP will provide all materials to participants at no cost. Materials include a postmarked envelope, postcards, and an advocacy resource to facilitate discussions with youth about advocacy. Participating professionals are encouraged to engage youth and staff members in the advocacy. To complete the interest form, click here.

Afterschool For All Challenge – The Afterschool for All Challenge is an ongoing series of meetings with Congressional leaders hosted in conjunction with the Afterschool Alliance.

Lights On Afterschool – Lights On Afterschool is a national advocacy day where afterschool programs across the nation host events to celebrate their programs and increase awareness about the importance of afterschool.

STEM Coalition – NC CAP’s STEM Coalition, or STEMco, is the cross-sector collaboration of STEM-invested professionals across NC. The STEM Coalition convenes throughout the year to discuss trends, strategies, resources, and advocacy opportunities for STEM education in NC. To learn more about the STEMco, click here. 

NC CAP provides several opportunities throughout the year for youth, families, out-of-school time professionals, schools, and communities to engage in advocacy. Subscribe to NC CAP’s monthly e-newsletter, the Afterschool Observer,  to learn about upcoming advocacy opportunities. 

NC CAP has compiled a list of resources, webinars, and tools for program providers to utilize in their advocacy efforts.