In our field there are several times throughout the year that programs are able to highlight what is going on in their communities. Local stories, making local impact. Best practices are often hidden in plain sight in out-of-school time. We work in isolation at our sites or programs, often down the road from another program. Building community and building relationships in afterschool takes work and visibility. How you show your passion, your love for afterschool matters.

While Valentines Day is often cliche with candy hearts, flowers and the like, the Afterschool Alliance started the “We Love Afterschool” campaign several years ago to help raise awareness during the mid-winter months. This also coincides with the start of the legislative session at the state and federal level. It is a perfect opportunity to invite state and community leaders to see your program in action. Work with staff to plan an event or have a day dedicated to showing the love for afterschool with centers the kids can rotate through creating something that emulates what the program gives to them daily.

Helping the broader community understand what we do every day in afterschool programs across Connecticut and the country can change the narrative from babysitting to something essential that children and youth need to thrive. Hands-on experiences and deeper learning happen daily are thought of as “the way the program runs” and taken for granted as something special. Research shows that high-quality, intentional afterschool programming and the relationship with one caring adult can change the life trajectory of a child.