Advocacy

Talking Points

Keeping Critical Messages Before the Public After Lights On Afterschool

A million people participated in Lights On Afterschool in October, showing their support for afterschool programs. One way to keep momentum going - and to support afterschool funding in the process - is to send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. 

Here is a sample letter that draws attention to the need to safeguard federal afterschool funding. Keep it short, but tailor it in ways that make it specific to your program, community, or the Lights On Afterschool event you organized or attended.

Your local newspaper should have information on its website about how to submit your letter - most newspapers prefer email submissions. Do not send the same letter to more than one newspaper in your market at the same time, but one newspaper declines to run it, go ahead and submit your letter to another.

And remember, it's not too late to organize a signing day and have members of your local community sign the petition to save afterschool funding! 

Download a Sample Letter to the Editor here>>

Citizen Questions for Candidates

The Center for the Future of Arizona has compiled a set of questions and observations directly from citizens of Arizona addressing the issues that matter to you including the economy, health care, immigration, and most importantly, education.  The nearly 800 questions should be directed at politicians to gain a clear and sincere perspective on their vision, priorities, politics and approach.   We hope you will use this resource to become an advocate for Arizona's children and yourself. 

Download the full report here: www.thearizonawewant.org/2010/

Afterschool-specific Questions for Candidates:

Considering most Arizona students are in school only 27% of the day, what role can quality afterschool programs play in improving students’ academic success? 

 

Arts education continues to be diminished during the formal school day as school districts are forced to put more time and emphasis on student success in reading, math and science.   How can quality afterschool programs be used to ensure that our students receive the arts education they require to foster creativity and artistic expression?  

 

Additional Resources for Talking Points

 

Check out Expect More Arizona, www.expectmoreaz.org for information on some important questions to ask policymakers about education, and actions you can take now for education. 
 

For detailed advocacy talking points and resources go to the Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition (PAFCO) website at www.pafcoalition.org.