2025 50 State Afterschool Network Leaders Meeting

How are other states advocating for change, leveraging campaigns, and driving action? In this session, you will hear from state networks about their advocacy efforts. We’ll look at effective components of campaigns and state networks’ strategies to increase grassroots action and engage with policymakers. What were their goals and messages, what communications tactics did they use, and what was their impact? Breakout groups will discuss specific tactics in more depth. Attend this session to help you work on your own advocacy strategy, whether you’re planning for the future or looking for ways to hone your current efforts.

Participants will engage in interactive exercises to hone their persuasive communication skills and learn to apply strategic influence to inspire and mobilize their teams effectively.

The session will cover key techniques for impactful decision-making and demonstrate how to foster a culture of empowerment that drives innovation and results. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to exert influence without authority and make a lasting impact within their organizations.

Afterschool networks looking to advance afterschool policy in their states face a myriad of potential challenges to that important work. Relying on strong bipartisan support for afterschool and key allies, a number of state networks have overcome challenging political climates and divisive rhetoric to make policy gains that help more young people access quality afterschool and summer opportunities. This session will include state sharing, state policy experts, and plenty of time for discussion.

Whether you are looking to start program quality supports, improve what you have or expand to serve more people and programs – join us to contribute to a marketplace of ideas and explore creative and effective approaches to helping programs improve the quality of their programs.

• Highlight TA examples – approach, audience, demand, delivery, effectiveness
• Identify realistic and actionable ideas to advance in your state