Afterschool Alliance advocacy and policy news

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July 20, 2006 - Policymakers are time-starved and data-hungry. In this age of accountability, policymakers want to know that the programs they invest in work, but they do not have time to read lengthy evaluation reports. How, then, can research be used to influence policy? How can researchers and practitioners communicate with policymakers in concise, constructive ways that advance the after school field?

The third plenary session of the After School Evaluation Symposium reviewed past successes of sharing research with policymakers, issued a few cautions based on experience, and brainstormed ideas for future communications. Two after school advocates provided their insights into how to effectively convey the urgency and importance of after school to elected and appointed officials. They both emphasized that the key to communicating with policymakers is to present messages that are evidence-based but short and to the point. In other words, policy communications should follow a golden rule: Keep it short and sweet.

Download the printer-friendly Adobe Reader (PDF) version of this plenary:

Plenary III: Research and Policymakers: Keep It Short and Sweet

March 16, 2006 - Lead by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dale Kildee and Shelley Berkley, 44 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education's Chairman Regula and Ranking Member Obey urging the subcommittee to support full funding ($2.5 billion) for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. To see if your Texas representative signed the letter, click here. If your representative signed the letter, please take a moment to call or fax his/her office and thank your representative for supporting afterschool.