Do you know an outstanding student?

The Iowa Afterschool Alliance is seeking nominations for Iowa afterschool stars, to be recognized as Outstanding Afterschool Students. Nominated students should be regular participants of the program and should model the qualities you strive for in your programming. The Outstanding Afterschool Students will be recognized at the conference during lunch on Friday, April 24.

 

Nominations should include the name and city of the nominated student and an explanation of why he or she is outstanding, accompanied by the nominator's name and program name. Email all nominations to Michelle Rich, mrich@sppg.com.  

The IAA and friends were at the Iowa State Capitol on March 25 for an Expanded Learning Legislative Breakfast! Out-of-school time program providers, student participants, partners, and advocates talked with legislators about the important role of expanded learning opportunities that help students succeed. Thank you to all who participated!

Students from the PIECES afterschool program in Burlington were recognized in the Iowa House of Representatives! With the students is Major Darren Grimshaw from the Burlington Police Department, a partner of the afterschool program.

The state legislative session is coming to a close and many of your legislators will be campaigning in your district. Many others outside of the Legislature are also running. This is a perfect time to engage all candidates and raise awareness of afterschool in our communities!

Important Dates:
June 3, 2014 = Primary Elections
November 4, 2014 = General Elections

Primary elections determine a political party's "pick" for the general election. The main parties contending in the primaries are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Be sure to engage all of them - you don't know who will win!

The General Election is where the parties' "picks" compete for a single seat, or elected position like representative or senator. Following the primaries on June 3, you will know who the final candidates are to compete for the positions. This is when it will be easier to engage targeted candidates because the field is narrowed to just a few people.

What can I do to engage the candidates?
Campaigning is tough, but they gotta get out there! Both state seats and Congressional (federal) seats are on the ballot. Ask them to visit your site one afternoon or over the summer. Have them participate in an activity with the kids. And be sure to ask the media to attend! Get lots of pictures and be sure to explain the impact you are making. This isn't just about public awareness. It's also your chance to raise the awareness of the candidate and their staff. They may be making very important decisions in the future!

How do I contact the candidates?
Usually each candidate has a website exclusively for campaigning. All candidates can be found by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State website. Right now, only primary candidates are listed. After June 3, a General Election candidate list should be available. 

Current elected officials have contact information on the Iowa General Assembly's website at www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators. Congressional office holders have contact information available through Congress.gov.

What does a site visit look like?

Back in 2011, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds visited Des Moines students during a STEM activity at an afterschool program. She had fun! And the kids were able to show off their learning to a person with influence. Have information ready in a packet to give to the candidate. Then just chat with them about what you do, your impact, and any support you may need. Remember, they may be making important decisions one day!

Where can I go for help?
The Iowa Afterschool Alliance can help. Contact Michelle Rich at mrich@sppg.com. We're here to help if you need!

The Iowa Afterschool Alliance keeps a calendar of opportunities regularly updated on our website. Visit it at http://www.iowaafterschoolalliance.org/resources/.

The Iowa Afterschool Alliance seeks to improve access to high-quality afterschool programs for all Iowa children, youth, and families through policy and partnerships, practice support and outreach and engagement.

To contact the IAA: