Afterschool and summer learning need your support

A phone call is a very effective way to voice your concerns to Congress. When you call your representatives on Capitol Hill, it is important to be clear, concise and direct.

5 tips for a successful call

  • Scroll to look up your representatives' phone numbers.
  • Ask to speak with the legislative aide who deals with education, specifically afterschool. This person is your representative’s expert in the area and will be far more likely to respond positively to your message.
  • Introduce yourself. Be sure to name your city and state. The aide may even ask for a mailing address or zip code to verify that you are a constituent.
  • You don't have to have all the answers. If you're asked a question and don't have the answer in front of you, get the staffer's email and follow up with the information. It's a great opportunity to stay in touch.
  • After the call, click the checkbox next to the representative you just called and let us know how it went. Thank you for supporting afterschool!

Sample Script for Calling Congress

Hi, my name is [name]. I am a constituent from [city, state]. Could I please speak with the legislative aide who deals with education and afterschool programs?

Congressional office: Let me see if XXX is available. May I ask what you are calling about?

I’m calling about the importance of afterschool and summer programs supported by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative.

Congressional aide: Hi, this is XX.

Hi, this is [name] from [city, state]. I'm calling about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative.

Community Learning Center funds provide nearly 2 million kids across America with a safe place to go after school, and help [your state]’s working parents keep their jobs. [your state] kids who take part in these afterschool programs do better in school, are more likely to graduate, and make better decisions . They are less likely to use drugs, drink, or get into trouble.

Community Learning Center programs are locally-driven solutions that help families, employers, and students to get ahead.

Our community can’t afford for Community Learning Centers funding to be eliminated.

I’d like to share a little about our [program/community] and the difference this funding makes.

IF YOU ARE A PROVIDER OR AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL:

Here in [insert town/city], our program, [insert name of program], serves [insert number] kids and families. We depend on funds from the Community Learning Centers program to keep our kids safe and engaged after school.

[Share a bit about the community served by your program. You could touch on a short story of how the program has helped a particular youth or family.]

Our program has [mention any outcome data you may have, such as students attending school more often, doing better in school, reduction in behavior problems, etc.]

[Go to Closing Request]

IF YOU ARE A PARENT or CAREGIVER:

My children participate in the [name of program] here in [city, state]. The program is a lifeline for our family.

[Share how the program helps your family, and what would happen if it closes. For example:]

Having this program helps me, and other parents, keep our jobs. [Describe how the program helps you work, or what might happen if you did not have a program for your children].

My kids are thriving in the program. [Share one or two things that the program does for your children, such as how it has supported schoolwork, the development of new skills or experiences, relationships with caring adults, keeping active and away from screens or trouble]

CLOSING REQUEST:

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and help students achieve more.

I would like to ask that the Congressperson please reject any proposal to cut or eliminate 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Can we count on your support?

Thank you for your time today, and for working for [state]’s kids and families.

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