DIG into the Hands On Minds On! 2007 Conference Filing Cabinet

Missed the July 31 - August 2, 2007 Hands On Mind On! Statewide Conference? Lost your notes? This is your lucky day! The presentations and enrichment carousel class units and activities shown at the conference are alive and well and at your finger tips right here. Dig into the Filing Cabinet! The filing cabinet will continue growing, so dig in frequently for future updates.

Useful Publications

The resources described below are produced by the National Center for Community Education in collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance and are highly recommended.

Strategic Communications Kit

Getting the general public to support afterschool programs is often thought to be a challenging task. However, research shows that the public is actually overwhelmingly supportive of afterschool. There are many useful ways in which one can spread awareness about the importance of afterschool programs. Using the media is a highly important one.

This Media Booklet created by the Afterschool Alliance will show you:How the News Media Works
How to Best Communicate With the Media
When to Communicate With the Media
How to Frame Your Message

Click here download the booklet

Fact Sheets for Afterschool Funding

Fact Sheets for Afterschool Funding was produced by the National Center for Community Education in collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance. This document contains descriptions of funding sources available for afterschool programs that can be found at federal, state and local levels from both public and private sources.

This 36 page document breaks down each grant by giving a brief description of what it is for, what federal agency it belongs to, what type of grant it is, who is eligible to apply, the purpose of the funds, contact information, and web links. It also describes why afterschool programs should apply and gives concrete steps for accessing the funding.

Click here to download the document.

National Learn and Serve Challenge Taking Place Now

What is the National Learn & Serve Challenge?

The National Learn & Serve Challenge, September 17-23, 200, is a concentrated series of special events and activities designed to spotlight service-learning successes around the country.  It is also designed to show support for Learn and Serve America and inspire other schools and communities to launch their own service-learning initiatives. 

1. Althought the event is already taking place, there are still ways in which you can have your own Learn and Serve Challenge at anytime of the year!

• Host a service-learning t-shirt or button day at your school or organization. Visit the Learn & Serve Challenge Online Store where you may purchase buttons, t-shirts, and other items on an as-needed basis.  If you're looking for a cost-effective way to show your service-learning pride, create your own stickers using labels.  Just email nslp@aed.org to receive a copy of the Learn & Serve Challenge logos that you can use to create your own stickers, buttons, or t-shirts.  Use the Host a Button or T-Shirt Day Activity Tip Sheet for more planning hints and good ideas.

• Create a service-learning bulletin board or picture display to visually celebrate your service-learning accomplishments.  Use the Create a Display Activity Tip Sheet for ideas.  If you're short or space or time, just print a color copy of the Bring Learning to Life full-page poster to display on the door of classroom or office. 

• Include a service-learning update in your school or organization's newsletter or website.  Download sample text for newsletters, email announcements, and website features.  

• Show the Bring Learning to Life Public Service Announcement or another service-learning video during an upcoming staff or board meeting. Make plans to show the video to local community leaders and civic or service clubs, such as the Lions, Kiwanis, or Rotary Clubs.  Download the public service announcement to your computer or request a free copy. 

• Set up a service-learning booth or exhibit table as part of key community events, such as a local football game or Back to School night. Use the Host an Open House Tip Sheet for more planning ideas.

Important Dates:

Share Your Program Stories!

Everyday 21st CCLC programs have enriching and exciting activities taking place all over the state of Texas. We know your program has a great story to share, so please share it with us to be featured in a future issue of A-School Times! Sharing your story is great exposure for your program and allows other dedicated afterschool professionals in the state to learn from your innovative ideas. We would love to hear from you. Please send us an email to: newsletter@texas21afterschool.org today!