Policy Update
Join us in reaching out to our local and national representatives to share the stories of how why afterschool matters and how afterschool makes a difference for youth in our communities. Your voice matters- and as evidenced by the recent wins for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, legislators are listening. We know afterschool works, and it's up to us to tell our legislators why!
Afterschool in Jeopardy- Join the Afterschool for All Challenge!

Expanded learning opportunities are once again in jeopardy, the White House 2018 budget proposal for FY 18 released this Tuesday ends funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. President Trump is sticking with the narrative that there is little evidence afterschool programs are effective- something we know is simply not true. Research shows that students who participate in afterschool programs make academic gains, are more engaged learners, and attend school more regularly. We also know that most Americans support these programs- in a recent poll by Quinnipac , 83% of responders opposed cuts to afterschool funding. 

If funding for 21CCLC is eliminated, almost 2 million youth across the nation and 10,000 students representing over 150 communities in Oregon would lose access to out of school time programs. Their fate is in Congress' hands, and we are asking you to join us and the Afterschool Alliance in telling Congress why afterschool matters.

On June 7, join us for a national Day of Action to stop President Trump's afterschool cuts. Afterschool supporters from across the country will be calling up  their representatives to say no- we can't afford to lose our afterschool programs. Make sure the phones on Capitol Hill ring off the hook with the loud and clear message that voters won't accept cuts to afterschool.

RSVP   below for reminders to join the call-in day, and for access to a free click-to-call took, sample script, and more tools.  
Thank You Senator Wyden!

Thank you to Senator Wyden for joining 29 other Senators in signing on to a Dear Colleague Letter (or DCL). This DCL was addressed to the Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, specifically asking not eliminate 21st CCLC and instead fully fund the program without cuts for the upcoming 2018 federal fiscal year. We appreciate his support in continuing to represent Oregon values!
  White House 2018 Budget Ends Eight Decades of Bipartisan Presidential Support for National Service Programs  

In this weeks White House budget for fiscal year 2018 (FY18), they not only suggested cutting funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers but also proposed the shutdown of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). CNCS is the federal agency that administers national service programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have participated in national service through CNCS over the last two decades, serving communities in need. This funding and the work of national service corps members enables thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations to fulfill their missions (including Boys and Girls Clubs, Teach for America, and OregonASK).

From the "dollars and cents" perspective, CNCS is one of the best bargains in the federal government. The CNCS FY 2017 budget was $1.03 billion, making up less than 0.03 percent of the federal budget, yet the returns are huge. A study by economists at Columbia University found that for every dollar invested in national service, there is a $3.95 return to society in terms of higher earnings, increased output, and other community benefits. CNCS also leverages $1.26 billion in resources from the private sector, foundations, and local agencies , helping organizations across the country work in creative ways to tackle our most persistent and costly challenges.

The White House Budget Proposal is not the final word, Congress is responsible for making federal government funding decisions. It is up to us however to tell Congress how important CNCS and national service truly are- share your stories with your representatives, and with us.
Share Your Input

The Chief Education Office is hosting feedback sessions to help state leaders think through critical elements of implementation for two bills currently under consideration in the Oregon legislature. Senate Bill 182 focuses on creating a high quality, culturally responsive educator workforce, and Senate Bill 183 is intended to improve graduation rates for historically underserved students. Both bills have passed through the Senate Education Committee and are currently being reviewed by Ways and Means.

There are several meetings being held across the state, as well as two online sessions, on May 26th and June 7th. Click here for meeting dates and registration information. 
Staying Up to Date with State Policy

We know how important it is to stay up-to-date on current state legislation and encourage those of you who are interested to know more about the happenings in Salem, you can follow bills directly from the  Oregon State Legislature   or contact  James Barta   to get weekly updates from Children First about a plethora of child related issues. 
Take Individual Action

You can make a difference.  Call on congress to  protect funding for afterschool and summer learning programs. Need help finding your legislators?  Click HERE . Need talking points to support your own stories of afterschool?  HERE  is evidence showing that Afterschool Works. 
Thank you for your support of afterschool in Oregon and across the nation.

Beth Unverzagt, Executive Director
(503)689-1656

OregonASK is a collaboration of public and private organizations and community members which seek to address common-issues and concerns across all out-of-school time services- child care, recreation, education and youth development.

(503)689-1656 | general@oregonask.org | www.oregonask.org
Join Us on Social Media

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter