March 2025

March

24-28 is Youth Voice Week!

Youth are at the center of high-quality afterschool and summer programs. Their voices are powerful and they must be heard. Join us in elevating youth voices and the role of afterschool and summer programs in providing youth with opportunities to lead and grow.

Here are ways you can participate in Youth Voice Week this year:

Share your organization's youth voice/youth spokesperson messages on social media using the hashtag #YouthVoiceWeek to highlight young people's perspectives. You can post new content or share existing videos, essays, or art from your program.
You can also send them to Adriana Slaughter to be posted on the IAA Facebook page!
On March 24, take a moment to contact Congress and urge your elected officials to support the afterschool and summer programs our young people count on.

But it doesn't have to stop there! From creating a youth voice wall to mailing youth letters or postcards to local policymakers, there are so many ways to amplify youth perspectives. Visit Afterschool Alliance's website for more ideas, whether you're a young person eager to join the conversation or an adult looking to support youth voices.

Let's make sure young people's powerful stories are heard!

Upcoming Professional

Development Opportunities

Ending the Silence for Afterschool Staff

Presented by NAMI Iowa, Ending the Silence is a evidence-based session for afterschool staff members that includes information about mental health basics, warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students and how to work with families on the topics of mental health.

Wednesday, March 26th - 10am-11:30am CST

Adopting a Mentor Mindset

Presented by Iowa MENTOR, this "first step training" explores critical attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors essential for effective mentorship. Participants will learn about youth development, the mentoring relationship cycle, and the critical thinking skills needed to support young people. The training fosters self-awareness and supportive engagement, equipping mentors with key competencies. Participants should come prepared to learn and interact with others.

Wednesday, April 30th - 10am-11:30am CST

Registration for the Iowa Afterschool Alliance hosted webinars can be found by scanning the QR codes above or visiting https://linktr.ee/iowaafterschoolalliance. These webinars are free for youth-serving professionals and are eligible for HHS credit via I-PoWeR.

Hosted by Afterschool Alliance:

Using Child Care Contracts to Expand Afterschool Access in Underserved Areas

The $12 billion Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) supports child care for working families with children up to age 13, and 2024 regulations require states to use some grants to fund guaranteed slots, including in underserved areas. Join AA's webinar to explore how afterschool providers can collaborate with state agencies, address service gaps, and access funding opportunities for school-age programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2025

Afterschool Assets

This month we celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history! Looking for Women's History Month curriculum ideas? Start with the following resources:

UN Women https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/international-womens-day
National Women's History Alliance https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/
National Women's History Museum https://www.womenshistory.org/
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum https://womenshistory.si.edu/

Want to bring Kindhearted Kids to your site?

There may be grant funds available to you depending on your location! Reach out to Rachael Allen, Community Outreach Coordinator at Two by Two Character Development, to explore these opportunities further!

In the Newton area? You may qualify for funds for Kindhearted Kids fund through the Maytag Foundation if you apply by March 30th. There are also funds available through the Iowa Women's Foundation - the deadline for applications for this opportunity is April 24th. Please connect with Rachael at rachael@twobytwoeducation.org for follow-up questions.

Have a safe Spring Break!

Need technical assistance? Access to materials? Professional development or trainings for your team? Visit our Linktree or website for guidance to IAA resources!

Iowa Afterschool Alliance | www.iowaafterschoolalliance.org