February 2025

This Valentine's Day, share some of the reasons afterschool is close to your heart with your friends, family, and community by writing a personalized letter to elected officials!

Have students (& parents & staff!) write a letter to their elected officials highlighting why they love afterschool!
Gather all of the letters & mail them to your representatives at the Iowa Capitol!

You can also participate digitally:

Print the templates found in AA We Love Afterschool toolkit, fill them out (and have parents and students do so!)
Snap a photo of the finished product (or a selfie of you and your message)
Upload it to your favorite social media sites with the hashtag #IHeartAfterschool and tag @afterschool4all, Iowa Afterschool Alliance, or simply share an afterschool photo or message of your own using the hashtag.

The links above can be found on Iowa Afterschool Alliance's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/iowaafterschoolalliance

Upcoming IAA PD Opportunities

Toolkit for Tough Times

In this experiential and practical workshop, participants will be guided into mind-body practices that can be adapted to whatever challenging situation you may find yourself in. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, frustrated, or just plain tired—you’ll add a range of practices to your toolkit.

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

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

Visit our Linktree for registration!

Afterschool Assets

February is Black History Month!

blackhistorymonth.gov is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Zoo Crew Applications

The purpose of the Zoo Crew programs is to engage young adults in volunteer opportunities, instill knowledge about the zoo, and inspire an appreciation for the natural world.

First year Zoo Crew volunteer opportunities include: assisting Summer Safari camp counselors with preschool campers, providing information about the zoo as guest service and education/conservation guides, and keeping the zoo beautiful. Zoo Crew volunteers are also encouraged to volunteer during family friendly special events!

Find out more here!

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