Save the date for the annual Afterschool & Summer Learning Day on Thursday, February 11, 2021. It will be a day of action to advance afterschool and expanded learning policy in Vermont. This statewide virtual event will bring together afterschool program providers, partners, youth ambassadors, and parents to inspire awareness and action.

Participants set up their own independent meetings with legislators, gaining experience on how to talk about the value of afterschool, advocating for statewide funding for afterschool and summer learning programs, and celebrating youth voice. Join forces with the Afterschool Youth Ambassadors to bring afterschool to all!

Celebrating Youth Voice: The Youth Ambassador Program

Every year we invite middle and high school students to come to the State House as Afterschool Youth Ambassadors alongside the Afterschool & Summer Learning Day. And in the past few years we’ve had a good problem: too many students wanted to come. For 2021, we will be capping the number of youth ambassadors at 60. 

Youth ambassadors will participate in a youth voice workshop and connect with afterschool peers from across VT; tour the Vermont State House; meet and chat with policymakers; and eat lunch at the Vermont History Museum. If you are interested in bringing youth ambassadors to the day, please email Alissa Faber for more information. There is no charge for youth ambassadors and a pizza lunch is included. We regret that we cannot make any dietary accommodations, so plan to bring a bag lunch if pizza won’t work for your youth.

Agenda

8:30-9:00: Registration
9:00-11:14am: Youth Voice workshop at the Pavilion
11:15-11:45am: Pizza lunch at the Vermont History Museum
11:45-12pm: March to State House for group photo on steps
12:-1pm: Meetings with legislators
1-1:30pm: Afterschool Resolution at the House Chamber
2-2:20pm: Optional State House tour

Parking

We recommend parking at the free Department of Labor lot at 5 Green Mountain Dr. and taking the free Capital Shuttle (loops every 20 minutes) or walking over on the bike path (3/4 mile). There are a few public parking lots along State Street that offer full-day metered parking but tend to fill very early. Note that you can leave your snow boots in the coat room at the State House and change into nicer shoes.

Inviting Legislators

Be sure to email to let your legislators ahead to time to let them know you will be in the State House from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and would like to connect at a time that is convenient for them. Often morning (prior to 9 a.m.) is a great time to connect with legislators. Remember to identify yourself as a constituent or if your program serves families in their district. Find your legislators’ contact information here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/