As Vermont’s leading voice for afterschool in Montpelier and Washington, D.C., we advocate for state and federal policy and investment that promotes access, affordability, and sustainability of afterschool, summer learning, and out-of-school time programs—because the data is overwhelmingly clear: Afterschool programming is good for children and youth, families, communities, and Vermont; and there simply isn’t enough of it.

When it comes to advocacy, solid data and statistics can open a door—but a personal story moves people through it. Legislators and community members are far more likely to be persuaded, inspired, and compelled to act when they can see themselves, their neighbors, their communities, or their own children in the experiences being shared. Whether it’s a young person describing how an afterschool program provided a safe place to belong, a parent explaining the challenge of finding an available program, an employer acknowledging that reliable out-of-school care makes it possible for parents to stay in the workforce, or an afterschool professional sharing the moment a struggling youth found their confidence—personal stories make policy debates deeply human.

Please share your personal story today and become a champion for every young Vermonter who deserves to be active, engaged, connected, and heard.