These past couple of weeks have been overwhelming as executive orders have created uncertainty and caused fear for vulnerable populations.
We know many of you, like us, are concerned about what’s happening now, and what may come over the next many months and years. We have struggled to determine the implications of the executive orders, and what action steps can be taken now and in the future. While we do not yet have answers to these and many of our other questions, we are following a couple of trusted resources to help us:
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- The Afterschool Alliance’s policy updates, which we encourage you to sign up to receive: three blogs have been posted thus far talking about the impact of the executive orders.
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- New Executive Orders could impact afterschool and summer learning programs (1/29/25)
- The Impact of the Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families Executive Order on afterschool and summer learning programs (1/31/25)
- New federal court ruling requires the Administration to continue funding grants and contracts until additional analysis can be completed (2/3/25)
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- The National Council of Nonprofits has a webpage about the impacts on nonprofits, including a chart of the executive orders affecting charitable nonprofits.
- Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is hosting a webinar this Thursday, February 6 (11 AM–12:30 PM) on Immigration & ICE: Support for Vermont Businesses and Nonprofits. Additionally, this resource may be helpful to programs to create “safe space” policies.
Please note that while the OMB Memorandum M-25-13, pausing federal funding pending a review, has been rescinded, the federal government is still checking compliance of federally-funded programs.
Here at Vermont Afterschool, we know two things are certain: young people make Vermont better. We believe that Vermont and its communities are at their strongest when all voices—inclusive of every dimension of diversity, and most especially the voices of youth—are nourished, uplifted, and empowered. When we uplift Vermont’s youth, we open ourselves up to the wisdom inside them:
“Changemaking is an uphill climb. But when you reach the top, you get to see this beautiful landscape and say, ‘I did that. I hiked this mountain. I get to see this view from a better place now.’ – B
And we know an investment in youth workers is an investment in young people.
These core tenets are why we remain dedicated to strengthening programs, building partnerships, and transforming communities so that all Vermont youth are active, engaged, connected, and heard.
And it’s why, even in times of uncertainty and change, we vow to continue to be a champion for investment in the afterschool and summer field, to amplify your voices as youth development professionals, to be responsive to your needs, and—in the words of the inspiring poet, Amanda Gorman—to always be the light.
As always, thank you so much for all that you do for Vermont’s children and families!
Nicole Miller
Executive Director
