Policymaker proclamations
Many communities and provinces have had success getting their mayor or preimiere to issue a proclamation in support of Lights On Afterschool Alberta. This gesture is a simple way for elected officials to show their support, and gives you something to show off and announce at your event.
More than just mayors and Priemiers can issue proclamations—a school board, parks and recreation department, your own governing board, or your partners can also issue proclamations for Lights On Afterschool Alberta. You can use this as an opportunity to tell them about your program's successes and to thank them for their support. Here is some sample language for a proclamation that any organization might adopt to endorse Lights On Afterschool Alberta and affirm that afterschool is key to kids' success.
SAMPLE PROCLAMATION FOR PRIEMIERS AND MAYORS
Keeping the Lights On After School: A Proclamation
WHEREAS, the citizens of [Name of town/city/district/state/community] stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they:
Provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills.
Support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends.
Build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families and adults. Engage families, schools and community partners in advancing the welfare of our children.
WHEREAS, [Name of Program] has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults.
WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool Alberta, the provincial celebration of afterschool programs held this year on [date of national celebration], promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families and communities.
WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the country are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to close their doors and turn off their lights.
WHEREAS, the [province/city] is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, [Name of Preimiere/Mayor] do hereby proclaim [date of national celebration], as "Lights On Afterschool Day"; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this [governor/mayor] enthusiastically endorses Lights On Afterschool and commits our [state/community] to engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.
SAMPLE PROCLAMATION FOR ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER OFFICIALS
Keeping the Lights On After School: A Proclamation
WHEREAS, [Name of Organization, Institution or Location] stands firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they:
Provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills.
Support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends.
Build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families and adults. Engage families, schools and community partners in advancing the welfare of our children.
WHEREAS, [Name of Program] has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults.
WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool Alberta, the Provincial celebration of afterschool programs held this year on [date of national celebration], promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families and communities.
WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the province are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to close their doors and turn off their lights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that [Name of Organization, Institution or Official] urges the citizens of [Name of Community or County] to ensure that every child has access to a safe, engaging place where the lights are on after school; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this [Title of Official] enthusiastically endorses Lights On Afterschool Alberta and is committed to innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.