Two Minute Advocacy Ask:
Help Protect Afterschool and Summer Learning in Georgia
The What: The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), otherwise known as No Child Left Behind, is currently underway in Congress. The draft bills consolidate many programs, including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers – the only federal program dedicated to afterschool, into a block grant school districts could also use for much needed in-school supports.
The Senate's bill will be discussed in committee in the next few weeks. Georgia is happy to have Senator Isakson on the committee and he needs to hear your voice now.
The Why: Without a separate funding stream specifically targeting learning outside the school day, essential learning opportunities that are helping more than 35,000 young people across Georgia - and 1.5 million young people nationally - better prepare for college, careers and life may disappear.
The How: There are 2 easy and quick ways YOU can add your voice in support of afterschool programs:
 Reach out to Georgia's Senators to let them know the importance of afterschool programs in your community and urge them the maintain designated funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. Simply use the message and contact information below.
 Join the Thunderclap Campaign on social media. On Tuesday, March 10, GSAN will join afterschool advocates from across the country on Capitol Hill. You can participate from home by using Thunderclap today to schedule a message to be blasted out on your Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr at 1PM on March 10.
The Message: Thank you for giving children priority as you represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. Please ensure that any reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act includes continuation of designated funds for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. Keeping the 21st CCLC program intact will ensure that over 35,000 of Georgia’s young people have a safe and enriching place to go after school and helps to level the playing field in achieving school success and career readiness. **Please also add your own examples of why afterschool matters in your community!
**Paste this message into the contact box provided when you click the Senators' names below.
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