Policy Work Group

The Policy Work Group develops the annual legislative agenda for the Iowa Afterschool Alliance, creates an advocacy strategy, and works to align and inform policies that support afterschool. If you would like to join this effort or learn more about the Policy Work Group, please contact Brooke Findley.

What to Expect in 2009
This year the Iowa Afterschool Alliance will not be releasing a formal policy agenda for use at the Iowa Legislature. Instead, the IAA will build upon the release of Iowa’s Blueprint for Afterschool by educating policymakers and community leaders on the best strategies for ensuring all Iowa’s children and youth have access to afterschool in their community. The IAA will continue to support the Department of Education’s Before and After School Grants program and educate policymakers and community leaders on the important role afterschool programs play in today’s families and communities. The IAA will work closely with policymakers and community leaders in 2009 to communicate the best approach to ensuring that afterschool opportunities are expanded, supported, and enhanced at the local level to increase access to high-quality and affordable programs. 

Policy Documents
The IAA will be using the following documents to communicate the importance of afterschool to legislators this session.

Afterschool as an Economic Development Issue

Afterschool as a Vital Community Resource

Policy and Community Leaders' Guide to Quality

Click here for Iowa’s Blueprint for Afterschool.
For a short summary document on Iowa’s Blueprint for Afterschool, click here.

Getting Involved
Local program providers, afterschool supporters, community leaders, parents, and youth are integral to the process of deciding which ideas become laws. The Iowa Afterschool Alliance relies on its members and other supporters of afterschool to share their stories and viewpoints with members of the Iowa Legislature, as well as Congress on the Federal level and local school boards, city councils, county boards of supervisors, and various other governing bodies on the local level. The IAA provides a number of tools for advocates that want to get involved, but just need a little help to get started. Below are tools that anyone can use to start advocating for afterschool in their community:

General Tips for Working with Legislators
Useful tips on working with legislators, from how to approach a policymaker, to how best to follow-up.

Advocacy Guide
Suggestions for advocates according to the time required for each activity. Suggestions include calling a legislator (5 min.), write a letter (10-15 min.). or meet with legislators at the Capitol (15-30 minutes plus planning and travel time).