The Missouri state capitol rotunda echoed with the vibrant energy of 100 plus enthusiastic afterschool youth and professionals for Show Me Afterschool Day. The excitement weaved through the crowd of afterschool advocates ready to have valuable conversations with their local representatives.
The Missouri AfterSchool Network’s policy committee connected legislators with thirty afterschool programs from all over the state. Natalie Hampton, associate director of policy, has promoted the afterschool capitol day because “afterschool voices need to be heard to promote policies that benefit Missouri school-age youth.”
These educational in-person meetings allow afterschool stakeholders such as Peter Gioia, the career readiness and post-secondary access symposium manager at Mission St. Louis, to witness the impact of youth advocating for afterschool at the capitol.
“What an impactful day; providing youth an understanding of not only how their government works, but also to recognize they have a voice just by showing up,” said Peter.
The feeling of empowerment wasn’t just felt by program leaders. One of Mission St. Louis’ student advocates, Mayte Gress-Hernandez, “felt connected and understood” by Representative Setev Butz. “It was sweet how he showed us the legislation he was working on; I was able to see what I’ve learned in school actually be put into action to help my community,” she continued with excitement.
Whether it was knocking on the office doors of Missouri legislators, or the legislators themselves coming to visit the Missouri AfterSchool Network in the third-floor rotunda, the importance of afterschool programming was felt beyond the capitol building itself. Jennifer Buese-Porter is the working parent of three kids, including her 10-year-old son Carter who relies on the Eldon LEAP before and afterschool program. The opportunity to introduce Carter to various careers was more than the safe, enriching environment Jennifer had initially sought out.
“If I would’ve had this afterschool opportunity as a child,” said Buese-Porter, who works in project management developing computer software, “I would have gotten into my career field earlier.”
She is referring to how Carter comes home excited from the Eldon LEAP Afterschool Program describing he has “the most fun” learning about all things STEM, including how to build robots, what an engineer does for a living, and numerous coding skills. The mother-son duo were grateful to have the chance to speak with Sen. Mike Bernskoetter about their afterschool story.
Thanks to the Eldon LEAP afterschool program, Carter knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up, “I don’t want to be a superhero” Carter quickly states when asked, “I think I want to be an engineer!”
Terri Foulkes, MASN’S executive director, was just as excited as Carter to represent afterschool at the capitol. “Show Me Afterschool Day is a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, staff and other advocates to share their stories with legislators.”
While meeting with legislators at the state capitol may seem intimidating at first, MASN’s youth voice consultant, Deborah Taylor, speaks on the need to constantly advocate for afterschool programs.
“My 32 years of experience in the afterschool field have taught me not every child is fortunate enough to access afterschool programming. We must recognize the power we have to be that voice of change for our youth, advocating for more programs that benefit students in Missouri,” said Deborah.
Deborah, ever grateful to be at Show Me Afterschool Day, is eager to talk on the power of motivation she witnesses as “everyone, adults and students alike, steps out of their comfort zone to advocate for what they are passionate about: quality afterschool programming for all.”
This energy-packed day is just one of the many opportunities MASN offers afterschool participants and supporters to shine a light on the need for more afterschool programming. Be part of something great– something life-changing! Join us in celebrating this year’s successful Show Me Afterschool Day at the capitol and plan to attend this empowering day next year.
