Newsletters
CAN Newsletter – California Protects Afterschool
June 30, 2020
As California begins to re-open and conversations continue about what school looks like this fall we still very much sit in the midst of two pandemics, COVID-19 and racism. The children and families who rely on our state’s publicly funded afterschool programs are disproportionately affected by the current crises. Nine out of 10 children are children of color, and 84% are socioeconomically disadvantaged. A third of students in After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs are English language learners, and 25% are experiencing homelessness.
CAN Policy Newsletter – We Need Your Voices!
May 22, 2020
Last week California Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised state budget proposal. While we appreciate the Governor for his leadership in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate the difficult decisions involved with balancing the budget in the current climate, his proposed cut to afterschool programs would be a huge setback for children and families in California who are already disproportionately affected by the current crisis.
CAN Newsletter – May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May 13, 2020
Every year in May many promote mental health wellness and combating mental health stigma with Mental Health Awareness Month. This May, as we continue to experience the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an increased focus on health worldwide, and recognition that health includes mental health. That being said, our field has long recognized the importance of supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our youth, staff, families, and communities.
CAN Newsletter – Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other
April 15, 2020
Many of us this week have approached the 1-month mark since we started sheltering in place. While we know more than we did a month ago many more questions remain unanswered. During this time the CAN team continues to search for ways to support our amazing afterschool and expanded learning field and the students, families, and communities that we continue to serve during these unique and challenging times.
CAN Newsletter – Caring for Our Community
March 17, 2020
We know that the last few days and weeks have not been easy for anyone, and many folks have been faced with difficult decisions and challenges. Many of the afterschool staff and the children, youth, and families we serve already deal with many fears and trauma. While we cannot physically gather with one another - this is a time for our community to come together and support one another. As we all work to navigate the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus ) we want you to know that the entire team at the California AfterSchool Network is here for you.
CAN Newsletter – Feel the Love
February 27, 2020
Two weeks ago we held our California Love: Site Coordinator Symposium in Fresno, California and we felt the love! Thank you for everyone who joined us and contributed to making it a truly wonderful event. Shortly we will be sharing photos and resources from the event so keep an eye out for that in the CAN App and our social media pages.
Be sure to Save the Date for our 4th Annual Site
Coordinator Symposium:
February 5-6, 2021
Sacramento Convention Center
Registration Coming Soon!
We love afterschool and our afterschool staff and hope you felt the love too!
CAN Policy Newsletter – #AfterschoolWorks
February 25, 2020
We know #AfterschoolWorks – in fact, CAN just released our most recent State of the State of Expanded Learning for California that highlights the many ways afterschool works for California’s students, families, and communities.
CAN Newsletter – Honoring Those Who Serve Others
January 21, 2020
Yesterday celebrated the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. We hope that you found a way to celebrate and serve your communities!
CAN Policy Newsletter – Increase in Federal Funding!
January 14, 2020
Since our last newsletter, we received some good news and some bad news for afterschool funding.
CAN Policy Newsletter – Raise Your Voices for Afterschool
December 5, 2019
The year may be winding down, but there are lots of current and upcoming opportunities to make your voice heard for afterschool!
In California registration for the 16th Annual CA Afterschool and Summer Challenge just kicked off, and even if you can’t make it to the challenge you can Amplify Your Voice through postcards!
CAN Newsletter – Happy Holidays From CAN!
December 11, 2019
Be Kind to Yourself and Each Other This Holiday Season
We Look Forward to All That We Will Do Together in 2020
Last year, I shared what I learned with my children about the holiday season from watching Sesame Street. “It’s all about kindness.” As I sat to write my reflection this year, that theme remains particularly relevant. With that in mind, and In that spirit of giving this holiday season I’d like to share a song with you called, Be More Kind.
CAN Newsletter – Honoring the Legacy of Bill White
November 12, 2019
Last month we were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Bill White. Bill was a wonderful champion of children, youth, and families and believed deeply in the power of afterschool to change young people’s lives for the better. Just two days before he passed away peacefully, Bill was honored by the Council of Michigan Foundations for his leadership.
CAN Policy Newsletter – New Advocacy Resources!
November 7, 2019
We know the life-changing impact afterschool programs can have on children, families, and communities.
A couple of weeks ago Fight Crime: Invest in Kids released a new report that reinforces the vital role that afterschool programs play in turning the hours after school, and before parents return home from work, into a time of learning and growth for our young people.
CAN Newsletter – Lights on Afterschool is Right Around the Corner!
October 10, 2019
It’s almost time for Lights On Afterschool. This October 24 marks the 20th celebration and it is looking to be our brightest year yet; get the word out to your community!
CAN Policy Newsletter – Advocacy is All Year Long!
October 3, 2019
It’s October, the fall season has officially begun, and we are weeks away from the 20th Annual Lights On Afterschool celebration, which is a wonderful reminder that we can and should advocate for after school all year round! Now is the time to engage your communities and elected officials, and remind them how essential our programs are to supporting children and youth all across California.
CAN Newsletter – Welcome Back to AfterSchool!
September 10, 2019
Back to school time is here! As we prepare for students to start the new school year, let’s ensure teachers and educators have the tools they need to make their schools safer, and more inclusive, to welcome back ALL students.
CAN Policy Newsletter – Back to School!
September 5, 2019
For many of us school is back in session which is a great time to kick off your advocacy efforts. Our state legislature and Congress are also back in the swing of things and making crucial decisions that impact our youth.
CAN Newsletter – Responding to Attacks in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton
August 13, 2019
Our country has recently endured great loss and suffering – the CAN team joins the nation in mourning those lost to violence and our condolences go out to the communities affected by the recent tragedies. Like many of you, we’re feeling angry, exhausted, and heartbroken.
CAN Policy Newsletter – Keep the Lights on Afterschool!
August 7, 2019
This October 24 marks the 20th Lights On Afterschool!
Lights On is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. It is a great opportunity to keep our momentum going, raise more awareness in your community, and help mobilize support for afterschool at the local, state, and federal levels! Legislators will be in their districts, looking for ways to connect with the community.
CAN Newsletter – It’s National Summer Learning Week!
July 9, 2019
Led by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), National Summer Learning Week elevates the importance of keeping all kids learning, safe, and healthy during the summer.