Afterschool Peer Networks

Afterschool Policy Advisors Network (APAN)

Overview

Formed in 2006, the Afterschool Policy Advisors Network (APAN) is a national peer learning network of municipal leaders interested working to create or expand citywide systems of high-quality afterschool opportunities for children and youth.  This network helps local elected officials and senior municipal staff promote afterschool opportunities in their cities and nationally by sharing research, tools and strategies, policies, and best practices. The network is made possible by the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and The Wallace Foundation.

Membership

Approximately 770 members from 300 cities participate in the network, including local elected officials, senior municipal staff, and other policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and national partner organizations.  This network is open to all municipal officials who are interested in joining.  Other community leaders and afterschool program providers may join APAN as network affiliates.

Benefits

• Monthly e-newsletter: The APAN members receive monthly e-mail updates that highlight YEF Institute activities and resources, showcase promising city efforts, spotlight strategies and approaches to improving out-of-school time, and include additional resources, research, and relevant news items.
• Peer learning communities: APAN members can choose to participate in three smaller peer learning communities on afterschool Funding, Quality, and/or Partnerships.  Conference calls for each peer learning community are held every six weeks and provide an opportunity for APAN members to speak with other city leaders about their afterschool efforts and hear from local and national experts who serve as guest speakers on many of the calls.
• APAN Online Community: APAN members are invited to join and participate in the APAN Online Community (http://apan.nlc.org).  The online community is an interactive resource center for finding, sharing, and discussing knowledge on building citywide systems of high-quality out-of-school time programs.  This online tool allows members to:
• Search through an interactive library of information and resources on afterschool;
• Upload your own tools and resources to share knowledge with other cities;
• Communicate with other members in discussion forums, listservs, and live chats;
• Find municipal leaders in other network cities who can offer advice; and
• Receive alerts about new publications and network discussions.

Sample Resources

APAN Update (November 2009) >>

How to Join

To join the Afterschool Policy Advisors’ Network, click here.  For questions about APAN, contact Lane Russell at (202) 626-3008 or russell@nlc.org.