Consider Your Audiences
Every city, town, and village has different stakeholders who shape afterschool opportunities for youth, such as municipal leaders, program providers, families, educators, and community partners. And just like everyone else, these stakeholders make decisions based on their individual concerns and values. There is no one-size-fits-all message: what resonates with one audience may not resonate with another. Your role is to understand what matters most to each audience and speak directly to those priorities.
Look at local data, policy agendas, public statements, community plans, and funding priorities to better understand what each audience cares about and how afterschool connects to their goals. Think about how high-quality afterschool programs align with your audience’s priorities and how you can frame your message in a way that speaks to what matters most to them.
Select an audience using the menu or scroll down to explore their potential concerns and values.
Municipal Decision Makers
Potential Concerns and Values
- Youth safety and supervision during out-of-school hours
- Academic success and school-day alignment
- Preparing youth for college and careers
- Cost-effectiveness and return on investment
- Community safety and reduced juvenile crime
- Thriving, economically strong communities
- Cross-sector coordination and efficient use of public resources
- Civic pride and community well-being
- Effective use of community spaces like recreation centers, libraries, and parks
Parents, Families and Community Members
Potential Concerns and Values
- Safety and supervision of children after school
- Academic support and enrichment opportunities
- Affordable, accessible programming
- Social skills development and positive peer relationships
- Reliable care that supports working families
- Overall community health and well-being
- Opportunities for youth voice, leadership, and belonging
Program Providers and Educators
Potential Concerns and Values
- Quality programming and youth engagement
- Alignment with school-day learning and student needs
- Staff capacity, training, recruitment, and retention
- Sustainable funding and resources
- Measurable outcomes and impact
- Strong partnerships between cities, schools, and community organizations
Community Partners and Employers
Potential Concerns and Values
- Workforce readiness and skill-building for youth
- Opportunities for mentorship and community engagement
- Stronger local talent pipelines
- Economic mobility and long-term community stability
- Positive community reputation and investment