In addition to using the proof points that relate to each Core Message, make sure to gather local facts and stories that speak directly to your stakeholders. Also, draw examples from what other states and municipalities have achieved for their residents.
How to Gather Local Facts
Strong local data helps make the case for afterschool by connecting your message to real community needs. Use the questions below to guide your fact-finding and identify where to look for relevant data.
1. What are the most critical afterschool needs or gaps?
Look for data on:
- Youth safety during out-of-school hours (juvenile crime rates, unsupervised youth in parks)
- Access to afterschool programs (availability, waitlists, affordability)
- Academic challenges (chronic absenteeism, disengagement, behavior)
- Workforce challenges for families (childcare needs, parent employment)
Where to find it:
- Youth Risk Behavior survey data
- School district reports and dashboards
- Police department or public safety data
- State afterschool networks
- Surveys of workers from local businesses
- Afterschool Alliance (national and state-level data)
2. How many young people and families are affected?
Look for data on:
- Number of youth in the community (especially school-age)
- Percentage of children unsupervised after school
- Demand vs. supply of afterschool programs
Where to find it:
- U.S. Census Bureau (population, families, employment)
- City Health Dashboard
- Afterschool Alliance America After 3PM survey data
- Local school districts or city youth reports
- Afterschool program waitlists
3. Who is most affected?
Look for data on:
- Income levels, race/ethnicity, and access disparities
- Youth with additional needs (English learners, youth in foster care, unhoused youth)
- Families with working parents or non-traditional schedules
Where to find it:
- U.S. Census Bureau
- School district demographic data such as Free/Reduced Lunch rates
- Local community needs assessments
- Youth-serving agencies and nonprofits
4. Where are the greatest needs?
Look for data on:
- Neighborhoods with limited program access
- Areas with higher rates of poverty, absenteeism, or crime
- Locations lacking transportation or community resources
Where to find it:
- City Health Dashboard
- County/State Department of Health and Human Services data dashboards
- School district maps and attendance data
- Local planning or economic development departments
- Local police department
5. What outcomes show the impact of afterschool?
Look for data on:
- Attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes
- Youth well-being and engagement
- Workforce and family stability indicators
Where to find it:
- Program evaluations and provider data
- School districts
NLC members can also gain access to a data tool from mySidewalk called Seek Cities. Seek Cities lets you quickly identify data points for your local community and build out visualization for analysis that can inform strategic targeting of services and policy implementation.
How to Gather Local Stories
Local stories bring your message to life by turning data into real experiences that decision-makers can see, understand, and connect with. When gathering stories from youth, families, program providers, educators, and community partners, remember these key tips.
1. Make specific asks
Rather than simply saying “Share your afterschool experience,” connect your ask to the message you’re trying to support:
- “How has afterschool helped your child stay safe and engaged after school?”
- “In what ways has afterschool made it easier for you to work or manage your schedule?”
- “Can you share a moment when you saw a young person grow or succeed in your program?”
2. Point to the positive
While it’s important to understand challenges (like lack of access or affordability), also gather stories that show impact and possibility:
- “How has afterschool made a difference in your family’s daily life?”
- “What opportunities has afterschool opened up for you or your child?”
- “What would it mean for your school/community if more young people had access to afterschool programs?”
3. Ask for descriptive language
To collect stories that resonate, ask follow-up questions like a curious listener:
- “Then what happened?”
- “How did that make you feel?”
- “What did you notice or see change?”
4. Respect your storyteller
When asking someone to share their lived experience, be clear and transparent:
- Why you’re asking: To help leaders understand the impact of afterschool programs
- How stories will be used: Reports, presentations, advocacy materials, or community outreach
- The impact: Their story can help expand access, improve programs, and support more young people and families
- How and where their stories will be shared: Presentations to city leaders and policymakers; reports, briefs, and funding proposals; community events; awareness campaigns
- Always thank them for sharing their experience and contributing to stronger opportunities for youth in their community, and share the impact of their story when possible.