If you are running a program that is not listed or know of an addition resource please register on the site or contact Eric Jensen (ejensen@gnoafterschool.org) as soon as possible for inclusion. Summer is a critical time for children and youth and it is vital that families have a clear idea of what activities and resources are available. Please support New Orleans children, youth, and families by sharing this important resource!

The Youth and Families Transition Task Force report is now available in the Funding & Advocacy section of our Resources.

On 4/22/2010 Transition New Orleans held, One Voice. One Mission. Presenting a Vision for the Future. Each of the 17 task forces formed to gather information and public input on a variety of issues that affect the quality of life for the residents of New Orleans, including Youth and Families, presented their preliminary recommendations to Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

This meeting will be held next Wednesday, 4/7, 6pm at John Mc Donogh High School‎, gym, 2426 Esplanade Avenue. This will be a valuable time for us to share our insights as a strong and committed provider community. In preparation for the meeting please review 10 for 2010 and send in your thoughts, concerns, and questions for our city leaders to info@gnoafterschool.org. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

This meeting will replace our Provider Meeting originally scheduled for 4/14/2010.

• What is Proactive Advocacy? A Manual describing Five Proactive Advocacy Strategies that are cost-effective and with a little preparation, can easily be incorporated into your organization’s strategic plan.
• The Five Strategies include:
  • Promote Your Afterschool Program;
  • Collaborations with Partners,
  • Creating Partnerships with Schools, and
  • Engaging in Legislative Issues.

The toolkit is available at the link above and in our Resources, Funding & Advocacy section.

3/24/2010, State Policy Discussion
10:30-Noon
Junior League of New Orleans
4310 Carondelet Street

Meet and hear Representative Jared C. Brossett of New Orleans District 97 speak about the 2010 Louisiana Regular Legislative session. Find out how you can become involved in state policy decisions. We will also launch an advocacy toolkit for Louisiana community-based organizations and non-profits serving children and youth during the out-of-school hours. Plan to stay after the meeting for a Federal Policy Update, details below under ‘Federal Policy Update’ section of this Enewsletter.

4/14/2010, City Planning Discussion
10: 30-Noon
Junior League of New Orleans
4310 Carondelet Street

The Task Force for Youth and Families will present their work and seek feedback from the afterschool community. This will be a valuable time for us to share our insights as a strong and committed provider community. In preparation for the meeting please review 10 for 2010 and send in your thoughts, concerns, and questions for our city leaders to info@gnoafterschool.org.

This meeting will be held next Wednesday, 4/7, 6pm at John Mc Donogh High School‎, gym, 2426 Esplanade Avenue. In preparation for the meeting please review 10 for 2010 and send in your thoughts, concerns, and questions for our city leaders to info@gnoafterschool.org. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

Congratulations to Gina Warner, our Executive Director, who is co-chairing the Mayoral Transition Task Force on Youth and Families. The Task Force will focus on building city and community supports for our young people. Her Co-Chair is Dr. Calvin Mackie who recently led a statewide legislative commission creating the report: The Black Men and Boys of Louisiana. The Task Force on Youth and Families will be calling for community involvement and we hope you will participate.

Everything is possible, join us!