The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the lead organization for the advancement of the afterschool professional, recently announced its Most Influential in Research and Evaluation 2018 honorees.

... It's a Professional Association and a Community

Earlier this month, NAA led a delegation of 22 afterschool leaders to Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia to explore child and youth development systems and meet with youth policy experts in these two countries.

People too often associate leadership with a status to be earned, or a title that bestows power. Certainly, under some circumstances, those definitions are accurate. But I like to think of leadership differently.

The NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies (CKCs) for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals were designed through the collaborative efforts of NAA, the Child & Youth Care Certification Board, and the National Institute of Out-of-School Time. 

The current flooding in Louisiana is being called the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy. While the Red Cross is mounting a massive relief operation, our community of afterschool professionals is also being affected.

Social workers use the phrase, "Be where the client is." It's meant to teach how to initially engage the client by meeting them where they are, versus telling them how and where to be.

Fill in the blank. I would rather _________ than do a math problem.

1. Eat worms
2. Clean a bathroom
3. Write an essay
4. Give a speech
5. Not eat for a day
6. Dump ice on my head

10 Tips for Stepping Into Your Leadership:

The role of a leader is one of great responsibility. These tips can help us fully step in with intention, dedication and courage.