“This was my first time ever attending anything like this and I am so thankful that I was able to go. Hearing so many inspiring stories and meeting so many amazing people gave me a renewed sense of purpose and made me really think about why I do this work. I felt seen and heard like I haven't in a long time. Thank you one and all! Really couldn't have asked for a better experience.”  - Missy Simon Johnson

“One of my favorite sessions "Team Challenges for Individual Growth" Unity in its maximum expression, we connected, we played, we had fun and we discovered how when we work together with a purpose, anything is possible! This session was a great summary of the convention’s purpose to become one to celebrate our differences and uniqueness! Thank you National AfterSchool Association.” – Luisa Vincent 

“It's been amazing all week, lots of great information but the best part was meeting so many incredible people!  see you all next year!” – Brittani Forgey

“I learned so much at convention and met so many amazing people. It felt like every session needed at least twice as much time. And picking which session to attend when there were seven top picks in a single time slot ....

Overall, it was extremely refreshing and energizing to learn that others are going through the same things that we are and were willing to share their wins, that the landscape and national awareness of the profession is changing rapidly and positively, and that despite all of our differences we are all here for our kids, for our communities, and for each other.” – Kande Jones

“Coming together to change things and to support each other is essential. And attending the 2022 NAA Convention has provided a space for conversations to develop, ideas to be shared, and professional teams to come together, get to know each other and build up much needed relationships.” – Patrick Holman-Hart     

“Over the course of this week NAA22 has pushed me to think about my Why. Why do I do this work? Most importantly, why do we even get out of bed on days when it feels too much to do so, much less lift someone else up. I do it because I know that this work matters. – Susie Estrada

“Things shift when you operate in the fullness of your whole self. This past week was a testament that authenticity shines brighter than any star. I walked into the National Afterschool Association Convention on a mission, to represent NJ and to leave my mark in hopes that I’d be invited back. It was an AMAZING convention and intentionally affirming all of us that Afterschool is important and the work that we do matters! I absolutely LOVE what I do… being affirmed in this space is just icing on the cake.– Tyneisha Gibbs 

Want to join in? Mark your calendars for March 19-22, 2023 in sunny Orlando, FL. Watch for more information and registration details coming soon!