The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and leading organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders, has selected 17 Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals from across the country to recognize as the NAA’s 2023 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
Research and practical experience suggest that readiness is critical when making a change. In out-of-school time (OST), change can take many forms—from making improvements to existing practices to implementing new activities, to revamping a program completely—but its success hinges on having strong operations, willing staff, and engaged stakeholders ready to make change happen with integrity and quality.
As the professional membership organization for those who work with or for youth in OST, NAA is moving forward, defining the components of our profession’s identity as a knowledgeable and skilled workforce providing essential services and opportunities. In addition, we’re promoting workforce advocacy through our Thriving OST Workforce Initiative.
In my 25-year OST career, I’ve often heard that our field needs professionalizing. I view all who work in OST as professionals, so I’m curious about what people mean when they comment about professionalization. I have spent hours searching for answers.
There has been a clear need to expand and implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies across workplace sectors since the continued, deep-seated racial disparities were painfully illuminated with injustices in 2020. Diversity spurs business discussion and creativity, helping organizations stay resilient through challenging internal and external times. Approaching organizational transformation with a DEIA-focused lens also widens employee and managerial perspectives, allowing people’s life experiences to be considered, which in turn enhances productivity and innovation. Getting into the DEIA space for an out-of-school time organization can seem daunting, but there are a few stepping stones that lead toward an impactful DEIA approach.
Considering bringing robotics into your Out of School Time (OST) programs? You’ve come to the right place! During the February 16th, at 2 PM ET webinar, panelists from a museum, community outreach, and enrichment center will share how they've used innovative STEAM robotics in OST settings – providing kids with engaging, hands-on fun, practicing critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Hear about how KIBO, a screen-free STEAM robot, is easily (and playfully) implemented into elementary-level programs and how you can integrate these experiences into your learning environments – creating programs learners won't want to leave!
January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month to recognize over 40 million Americans living with hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, disabilities, and restricted access to participation in the democratic process due to their socioeconomic status. While poverty is a complex social issue, out-of-school time professionals can have a significant impact on positive outcomes for youth living in poverty by providing programs that support the whole family.
The struggle to fill positions in a consistently strong job market has become increasingly more challenging for organizations that provide programs for children and youth. With rising economic inequality, declining working standards, pent-up demand for a greater voice at work, and shifting pressures caused by the pandemic, supporting workers’ rights have become increasingly vital to the well-being of both nonprofit and corporate realms. With the rising tide of need, philanthropic organizations should consider reprioritizing funds to invest in the protection and advancement of rights for out-of-school time professionals.
NAA’s Convention is a time for leaders to come together to network, problem-solve, and celebrate. In 2023 we are offering two invitation-only opportunities to influencers, leaders, and key stakeholders.
I know I’m not the only one who thinks writing New Year’s Resolutions is much easier than keeping them. I always start the year off with a lot (A LOT) of good intentions that are going to make me happier, thinner, kinder, bolder, more productive – the list goes on and on. If you do, too – check out these books to help you reach those goals and stay on track for success!
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