Professional Development

It's no secret the work of those in the youth development field is complex. Add in the turmoil of our society, various crises, and the chronic and systemic underfunding of our nation's early childhood education—including school-age childcare—systems, and it becomes even more undoubtedly so. Now, it's clear; we must do something to ensure the afterschool workforce continues to exist and thrive.

NAA's "Stories That Shape Us" series shines a spotlight on the authentic stories and varying career paths of the afterschool profession. Told from the perspectives of NAA members themselves, each story is unique and highlights the differences but also the commonalities of the dedicated professionals serving youth around the country in out-of-school time today.

For anyone who says diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) trainings are ineffective and counterproductive, as someone who has facilitated across dozens of organizations big and small, corporate, nonprofit and educational, here is a non-definitive list of things to consider:

NAA's "Stories That Shape Us" series shines a spotlight on the authentic stories and varying career paths of the afterschool profession. Told from the perspectives of NAA members themselves, each story is unique and highlights the differences but also the commonalities of the dedicated professionals serving youth around the country in out-of-school time today.