News
Check out the latest news about NAA and special announcements pertinent to the field of afterschool.
Inspiration is Essential to Meaningful Work
Monday, 06 February 2023 10:42In·spi·ra·tion
/ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n/
noun: inspiration
- The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
NAA23 Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Folami Prescott-Adams
Monday, 06 February 2023 10:41The NAA community depends on individuals committed to out-of-school time program quality for young people, families, and their teams that make it happen. NAA23 speakers are experts in the field willing to share their knowledge and experiences with attendees to increase connectivity, comradery, and understanding among fellow afterschool professionals. We are excited to have over 150 presenters for this year’s Convention and want to spotlight a few of our stand-out speakers ahead of our March 19th kick-off in Orlando.
Why You Should Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Monday, 06 February 2023 10:40Your squad, your posse, your people. Finding like-minded people isn’t just a pleasant discovery, it’s a basic human need. We are programmed to seek out others who can supply us with the love and sense of belonging we crave and, as social creatures, we crave those relationships. Without supportive people who accept you, understand your aspirations, and want you to thrive in life, you will likely encounter struggles that could further alienate you from important social groups and goals. At NAA23, you will have several opportunities to find your people among other dedicated Afterschool professionals.
NAA Honors 2023 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
Monday, 06 February 2023 08:45The 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.
Webinar: Getting Ready for Change in OST with New Toolkit
Sunday, 29 January 2023 09:21Research 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.
Solving the Workforce Puzzle: The OST Profession and Job Quality
Sunday, 29 January 2023 09:19As 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.
Workforce Advocacy: NAA Chief Operating Officer’s Note
Sunday, 29 January 2023 09:18In 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.
Three Steps Toward a Strong DEIA Strategy
Monday, 23 January 2023 09:10There 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.
Robots in Your OST Programs? Yes! Learners Won’t Want to Leave
Monday, 23 January 2023 09:08Considering 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!
How Poverty in America Impacts OST Programming
Monday, 23 January 2023 09:06January 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.
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