By Fritz Edelstein
April 25, 2005

Mayors have taken a leadership role in signing up to join the Afterschool for All 2010 Campaign. As part of this campaign the AfterSchool Alliance is asking mayors to "Take Action At Home." This action is to coincide with the annual Afterschool for All Challenge held on May 18 in Washington (DC) that includes After School Rocks the House and the Breakfast of Champions when members of Congress are recognized for their support of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and other after school ventures.

This is what mayors can do in their communities to be a part of the Take Action At Home in support of afterschool and increase the programs federal appropriation.

1. Ask local businesses, other elected officials, school board members, law enforcement and others to join the 2010 campaign. Go to the website afterschool.org and click on more information.

2. Become a part of the public service announcement campaign and ask local media in your city to run the PSAs.

3. Write a letter to your Senators and House member stressing the importance of afterschool as a key to a child's success and more federal funds are needed for this program. By going to the home page listed above and typing in your zip code in the left hand column under "Contact Congress" you can get their name and address.

4. Ask your representatives to join the new Afterschool Caucus in Congress. capwiz.com/afterschool