A word from VPOST Board of Directors and Staff:

Last month we held our first virtual VPOST conference, with the theme “Roadmap to Resiliency”, born out of the events of 2020. We hoped that the takeaways would help our field not only in the aftermath of events that have occurred, but with the challenges of the road ahead.  Now, here we sit on November 4th, with the immediate future a giant unknown.  As a divided nation, the path to determining who becomes our country’s leader may be an unprecedented one, and once that decision is final, the process of reconciling a divided electorate will lie ahead. 

Your program can be a safe space, where the children, youth, and families you serve are able to ask questions about what they're hearing and how they're feeling. As an afterschool educator, your trusting relationships can provide calm and offer perspective. While this is a tough time, history has been full of these moments.  Being there for one another will help see us through these uncertain times. As a Virginia out-of-school time educator, we know that you excel at elevating positive youth assets and creating climates where empathy, critical-thinking, cooperation, and collaboration flourish.  These assets can allow for meaningful, respectful conversations where youth and adults can learn and disagree with dignity.  

You are doing so much and we can only imagine how physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired you must be. Please know that you are appreciated and that VPOST continues to work to elevate the critical need for your programs, amplify your voice, and bring recognition to you and your work.   Whatever the future holds we are in this together, for us, for our children, and for a bright future in Virginia.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for whatever it is that you may need.  We are here for you!