What a Bright 21st Lights on Afterschool, Virginia! 🎉💡

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Subject: What a Bright 21st Lights on Afterschool, Virginia! 🎉💡

Virginia's light beams bright for the 21st Lights on Afterschool!

To say that the pandemic has been a challenge would be an understatement, but one silver lining is the ability to hop all across the Commonwealth and the country with a click of a button. We were able to celebrate numerous events yesterday, which was officially proclaimed by Governor Northam as Lights on Afterschool day in Virginia!

We kicked off our day with the 2nd annual Mayor's Lights on Afterschool Roundtable, hosted by afterschool advocate and Harrisonburg Mayor, Deanna Reed. An open discussion with leaders in the field regarding the challenges, issues, and concerns we have with programs and educational needs was facilitated by Mayor Reed. Delegate Sam Rasoul was the guest of honor and stressed the importance of increased services for youth in Virginia.

Next, we were off to Richmond to join a group of community supporters during a tour of NextUp's exemplary virtual program portal. Not only are programs like NextUp reaching kids that might not otherwise be engaged in positive activities, but their system of local coordination is keeping small businesses open, like program provider Victoria's Kitchen.

The most spirited award goes to our next stop, Alternative's Inc in Hampton. They have been amongst the 70% of afterschool programs in the country that have been serving youth since the COVID-19 shutdowns. We were taken through their virtual program offerings and got to learn a dance to Kanye West's "All of the Lights". Check out those lightbulb backgrounds and tee-shirts!

After that, we were able to connect with afterschool advocates all across the country by participating in the very first Lights On Afterschool Tweet Chat!

In Partnership with the local 4-H, Wyatt Middle School in Emporia Virginia led us and local families through many fun hands-on activities including this STEM activity on water surface tension. It's no wonder that 65% of Virginia parents agree afterschool programs can help kids gain STEM-related interests and skills.

Last, we were able to wrap-up our celebrations by attending the national Youth Town Hall featuring remarks by Congressman David Cicilline, National Urban League's Marc H, Morial, and Nickelodeon's special guest Darci Lynne. Four youth leaders from afterschool programs shared their afterschool experiences and discussed what youth need to thrive like mental health supports especially among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Thank you all for shining a light on afterschool in Virginia!

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Subject: What a Bright 21st Lights on Afterschool, Virginia! 🎉💡