Are YOU joining the California Afterschool Challenge?  The Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center is...and you should too!

4th Annual California Afterschool Challenge
Tuesday, May 20th in Sacramento

Registration closes May 1st - Join the Challenge today!

What is the CA Afterschool Challenge?
The California Afterschool Challenge is a chance for YOU to speak directly with legislators about the importance of afterschool programs, learn more about afterschool policy, and gain valuable advocacy skills. This year, we are also inviting middle and high school afterschool programs to bring along youth participants and young adult staff to tell their own personal stories of how afterschool has impacted their lives.

Why should I travel all the way to Sacramento?
Last year, with the positive changes taking place with California's afterschool programs, we took the time to say "thank you" to our legislators. Unfortunately, this is a tight year with the state's budget cuts, so it's very important that we all unify together to tell our legislators to continue to support valuable afterschool programs!

What if I can't afford the trip to Sacramento?
Travel scholarships are available thanks to our generous sponsors! We don't want you to miss this unique event - submit your travel scholarship request TODAY! Applications can be downloaded at www.calsac.org or click here and should be sent to ruthoj@calsac.org or via fax at 415-957-9776.

What can I expect at the Challenge?

• 9:00am - Registration & Refreshments
• 10:00am - Welcome with empowering speakers including Al Smith, CalSAC Board President and Senior Community Development Specialist with the SF Mayor's Office of Community Development AND Ted Lempert, President of Children NOW
• 10:15am - Advocacy Training for ALL with Jennifer Peck, Executive Director of the Bay Area Partnership for Children and Youth AND Armando Viramontes, staffer with Assemblymember Loni Hancock's office
• 11:20am - Rally at the Capitol & Visionary Award presentation to Senator Torlakson with many exciting guest speakers!
• 11:40am - FREE Box Lunch
• 12:00 - 3:00pm - Legislative Visits
• 3:30 - 4:30pm - Social & Appetizers

Join us and help get the word out!
It's only once a year that afterschool professionals come together to advocate for the programs WE know firsthand improve the lives of so many Californians. Don't miss this unique experience! Tell your partners and associates to come to Sacramento on Tuesday, May 20! For more information, call (415) 957-9775 or ruthoj@calsac.org

A partial list of event co-sponsors: Afterschool Alliance, Alameda County Child Care Planning Council, Bay Area Partnership for Children and Youth, California Afterschool Network, California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, California Parks & Recreation Society, CalSAC Bay Area Chapter, California Tomorrow, Children NOW, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, League of California Afterschool Providers, Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center, YMCA of the Santa Clara Valley.