Advocating for Michigan’s Out-of-School Time Funding
Michigan’s state budget is still being decided — and the future of public funding for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs is on the line. Now is a vital time to make your voice heard and show policymakers why these programs matter. Our advocacy tools are here to help you connect with your state legislators, share the impact of your work, and urge them to protect and expand funding for afterschool and summer programs. Every call, email, and story makes a difference.
We need you to act now.
Here are 5 easy steps you can take today to help advocate for dedicated OST funding. If you are able, please complete these actions as soon as possible to ensure your voices are heard:
Step 1. Call or write your State Representative, State Senator, and the Governor.
Urge them to support dedicated OST funding in the state budget.
Share that this program is a proven success, reaching 69,000 youth this year.
Emphasize that 90% of the providers are community-based organizations, ensuring locally driven academic and enrichment opportunities.
Most importantly—tell your local story. Share why OST matters for the youth and families you serve.
Below, you will find a letter writing prompt for programs to help guide your emails/calls, if desired.
Contact Your State Representative
Step 2. Ask your Staff & Board Members to call.
Provide them with the same talking points so they can amplify your message with their legislators and the Governor.
Step 3. Engage local community leaders.
Ask law enforcement, K-12 administrators, local government, clergy, and business leaders to contact their legislators & Governor with the same message of support.
Step 4. Mobilize parents in your program.
Parents can speak powerfully about why OST programs are essential for their families’ stability and success. Encourage them to call or write, and share these simple talking points:
“This program gives my child a safe and supportive place to go before/after school and during the summer.”
“My child has learned and grown through the program—whether in reading, math, STEM, or social-emotional skills.”
“OST programs help me as a parent. They allow me to work, knowing my child is safe and engaged.”
“Without this program, my family would struggle to find affordable, reliable care.”
“Please keep dedicated OST funding in the state budget—it makes a real difference for families like mine.”
Caregiver Advocacy Tools for 32n
Handout for Programs to Give Caregivers
Step 5. Lift up youth voices.
Ask youth to send coloring sheets, short videos, letters, or drawings that express why OST programs matter to them. Personal stories from young people can be especially impactful.
Together, these actions will send a powerful message that Michigan cannot afford to walk away from its young people. Thank you for standing with us to ensure every child has access to safe, engaging, and supportive learning opportunities outside of the school day. See below for more advocacy tools.
Looking for more ways to make your voice heard? We’ve pulled together additional advocacy tools designed to help you go deeper. From calling scripts and letter writing prompts to shareable fact sheets and one-pagers, these resources make it simple to raise awareness, connect with policymakers, and amplify the impact of 32n funding.