We Love Afterschool is a national celebration of the people, programs, and moments that make afterschool and summer programs such powerful spaces for young people.

We Love Afterschool is a storytelling and celebration campaign led by Afterschool Alliance. Every Valentine’s Day, it invites programs, young people, caregivers, and advocates to publicly share what they love about afterschool and summer programs.

Take two minutes to send a thank you message to your legislator for their continued support of state funding!

How to participate

It’s easy:

  1. Print the template, fill it out (and have parents and students do so!)

  2. Snap a photo of the finished product (or a selfie of you and your message)

  3. Upload it to your favorite social media sites with the hashtag #IHeartAfterschool and tag your legislator and @miafterschoolpartnership, or simply share an afterschool photo or message of your own using the hashtag. Check below for some sample messages.

  4. Send any drawings or letters to your legislator. Personalized messages resonate with policymakers.

Join the Celebration on Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to participate in We Love Afterschool. Share photos, youth artwork, quotes, or short reflections from your program and tag your legislators so they can see afterschool in action. Here are some sample messages to pair with photos from your program to share this Valentine’s Day.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending some love to afterschool. At our program, young people find belonging, build friendships, and try new things every single day. We’re grateful to share that love with @LEGISLATORNAME and our community.
#WeLoveAfterschool #MiAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks

Love is in the air and in our afterschool spaces. Creativity, connection, and confidence show up here every day for young people in our community. We’re excited to share the love with @LEGISLATORNAME this Valentine’s Day.
#WeLoveAfterschool #MiAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks

Some of our favorite moments happen after the school day ends. Laughter, learning, leadership, and a whole lot of heart. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating afterschool and sending thanks to @LEGISLATORNAME for cheering on young people.
#WeLoveAfterschool #MiAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks

Afterschool has our heart. It’s where young people feel safe to be themselves, build skills, and grow alongside peers who care. Wishing @LEGISLATORNAME a happy Valentine’s Day from all of us who love afterschool.
#WeLoveAfterschool #MiAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks