The goal of the Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador program, founded by the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance, is to empower up-and-coming leaders in the field of afterschool to confidently and effectively advocate for afterschool for all Kentucky youth.
About
Ambassadors will be a select group of leaders who commit to a year of civic engagement to strengthen community awareness, support effective programs, and bring diverse partners to the table. Ambassadors will build relationships with state and local elected officials through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails and social media. You will receive training that will prepare you for outreach to policymakers and other leaders, then participate in events and activities to promote afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible. This is a great opportunity to amplify your work to serve Kentucky youth.
Application Timeline
May 15, 2023
Application for the 2023-2024 Ambassador class released
June 1, 2023
July 7, 2023
Application closes
July 17 – 28, 2023
Semi-finalist interviews
August 1, 2023
KYOSA announces 2023-2024 Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador Class
Eligibility
We welcome anyone with a strong passion for afterschool and an interest in advocacy to apply. This can include, but is not limited to, afterschool professionals (directors, managers, front-line staff, retirees etc.) school teachers or administrators, city or county-level officials, other non-profit or for-profit professionals, and more. However, we will limit selection to one person per organization. Up to 12 ambassadors will be selected, with representation from each of the six U.S. Congressional districts in Kentucky expected.
Schedule of Events
Monthly Meetings
Meetings will occur the second Thursday of the month via Microsoft Teams, starting October 12, 2023 through June 13, 2024. Monthly meetings will be held from 11 a.m. – Noon ET and will feature guest speakers on a variety of topics relevant to the out-of-school time field. It is expected that Ambassadors make every effort to attend each monthly meeting.
Advocacy Day
Ambassadors will convene in Frankfort in January or February (dated to be determined later) for a day of advocacy with policy makers at the state capitol.
Orientation Training
September 13 – 14, 2023
Local Advocacy Event or Program Visit
Ambassadors will host a local advocacy event or program visit during the month of October to celebrate Lights on Afterschool. We know that some factors, such as policymaker participation, are outside the control of ambassadors. For ambassadors who are not able to arrange an advocacy event or site visit, they will have an alternative project available.
Expectations
Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 stipend for the commitment to the program – $500 paid in December and $500 paid at the end of their term. In order to receive the full stipend, you will need to complete three activities:
- Attend the program orientation and all monthly meetings.
- Organize an advocacy event or site visit in your community to celebrate Lights on Afterschool. We will provide you with tools, support and pay for expenses up to $250.
- Meet with policy makers and legislators at the Capitol in Frankfort. This can occur during the annual Advocacy Day or a meeting set up during the legislative session.
- Complete a short written piece, such as an op-ed, press release or program profile. We will provide templates and support as needed.
Benefits
Your service as an ambassador will benefit Kentucky youth, but you will also benefit from the program by:
- Building partnerships to ensure that your program maintains funding;
- Networking with other advocates;
- Honing communication, public speaking, and leadership development skills; and
- Preparing you to run for office or become more engaged in the political process.
Application
Ambassador Cohort 2022-2023
Introducing the 2022-2023 Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador cohort.
- Lindsey Baldwin, Partners for Rural Impact
- Bruce Crouch, Taylor County School District
- Kelly Forbes, Hopkins County Family YMCA
- Misty Goble, Johnson County Schools
- Adrian Graham, Jefferson County Public Schools
- Terralyn Hicks, YMCA of Greater Louisville
- Antonio Readus, Metro United Way
- Clarissa Thomas, Lexington Public Library
- Beth Wiseman, Learning Grove
- Whitney Young, Fayette County Public Schools