A project of the Afterschool Alliance

Lights On Partners Tools & Tips

As one of our key partners, we hope you will encourage your affiliates to participate in Lights On by hosting or attending an event.

We’ve gathered sample emails, social media posts, and images for your use.

Since its launch in 2000, Lights On Afterschool has been the only nationwide rally celebrating afterschool programs. Every year, more than 8,000 afterschool programs across the country draw 1 million people to join celebrations of the impact these programs have on children, families, and communities.

We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for being a Lights On Afterschool partner!

Sample Email

Here’s a sample email you can send to your audience, complete with all the information they need to get involved with this year’s Lights On Afterschool!

Subject line: Join us for Lights On Afterschool!

October 26, 2023

Join more than 8,000 communities and 1 million Americans in celebrating afterschool programs for this year's Lights On Afterschool! This nationwide event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance, calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open. [Your organization] is proud to be a Lights On Afterschool partner.

We encourage you to hold a Lights On Afterschool celebration to showcase the great things happening in your program, and help call attention to this important issue. All who register to be part of Lights On Afterschool will receive free posters and planning tips, and events will be promoted to media and the public.  

Everything you need to plan a successful event, from case studies to sample materials, is available in the Lights On Afterschool Planning Kit.

To learn more about Lights On Afterschool, register an event, access event planning tools, or to find out what’s going on in your area, visit afterschoolalliance.org. Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to afterschool programs.

Social Media for Oct. 26

Twitter

  • It’s on! We’re celebrating the 24th annual #LightsOnAfterschool with over 1 million afterschool champions to showcase all the ways afterschool programs are serving our communities – now and in the future!
  • Our #LightsOnAfterschool; is yours? We challenge @XXXXX @XXXXX to do the same! http://bit.ly/LOA_Petition

Facebook

  • We’re proud to join communities all across America celebrating Lights On Afterschool today! There’s lots to celebrate: afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn & grow, and give parents peace of mind. Join the celebration!
  • Our #LightsOnAfterschool; is yours? This week we celebrate all that afterschool programs do to keep our kids safe and learning. For every child in afterschool, four are waiting to get in, so we challenge @XXXXXX @XXXXXX and @XXXXXX to help keep the #LightsOnAfterschool!  http://bit.ly/LOA_Petition
  • Today is the day! Join us and afterschool programs throughout the [STATE] to celebrate #LightsOnAfterschool! Help us shine a light on the impact afterschool programs are making – inspiring learning and supporting the wellbeing of youth and families nationwide. Share your support! #AfterschoolWorks

Want more? Check out the full partner social media kit for more samples and tips for using social media during this year’s Lights On!