By Katie Landes, Director

Earlier this month, afterschool got some much deserved love and attention from education leaders, elected officials, athletes, and celebrities at the 2017 National Afterschool Summit, “Ready to Work.” It’s not every day that Governor Arnold Schwarzengger, JJ Watt, Mario Lopez, superintendents and mayors are in the same room talking about the same issue, but that’s exactly what happened at the event hosted by the Afterschool Alliance, After-School All-Stars, and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute!

GSAN was excited to be a part of the 2017 summit, along with our partners from the United Way of Greater Atlanta, GUIDE, Inc., and the Georgia Departments of Early Care and Learning and Education. If you missed the summit, here are a few of our favorite quotes from the day:

“When I see kids without opportunities, there is a fire in my belly. I want to give them the opportunities they deserve.”

– Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

“Afterschool programs affect every sector in America. Supporting these kids is what makes America great!”

– Bonnie Reiss, Global Director of USC Schwarzenegger Institute

“Afterschool helps kids dream new dreams…Afterschool is a magical time.”

– Oregon Superintendent of the Year Heidi Sipe

“Afterschool programs are educational, but not just academic. Between 3-6 we’re building minds, bodies, and spirits.”

– Gerard Robinson, Resident Fellow at American Enterprise Institute

If you agree with us that #AfterschoolWorks and that we need more high quality programs – not less – then follow Senator Murkowski’s advice, “this is not a time of panic, it’s a time for action!” Relive the event by watching the full recording of the Summit and share your favorite moments using the hashtag #AfterschoolWorks! For other ideas on how to take action, check out GSAN’s website and advocacy toolkit.