In this Issue

September 2009

Welcome to Fall 2009! We are looking forward to a successful Fall and applaud every organization and professional who made this summer safe and exciting for children and youth. It remains our great privilege working for and with you all!

In this issue there are two wonderful upcoming opportunities for programs and youth, a resource fair scheduled for 9/12 and photo essay contest with a deadline of 9/14. Be sure to check out the Opportunities section to be involved.

National Drug Control Policy Director listens to New Orleans Concerns

We were pleased to co-host with U.S. Attorney Jim Letten and the Urban League-New Orleans a roundtable discussion for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Local criminal justice stakeholders met with White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske to talk about effective ways to combat drug and crime related issues in our communities, and especially among our youth.

Some of the participants included: New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley, Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand and Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick, as well as criminal and juvenile judges and representatives from non-profit agencies who work with youth and those battling substance abuse.

This was one of eight roundtables around the country, with Director Kerlikowske, aimed at developing a National Drug Control Strategy under the Obama Administration.
 

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Congratulations to the Afterschool Partnership's Dara Lum!

Dara has been selected to the inaugural class of the Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship (ILGF). The Fellowship will drive a culture of leadership and innovation in social service delivery, to better serve our most vulnerable children and families. As a candidate, Dara will work on a project to design creative and cost-effective strategies to improve quality and access of child care for school-age children and youth. ILGF is sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

We are very proud of Dara and excited about the ways her involvement will support the New Orleans community.

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National Night Out Success!

Afterschool Partnership was pleased to join with the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood and the Friends of NOPD in celebrating a highly successful National Night Out Against Crime event on August 4, 2009. Over $15,000 was raised and will be donated directly to theN.O.P.D.'s 1st District for crime-fighting equipment and supplies. Big thanks to all our volunteers who helped to make the event a success.

This event was just one of many celebrations around the city, each providing an important time for community members to come together and enjoy their neighborhood.

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Education Reform and Expanded Learning Opportunities Update

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law on February 17, 2009 and provides Louisiana with a unique opportunity to improve how we educate and care for our children and youth. The Afterschool Partnership is currently tracking ARRA and the Federal FY2010 Budget, including new legislation and funding regulations related to time and expanded learning opportunities, education reform, child care, summer learning and the critical role of community partners in eliminating the achievement gap. We will continue to update you on state and local innovations in education, child care, and workforce development, as well as opportunities to become further involved in education reform efforts.

The Louisiana Department of Education recently released an addendum to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Request for Proposals for programs operating from January 2010 through December 2012. The revised RFP supports the Department’s dedication to expanding quality afterschool programs throughout the state. More information about the revisions can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/np52oc
 

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The U.S. Department of Justice Joins the Lights On Afterschool Initiative

Lights on Afterschool is just around the corner, 10/22/09, and we are pleased that the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced its support! The annual Lights On Afterschool initiative is a nationwide effort calling attention to the role of afterschool programs as a community crime prevention strategy by keep children and youth in safe, structured activities during the hours after school.

OJJDP is charged by Congress to collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines to improve juvenile justice policies and practices. To learn more about Lights On Afterschool, access planning tools, and register, contact us or visit Afterschool Alliance.

Also, stay tuned for an exciting event we will be co-hosting with the Louisiana Department of Education and Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) to celebrate Lights on Afterschool! More details to follow soon…
 

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Opportunities

Get Connected -
Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10:00am – 3:00pm
The Alternative Jobs and Resources Fair will provide information on resources available to youth and families in New Orleans. Speakers, entertainment, and workshops will be provided. Ashe Cultural Arts Center will kick off the Fair with a performance to inspire youth. The popular youth performance group CREATIVE FORCES will also perform along with a host of others! The street fair will be on Bayou Road between North Dorgenois and Broad Streets. If you are interested in being a presenter, performer, workshop or class leader, or in contributing in any way to this event, please contact the Fair Coordinator Lola nolafair@gmail.com, 770-342-9610.

Public School Building Conditions National Photo &
Essay Contest
The 21st Century School Fund, Healthy Schools Campaign and Critical Exposure has launched Through Your Lens: School Facilities Across America, a national photo and essay contest. Submission deadline is September 14th.
Winning photos and stories featuring the good, bad and ugly conditions in public school buildings from students and teachers will be displayed in Washington D.C., possibly at the Russell Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The photo exhibit will open as Congress is considering legislation to fund the repair, renovation and construction of safe, healthy, and green school buildings. Visit www.ThroughYourLens.org for more details.

C2E – The Connect2Educate directory is now available online, connect2educate.org. This is a resource for all public schools to connect to resource providers in the community. Need a resource for your students, want to list your resource? Visit us online!
 

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Grants

The Crescent Civic Engagement Fund (Crescent Fund) leaders working together to use their resources and skills to support charitable organizations impacting positive change in the Greater New Orleans community. In 2009, the Crescent Fund will award grants in Education & Economic Development, ranging from $1,000-$9,000. Contact education@nolacrescentfund.org for application details. DUE 9/17.

Norco Community Fund, DUE 9/18
http://tinyurl.com/m5kg4o

Childhood Hunger Great American Bake Sale Grant, DUE 9/30
http://tinyurl.com/2ghgpm

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grant, DUE 10/2
http://www.statefarmyab.com/apply.php

United Health Heroes Childhood Obesity Grant, DUE 10/2
http://tinyurl.com/qhlzpz

Lowes Toolbox for Education Grant, DUE 10/16
http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/

LEGOS Fund to Support Youth Creativity, DUE 11/1
http://tinyurl.com/mby6pq
 

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Calendar

9/23/09, 10:30am – noon
4319 Carondelet Street

Please join us at our next meeting for the introduction of our 10 for 2010, YOUnited for Youth campaign. We will utilize this campaign to speak on and advocate for a strong city-wide youth infrastructure. Come prepared to share your input and this vital challenge to all those running for office in New Orleans, youth success = New Orleans success!

Future meeting/event dates:
10/22/09 – Lights on Afterschool
10/28/09
11/18/09
12/16/09
 

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