Use your Voice!
Today (October 29, 2025) marks 28 days since the federal government was shut down. While the Senate has returned to session, it is uncertain when the next formal negotiation to reopen the government will occur.
We have seen many federal workers being furloughed, including those working on afterschool initiatives. It is a critical issue for Virginia, where many government workers live and spend their money that stimulates the local economy. What is more concerning is that on November 1, funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the administrator of the program. This will impact 42 million Americans, many of whom work in low-wage jobs and rely on SNAP to support the physical health of their families.
To offset the freeze of the federal SNAP program, Virginia will be rolling out a parallel food assistance program, Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), which distributes surplus dollars from the state budget. Virginia SNAP beneficiaries will receive the state funds directly to their EBT cards. There may be some delays in the process. Therefore, we encourage program leaders to be aware of their local food banks.
Out-of-school time programs will undoubtedly feel this impact – whether to the families we serve or to ourselves. Now is the time to research where local food pantries and kitchens are located, whether community- or faith-based. You can call your local library, whose reference department may already have this information to share.
If there’s ever a time to use your voice, it is now! Contact your Congressional delegates in the Senate and House and demand that they reopen the government so that working families and their children face no more economic hardship. Make sure to also follow the Afterschool Alliance to keep informed of the latest updates during this uncertain time.
Quick Guides on Advocacy for
Out-of-School Time
Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs are a place for youth to discover their passion and make connections with adults and peers alike. Who better to tell decision makers the power of OST programs? Speaking truth to power can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! These quick guides will help you craft and share your unique OST Story.
VPOST Board of Directors Member, Mark Emery, Speaks at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting
In Spring 2025, Fairfax County Middle School Afterschool and Summer Learning programs were being threatened. Through the efforts of action alerts, e-blasts, social media campaigns, and speaking at local town-halls, funding for OST programs in Fairfax County was restored. Take a moment to watch the emotional and impactful plea from VPOST Board member, Mark Emery, at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
