Playing the Policy Change Long Game: Insights from OST Intermediaries

Out-of-school time intermediaries and youth advocacy networks at the state and local levels can play an important role in influencing policy. Their policy efforts can help improve and expand access to afterschool and summer programming and address other social justice issues identified by young people. But getting in the policy game requires persistence… and a thick skin.

During this webinar, you will hear from one of the leading voices in youth development, Jennifer Peck, founder and former executive director of the Partnership for Children & Youth in California. The session will also feature Marcus Pope, president of Youthprise, a youth development intermediary based in Minnesota. Both will discuss the strategies they have used to influence state policy and the lessons they’ve learned—from how to pinpoint policy goals to what it takes to build relationships with policymaker champions. They’ll also reflect on policy wins and losses, as well as challenges along the way. They’ll be joined by local policymakers who will share advice on how intermediaries can engage key stakeholders to advocate for the importance of OST opportunities and partner with leaders on policy change that makes a difference for young people.