The Illinois After-school Alliance organized Local Launchpads as one part of our efforts in community outreach. These are networks started among local agencies, providers, parents, and youth in various locations to build relationships at the local level and with local elected officials. The Alliance helps develop these collaborations to build local capacity and help support legislative champions for the after-school and youth development agenda.

The Lake County Afterschool Coalition is headed by Rep. Kathleen Ryg (D-59) and Police Chief Ray Rose of Mundelein.  This launchpad has its own web site and meets on a monthly basis with membership including government and elected officials and representatives of area providers.  In 2004, over 250 Lake County local leaders, providers, education, law enforcement, parents, and youth met to discuss after school issues at a planning breakfast and a follow-up all-day summit. The full-day summit had presentations by Barbara Shaw of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, and Ron Rivera, Defensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears. Several local news outlets gave coverage of the events, including the Daily Herald, Waukegan News Sun, Vernon Hills Review, the Lakeland Press weeklies and Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax. In February, 2005, members participated in a roundtable discussion on the issue with Senator Dick Durbin, minority leader and member of the newly formed bipartisan Afterschool Caucus in the US Congress. In March, 2005, it sponsored a conference focused on programming for youth with special needs with 250 registered.

In the southern Cook County area, a community forum in Spring of 2004 included Sen. M. Maggie Crotty (D-9th), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-38), Rep. Will Davis (D-30th), Judge Michael W. Stuttley, Deyon Dean of the Dept. of Human Services, and representatives of Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the Dept. of Children and Family Services. They heard from area providers, parents, and youth on after-school issues. It was held at the Link and Option Center in Markham and included over 70 participants. News coverage included the Daily Southtown and the south suburban Star newspaper chain. On-going work with members has included contacting legislators on policy issues.

In the Bloomington-Normal area, providers held a community forum on January 26, 2004, “The State of After School in Our Region” at the Normal Park District Community Activity Center. The forum focused on the importance of out-of-school-time activities. Agency representatives and parents who used programs discussed policies and actions important to local families who want their children to participate in safe and rewarding activities during the hours they are not in school. Officials who attended the forum included Sen. Bill Brady (R- 44), Rep. Keith Sommer (R-106), and 11th Circuit Court Judge Charles Reynard. Three area television stations and one radio station gave coverage to the event. Ongoing work with individual members has continued with participation in conference workshops and meetings and contact with area legislators.

In Kankakee, Will, and south Cook counties, providers coalesced and are meeting on a quarterly basis to discuss issues of common concern. Sen. Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson (D-40) met with leaders of the group and plans to meet with the members to discuss out-of-school time issues. A spring, 2005, meeting with Sen. Halvorson is planned.