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Power of Your Voice

Afterschool Advocacy Workshop and Legislative Tour

January 16th, 2026

Your Voice Matters circle with megaphone.

The Power of Your Voice workshop was a huge success! Thank you to the incredible OST programs, educators, and teens who showed up ready to learn. We welcomed 60+ people to our office in Boise, and several online, representing out-of-schoo programs from across Idaho.

A special thank you to Representative Soñia Galaviz for taking us on a tour of the Idaho State Legislature and for a chance to meet Speaker of the House, Representative Mike Moyle. 

Watch our Reel to get a glimpse of Power of Your Voice.

Would you like to be a voice of support for your afterschool program but don't know how?

Join us for a day of advocacy and storytelling workshops as we bring together out-of-school time (OST) providers, teens, and parents to elevate the voices shaping Idaho’s future.

This engaging, interactive event is for anyone interested in learning how to communicate the importance of afterschool programs. No policy experience or legislative knowledge is required to participate.

What to Expect

  • Know that your stories matter, and legislators want to hear them! 
  • Help share the importance of afterschool and summer programs from your local area 
  • Build confidence talking with legislators in a supportive community setting 
  • Celebrate local OST programs and stories  
  • Understand how everyday people (including teens) can help shape a thriving Idaho

We invite program leaders, teens, and parents to discover how to tell their stories with confidence and become strong champions for afterschool in their communities

Workshops are held at the Idaho Out-of-School Network Office at 3501 W Elder St. Boise, Idaho.

Morning coffee and pastries are available. 

Messaging Workshop for Afterschool Advocacy: 8:30-10:50am 

Chris Neitzey from the Afterschool Alliance:

Strong advocacy is key to the future of all afterschool programs. In this workshop, learn specific ways to engage locally to elevate the impact OST makes in your community. Chris Neitzey from the Afterschool Alliance will lead us in a workshop to explore the latest trends on what messaging resonates and what doesn’t. Learn how to craft quick, compelling elevator pitches, and discover strategies to connect with legislators, community leaders, and other decision-makers. Hear from national and state policy experts, including Quinn Perry from the Idaho School Boards Association, along with an Idaho legislator who will speak with the group. Leave feeling empowered to elevate your program and be a champion of afterschool in your community. 

Storytelling Workshop: 11-12:15 PM

Leta Harris Neustaedter of Story Story Night

Storytelling Workshop will cover how to craft compelling narratives and communicate your program’s impact or your experience of after-school. 

  • Registration is closed. 
  • After registering, please watch your email to prepare for the day. 
  • Capacity is limited to 60 participants. 
  • We welcome about 2–3 people per organization. If you have a larger group interested in attending, please reach out to aalmerico@jannus.org so we can coordinate.
  • Free registration includes morning coffee, pastries, and free lunch. 

Workshops by: