About Us
The ACT Now Coalition is a diverse statewide network of more than 2,100 Illinois afterschool providers, families, business leaders, community advocates, youth organizations, and policymakers from across the state. We believe that an increased commitment to young people beyond the traditional school day is a crucial part of their growth into productive, healthy adults.
As part of a larger national afterschool network, ACT Now leverages best practices, resources, and partnerships in order to ensure that young people in Illinois have access to quality, affordable afterschool and youth development programs.
How we work:
- Connect stakeholders and build effective partnerships
- Increase overall visibility of and support for afterschool programs
- Share developments, research and best practices with the field
- Advocate for afterschool programs with federal, state and local policymakers
- Provide advocacy training
- Connect stakeholders to professional development
- Offer support to afterschool programs just getting started
- Pursue sustainable systemwide funding and share new funding opportunities
