About ACT Now
The ACT Now Coalition is a diverse network of afterschool providers, families, business leaders, community advocates, youth organizations, and policymakers from across the state.
We strive to ensure that young people in Illinois have access to quality, affordable afterschool and youth development programs. Our work includes advocating for funding and grant management necessary for program success and providing quality and professional development support.
Our Equity Vision
At ACT Now, we envision a future where all youth and families can realize their potential by having access to safe, supportive, and inclusive out-of-school time (OST) and community schools. In pursuit of this vision, we recognize the importance of actively addressing and dismantling inequitable and racist policies and practices that perpetuate harm within the communities we support.
We envision a future where…
Youth and families from historically marginalized communities are engaged in the decisions that impact them.
All young people, of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds, experience a sense of belonging and feel included.
A diverse OST workforce is advocated for, valued, and compensated fairly.
The policies and systems that drive and fund the OST field positively support and impact more youth and families for generations to come.
How We Work
Access
Increase and improve afterschool opportunities
Connect stakeholders and build effective partnerships
Pursue sustainable systemwide funding and share new funding opportunities
Advocacy
Increase overall visibility of and support for afterschool programs
Advocate for afterschool programs with federal, state and local policymakers
Provide advocacy training
Professional Development
Offer support to programs just getting started
Connect stakeholders to professional development
Share developments, research and best practices
Quality
Implement research-backed Quality Standards to elevate youth development programs statewide
Foster a culture of continual improvement through best practices and data-driven strategies
Drive positive outcomes by promoting consistent program excellence
What We’ve Accomplished So Far
To ensure that racial equity is not just a goal but a practice, ACT Now has taken deliberate steps toward addressing and transforming inequities within our field. Some of our recent work includes:
- Equity Scan: We conducted a comprehensive equity scan across our network, assessing existing policies, practices, and outcomes to identify gaps and opportunities. This scan provided us with valuable data that has informed our strategy and strengthened our understanding of the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.
- Equity-Centered Training: In response to the needs identified through our scan, we’ve developed and facilitated targeted racial equity trainings for OST providers. These trainings equip staff with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive and culturally responsive programming. They cover critical topics such as implicit bias, structural racism, and equitable practices within OST settings.
- Facilitated Conversations: We have hosted numerous facilitated dialogues with OST providers and community members to ensure that diverse voices are heard and elevated in shaping programming and policy solutions. These conversations have helped inform our ongoing equity efforts and broadened our community’s understanding of the challenges at hand.
Our Current Goals
ACT Now continues to push forward with a focused racial equity agenda. We are currently working on the following goals:
- Refining Our Equity Lens: Building on the findings of our equity scan, we are refining our internal policies and processes to ensure they reflect a deeper commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. This includes developing an equity framework that will guide all decision-making, from resource distribution to program implementation.
- Scaling Training Opportunities: We are expanding our equity training offerings to reach more OST providers across Illinois. By offering both virtual and in-person sessions, we aim to make these critical resources accessible to all, regardless of location or capacity.
- Embedding Equity in Advocacy: As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, we are working to influence policy at the state and federal level to promote equity in funding, workforce development, and program evaluation. We aim to ensure that the voices of providers from marginalized communities are centered in policy conversations and decision-making processes.
- Supporting Diverse Leadership: We are developing new initiatives to support and elevate leaders within the OST field. This includes leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events designed to foster the growth and recognition of diverse voices in decision-making roles.
- Measuring Our Impact: We are building robust systems to measure the impact of our equity efforts over time. This includes tracking the outcomes of our trainings, advocacy work, and policy changes to ensure we are making measurable progress toward our goals.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Deputy Director of Operations, Emma Vibber at vibbere@actnowillinois.org.
Together, we can help young people grow into productive, healthy adults. Youth who participate in high quality afterschool and development programs demonstrate improved levels of academic achievement and significant reductions in problem behaviors.
Find Employment Opportunities
Looking for meaningful work supporting Illinois youth? Explore open positions at ACT Now partner organizations and opportunities at ACT Now including internships.
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