ACT Now invites Community Schools practitioners from across Illinois to participate in our FREE FY26 Quarter 1 statewide professional development training. This convening is designed to provide participants with foundational best practices...
Join ACT Now staff for a professional development on the milestones, developmental assets, expected behaviors, conflicts and stress responses and motivators at different stages of youth development. This PD is designed as a Train-the-Trainer with slide decks, resources, and a script that you can take back to your program. This professional development is designed for...
*Note: This training is for Illinois FSCS Leaders  (superintendents, school admin, directors, etc) Build Stronger Collaboration - Join fellow Community Schools leaders and administrators in a dynamic session focused on strengthening collaboration with students, families, school and district staff, and community partners. Through peer learning, real-world problem-solving, and resource sharing, participants will explore strategies to...
21st CCLC Town Hall meetings are an opportunity for ACT Now to share information and policy updates with the entire 21st CCLC provider membership. These meetings are also an opportunity for ACT Now to lift up programs and elevate providers’ experiences in programming. These meetings occur virtually on a bi-monthly basis.Â
This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of advocacy, empowering participants to drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Participants will explore the fundamental principles of advocacy, including what it means to advocate, who can be the target of advocacy efforts, and how to effectively communicate their message. Effective advocacy is essential for advancing...
Welcome to ACT Now's Lights On Afterschool Celebration! Join us on October 23rd to celebrate afterschool and Out-of-School Time programs in Illinois. ACT Now will celebrate programs, advocacy leaders, and youth, as well as release our updated State of Afterschool in Illinois brief. This event is a great opportunity to connect with our community and show...
This fall, ACT Now invites youth development professionals to join us for our Fall Regional Gathering: Afterschool, Community Schools, and Beyond, a new professional development opportunity designed to meet youth development professionals where they are. Where is it:  1900 South First Street Champaign, IL 61820 Why Attend? Youth development practitioners in Illinois operate in diverse contexts...
This fall, ACT Now invites youth development professionals to join us for our Fall Regional Gathering: Afterschool, Community Schools, and Beyond, a new professional development opportunity designed to meet youth development professionals where they are. Why Attend? Youth development practitioners in Illinois operate in diverse contexts with unique resources, challenges, and needs. This gathering ensures that...
*Note: This training is designed for IL FSCS Leaders (superintendents, school admin, directors, etc) Join our 3rd Community of Practice on Advancing School Community Integration for Whole-Child Success. This session invites district leaders, community partners, and school administrators to explore how intentional school–community integration can transform a school into the heartbeat of its neighborhood, where education,...
Join ACT Now staff for a deep dive on building (and rebuilding) positive work culture in OST. Themes include Empowerment, Collaboration, Flexibility and Boundaries, Celebration beyond acknowledgements, holding difficult conversations, trust and transparency, and Values-driven Leadership.
Whether you're advocating for policy change or seeking funding to sustain your programs, how you communicate your mission matters. Messaging and Storytelling is an interactive course designed to help you craft clear, persuasive messages that inspire action and support. Participants will explore the intersection of strategic storytelling, advocacy, and fundraising, learning how to elevate the...
Join us for the ACT Now Membership Exchange, a quarterly virtual networking event designed specifically for afterschool and community school program providers, managers, and administrators across Illinois! Each session features a unique topic relevant to the afterschool field, offering a space for peer-sharing, meaningful discussion, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you're looking to gain new ideas, troubleshoot...
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