Direct Advocacy & Policy Engagement
The advocacy team at LA’s BEST works year-round to make sure expanded learning stays on the radar of decision-makers. From Los Angeles City Hall to Sacramento, we meet directly with Councilmembers, LAUSD officials, state legislators, and County Supervisors to advocate for policies and funding that help kids thrive outside of school hours.
We bring the program to life for elected officials through site visits and student stories, not just numbers. As active members of coalitions like the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) and ExpandLA, we show up consistently to shape the future of afterschool in California. Events like the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge give our staff, students, and families the chance to speak with power and purpose in front of the people who shape state policy. We also actively participate in the City’s budget process to protect and grow public investment in LA’s BEST. This includes working with City leaders to secure core program funding and to identify additional resources—such as transportation for field trips, support for community events, and other critical needs that ensure students have full access to our program.
Our advocacy isn’t just about dollars; it’s about demonstrating that afterschool programs are an essential investment in safety, learning, and opportunity for Los Angeles families.
Budget Advocacy & Funding Requests
Each year, we actively participate in the City’s budget process to protect and grow public investment in LA’s BEST. This includes working with City leaders to secure core program funding and to identify additional resources—such as transportation for field trips, support for community events, and other critical needs that ensure students have full access to our program.
Our advocacy isn’t just about dollars; it’s about demonstrating that afterschool programs are an essential investment in safety, learning, and opportunity for Los Angeles families.
Stay up to date with LA’s BEST advocacy efforts
LA’s BEST advocates at the local, state and federal level to ensure that elected officials prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable children and families, especially when it comes to out-of-school time.
We are proud to be a member of the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) Steering Committee and the Advisory Board of ExpandLA, coalitions that work in partnership to drive policy and advocacy for youth.
To learn more about LA’s BEST advocacy efforts, sign up for advocacy updates.
Public Awareness & Legislative Events
We make Expanded Learning visible. Whether it’s LA’s BEST Day at City Hall or Lights On Afterschool, our advocacy team helps organize events that shine a spotlight on the people and stories behind the program.
We draft official resolutions, work with Councilmembers on presentations, and help to ensure that the public support is seen, heard, and felt, not just in chambers, but across the city.
Strategic Communications & Media
Behind every strong policy push is a clear, consistent message. Our advocacy team works closely with communications to craft compelling content, from social posts and press releases to videos and newsletters, that spotlight our impact and amplify student voices.
We build partnerships with media, city departments, and elected offices to share stories that resonate. Op-eds, video features, and joint announcements help position LA’s BEST not just as a program, but as a leading voice in the expanded learning movement.
Student & Community Involvement
Advocacy isn’t just about professionals in suits, it’s about the voices that matter most. Through the LA’s BEST Advocacy Cohort, students, parents, and frontline staff learn how to share their stories and speak directly to policymakers.
We partner with schools and families to create opportunities for real civic participation, giving our community the tools and platforms to influence the systems that affect them.
