The month of May is a special time for CTAN because we get to thank and celebrate all of the people, organizations, and partnerships that make meaningful impacts for children and youth in the Out-of-School Time community. Therefore, it is only appropriate that we spotlight another Champion who works everyday to build better futures for the children in Central Texas- Alison Reis-Khanna from TXPOST. Since joining TXPOST in 2013, Alison has worked to improve the landscape of the Out-of-School Time community throughout Texas. We are thrilled to have such wonderful partners like Alison in our OST community!
Describe your role at your organization and/or the mission of your organization.
I work on Partnerships and Quality Initiatives for TXPOST, which means I get to work with Regional Networks like CTAN as well as developing new partnerships and supporting system building efforts. Last year, I facilitated the group that developed the TX Standards for High Quality Afterschool, Summer and Expanded Learning programs.
What is one program or best practice that you are proud of?
Since the work of TXPOST is focused on supporting the provider community and advocating for ELO opportunities, I have to say one of the “best practices” I have seen is local community mobilization. It is great to see a community come together and take a stance on providing high quality programming for youth! It has definitely happened here in Central TX, and in communities across the state.
What has changed most since starting in 2013?
TXPOST was formed in 2011, and I was hired in 2013. We have grown from two to four full time employees which has given us the ability to support more providers across the state and take up new initiatives, such as the STEM System-Building Initiative we are currently working on.
What does success look like for your organization?
We can shut our doors when all TX youth have access to a high quality ELO program. We are seeing that more and more communities are committed to the same goal in their community and that is exciting.
What is the key to great organizational partnerships?
Persistence. Partnerships are work and so often they are viewed as a box to check. A great partnerships takes understanding and listening and learning about how you can mutually support each other’s mission. It also helps when you are able to clearly articulate each partner’s benefits from the relationship.
What do you think the future landscape looks like for Out of School Time providers in the Austin area?
The energy for OST in the Austin area is contagious! I think that the future landscape will include a more coordinated approach to providing service for all youth. It’s already starting to happen, and I think there will be opportunities for OST providers to LEAD the way through providing excellent programs and speaking with the community about the value of the afterschool and summer time for learning and developing 21st century skills.
What is something you have learned that you would like to impart to other organizations in the Out-of-School Time community?
Keeping youth at the center of our work is vital. Since I don’t get to work with youth on a daily basis I have to make sure I get out to programs every once in a while. I also think about how many times in our day we are problem solving or trying to think about a challenge differently- when this happens I physically change location so I can get a new perspective. I keep a picture that I created at a programs as a reminder of the power of OST to encourage new and different ways of thinking and creating.