Following the initial statewide meeting of afterschool stakeholders in the spring of 2004, tactics were developed for the four major areas of concern.

The tactics developed for Marketing/Communication are as follows:

• Utilize the expertise and influence of ATAC (technical assistance providers) to maximize our marketing and media efforts.
  
  
• Develop marketing/media strategies to increase the awareness of the value of afterschool programming.
  
  
• Create a brand name logo for the initiative and its vision.
  

1. Invite key legislators and the media to afterschool programs in their districts for a hands-on look at quality programs.
   
   
2. Present awards at a Lights On! event to recognize federal, state and local public officials, service providers, school districts and local businesses who have advocated for afterschool initiatives.
   
   
3. Develop and disseminate media talking points to service providers.
   
   
4. Distribute materials about organizing awareness-raising events.
   
   
5. Provide media with access to afterschool programs.
   
   
6. Schedule calendar of talk show spots throughout Ohio by local service providers, school staff and legislators.
   
   
7. Release quarterly human interest stories to the media.
   
   
8. Schedule editorial boards with print media; most notably the Columbus Dispatch, Dayton Daily News, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Canton Repository, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, and Toledo Blade.
   
   
9. Broaden marketing of Lights On! events.
   
   
10. Create and operate a list-serve to connect all stakeholders.
    
    
11. Develop toolkits for stakeholders to work with community leaders and media.
    

As the leadership team looked at this strategy they realized these tactics are an integral part of the other three. As each of the strategies moves forward, there must be marketing and communication about the work being done. The Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) has taken responsibility for each of these tactics to be accomplished.