250
$35 million
Services
THE CHALLENGE
Established afterschool programs have been eliminated because of the failure by Illinois leadership to release $50 million allocated by the federal government to the state and promised to families in the 2024 state budget. This resulted in more than 27,000 students losing programming and 2,000 staff members without jobs across Illinois. To lay the foundation for future budget conversations, our goal was to insert ACT Now’s mission into the public and legislative landscapes, while also getting necessary funding approved for the following fiscal year.
THE SOLUTION
SGS’ expertise in using PR as a tool for legislative advocacy helped generate necessary pressure on lawmakers, ultimately resulting in multiple committee hearings to address the vital importance of afterschool programs and how the state’s failure to release funds is harming the future of our children.
Our comprehensive media campaign secured close to 250 press hits in a 4-month period in local and national outlets, helping to significantly increase ACT Now’s name recognition in the legislative arena and media landscape.
Beyond media engagement, SGS organized successful advocacy day events in Springfield, created compelling talking points and collaborated on persuasive committee testimony. Our hands-on involvement ensured ACT Now’s message resonated with stakeholders and decision-makers alike, laying the foundation for years of advocacy work under the dome.
SGS also led a coordinated digital strategy to amplify advocacy efforts and increase pressure on lawmakers. Using targeted social media advertising and AI-supported outreach tools, our campaign mobilized constituents and directly targeted legislators and decision-makers. This integrated approach ensured ACT Now’s message reached both the public and those in with the power to allocate funding.
THE IMPACT
SGS secured close to 250 press hits in a 4-month period in both local and national outlets.
In a tight budget year for the state with hundreds of millions in cuts, afterschool programming received a $35 million line item in the FY26 budget.
By crafting a consistent, equity-centered narrative that underscored the essential role these programs play in youth development and community stability, SGS mobilized action from the public, policymakers and stakeholders throughout the state. This public campaign helped ACT Now become a well-established, leading voice in the afterschool policy space with heightened recognition and influence in Springfield.
