SUMMER 2025 NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcoming Summer Interns
Celebrating a Major Milestone: 100,000 Students Directly Impacted
Calling the Next Generation of Change-Makers
Ongoing Impact in Middle & High Schools
Partnering with Parents
Campus Safety Summits: Advancing Prevention on College Campuses
FHSU Student Volunteers Shine at “The Big Event”
Community Voices, Stronger Solutions: Community Forums in Northwest Kansas
Carrying the Torch: Advocacy Day at the Capitol
One Night. Countless Lives Changed.
Annual Knowledge is Power: Prevention Fundraising Initiative
At Jana’s Campaign, we know that preventing relationship violence starts with educating and empowering the next generation of leaders. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth (Nex-Generation) to offer hands-on summer internship opportunities.
This summer, Grace McCord joins us as the FHSU Intern, and Annalise Loucks, serves as the Nex-Generation Intern! Both Grace and Annalise are current FHSU students who are passionate about making a difference.
In their roles, Grace and Annalise will assist with research, event planning, outreach initiatives, and program development; all playing a key role in advancing our mission. Their efforts will help strengthen our relationship violence prevention programs and expand our impact across schools and communities.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Celebrating a Major Milestone: 100,000 Students Directly Impacted
Jana’s Campaign has officially reached 100,000 K–12 students with our prevention education programming! This milestone represents more than a number—it reflects 15 years of dedication in equipping young people with the knowledge and tools they need to build healthy relationships and recognize the warning signs of violence. From school assemblies and classroom presentations to interactive workshops and peerled initiatives, our team of Prevention Educators has traveled across Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and beyond working to prevent teen dating violence before it starts.
We are grateful to the educators, administrators, donors, and partners who have made this achievement possible. Together, we are helping to shift the culture, create new social norms, and reduce the prevalence of teen dating violence—one student at a time.
As part of this effort, students in Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang’s Communications class at FHSU recently created a series of awareness videos to amplify our message. You can view these powerful student-produced videos on our website or social media accounts.
Calling the Next Generation of Changemakers
Jana’s Campaign is excited to announce the expansion of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to a national level. We recognize the important role young people play in creating safe and healthy communities, and are eager to invite middle and high school students across the country to join our team in working to prevent teen dating violence. Building on the success of the existing YAC based in Hays, KS, we’re transitioning to a broader regional/national model. This expansion will allow us to better support and amplify youth voices and strengthen our prevention work beyond our headquarters.
This student-led group will enhance our Secondary Education programming from the inside out. We’re looking for students who care about their communities, think critically about solutions, and lead with integrity. Know a young person (ages 13-18) who fits that description? Encourage them to apply! This is a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with like-minded peers, grow as leaders, and take a stand against teen dating violence. Applications are now open and will close in early August. Visit www.JanasCampaign.org/secondary-education to learn more.
Ongoing Impact in Middle and High Schools
Jana’s Campaign Prevention Educators have been on the road, traveling across Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska to deliver essential Teen Dating Violence prevention programming. They’ve made the most of their ‘windshield time’ using every mile to reach and empower students with life-saving information.
In January, the Hays High Cheer team participated in Athletes As Leaders, a program designed to empower high school female athletes to promote a culture of safety and respect. This initiative encourages student athletes to take on leadership roles in reshaping social norms within their schools and communities. The cheerleaders collaborated with the Youth Advisory Council in February for the “Dribble Out Teen Dating Violence: Support in Purple” event - showcasing the leadership skills they developed and working to raise awareness for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Education & Prevention Specialist, Larissa Whitney, has been actively working with grant partners at the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) to expand these educational opportunities into rural Kansas counties. This partnership seeks to equip thousands of students with the tools to recognize healthy versus unhealthy relationship behaviors. A special highlight for Larissa was presenting at Larned Middle and High Schools, where she previously taught 5th grade. Larissa also had the opportunity to speak at Chaparral High School, passing through Jana’s birthplace along the way. To schedule a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program in your community, please contact our team at 785-656-0324.
Partnering with Parents
This spring, Jana’s Campaign was proud to host a well-attended Parent Presentation at Indian Woods Middle School in Overland Park, KS, thanks to the coordination of DJ Hilding, Health Teacher and Jana’s Campaign Board Member. Executive Director, Kaiti Blackburn, and Education & Prevention Specialist, Larissa Whitney were encouraged by the level of engagement and interest from parents.
This work aligns with recent findings from a virtual study conducted by Dr Ziwei Qi’s Victim Advocacy class at Fort Hays State University, which explored parental awareness and involvement in teen dating violence prevention. The study revealed that just over half of surveyed parents frequently or always talk with their teens about healthy relationships - while 25% admitted they rarely engage in these conversations. Given that early, open communication is one of the most effective protective factors against abuse, this highlights a critical opportunity to further educate and empower parents as prevention allies. Our team is committed to expanding resources and presentations for parents and caregivers. Interested in a parent-focused presentation, contact us!
Campus Safety Summits: Advancing Prevention on College Campuses
Jana’s Campaign actively works to equip colleges and universities with the tools and strategies to prevent and respond to relationship violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through our Higher Education Programming, we offer training and resources to strengthen campus safety efforts nationwide.
One key initiative is the Campus Safety Summits - regional, affordable conferences designed for campus administrators, faculty, staff, and students. These events provide opportunities to share best practices, build partnerships, and strengthen campus prevention and response strategies.
Gulf Coast Campus Safety Summit | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | September 11, 2025
Heartland Campus Safety Summit | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | November 19-20, 2025
Thanks to Summit sponsors and donors, we are able to keep registration fees extremely affordable. We view this as an opportunity to reach more colleges and universities - indirectly impacting hundreds of thousands of college students. To learn more about the upcoming Summits, visit www.JanasCampaign.org/higher-education.
FHSU Student Volunteers Shine at “The Big Event”
This April, Jana’s Campaign participated in “The Big Event” at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a campus-wide day of service that encourages students to give back to their community. Jana’s Campaign was grateful to welcome 21 incredible FHSU volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to support our mission.
The student volunteers helped create Jana’s Jewelry, purple beaded bracelets paired with resource cards that raise awareness about teen dating violence and available resources. When our Prevention Educators visit middle and high schools, these bracelets are shared with students to serve as a reminder of Jana’s Story and that resources are available. Thank you to the students who joined us for this service opportunity! Interested in volunteering with Jana’s Campaign? Contact our team to learn more about opportunities at 785-656-0324.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Community Voices, Stronger Solutions: Community Forums in Northwest Kansas
Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services are partnering through a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to launch a series of Community Forums in Northwest Kansas. These gatherings of community members aim to elevate voices in Ellis, Thomas, and Russell Counties to better understand and prevent dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
In October 2024, surveys developed through the partnership were distributed across the three counties to gain insight into how these forms of violence impact individuals and families in each community. The forums will provide an opportunity to share key findings and gather community feedback on what types of prevention programming is needed and relevant for each local community.
To date, two forums were held in Ellis County at the Hays Public Library, bringing together residents, service providers, and leaders. Input shared will help guide the next steps of this project. Upcoming forums will be held on June 10th in Thomas County at Colby Community College - 5:00 pm, and June 16th in Russell County at The Dream Theater - 6:00 pm. The forums are free and open to the public.
EDUCATION about and PREVENTION against relationship violence.
Carrying the Torch: Advocacy Day at the Capitol
We were honored to be invited and attend the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence’s (KCSDV) Advocacy Day at the Kansas State Capitol this past February. Advocacy Day is an annual event that brings together advocates, survivors, and allied organizations from across the state of Kansas to raise awareness and call for legislative action to prevent and end relationship violence. It’s a powerful opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, elevate survivor voices, and advocate for systems that protect and empower those affected by domestic and sexual violence.
For the Jana’s Campaign team, Advocacy Day was more than just a gathering, it was personal. Jana Mackey spent years as a lobbyist walking the Capitol halls, using her voice and training to champion justice, equality, and safety. To stand in the place where she once fought so passionately was both emotional and inspiring.
We left the Capitol reminded that our collective voice is our greatest strength. When we come together to support survivors, push for prevention, and advocate for meaningful policy change, we honor Jana’s legacy and move one step closer to a state, and nation, free from dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
INTERNAL NEWS AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
One Night. Countless Lives Changed.
Join us on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays, KS, for Empty Place at the Table: Garden Party! This event is Jana’s Campaign’s annual fundraiser dedicated to raising critical funds to support of our mission of preventing dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Guests will enjoy a vibrant cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, and live music by the DoC Band. Your presence fuels our mission to prevent relationship violence through education. You won’t want to miss this great time for a great cause! Scan the QR code for more details. Tickets available for purchase soon!
Annual Knowledge is Power: Prevention Fundraising Initiative Begins
As we enter the summer season, we’re excited to officially kick off our annual Knowledge is Power: Prevention Fundraising Initiative—a $100,000 campaign with three key components, Back to School, Empty Place at the Table, and Year-End Giving, dedicated to sustaining the violence prevention education work Jana’s Campaign provides.
Every semester, our team of Preventor Educators are in classrooms and communities, equipping young people with the knowledge, language, and tools needed to recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors. These presentations do more than raise awareness; they inspire courage, build empathy, and give students the confidence to stand up for themselves and their peers. We know this work changes lives, but we can’t do it alone.
We need you. Summer is a critical time to raise the funds necessary to prepare for the upcoming school year. Your support ensures that Prevention Educators can return to classrooms this fall, continuing Jana’s legacy of providing students, families, and school staff with meaningful, actionable education. By giving to this campaign, you’re not only making a donation, you’re helping to build a safer, healthier, and more informed future of young people. All gifts are 100% tax-deductible and will be recognized in the 2025 Annual Report.
Education is powerful - it can change lives and prevent harm. Join us by investing in prevention.
Stay connected with us!
www.JanasCampaign.org | JanasCampaign@gmail.com | 785-656-0324