July 2019 – balancing the scales

Volume 38 Number 4

INSIDE …

An incredible two years ............ 3-4

July 11, 2019

Reaching out in Hart County & Buffalo Trace area ................... 14, 16

Organizing Academy cohort ........ 5

Preparing for the 2019 Annual Membership Meeting ............. 17-29

A new narrative for our 2019-20 ‘All In’ Action for Democracy ....... 8

Welcome summer interns ........... 30 … and much more inside

We Are Kentuckians …

We Choose Each Other

Change Service Requested

scales

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743

balancing the

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

2 | Balancing the Scales

is a statewide grassroots social justice orga­­ni­ zation working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct-action organizing to accomplish the following goals: • foster democratic values • change unjust institutions • empower individuals • overcome racism and other discrimination • communicate a message of what’s possible • build the organization • help people participate • win issues that affect the common welfare • have fun KFTC membership dues are $15 to $50 per year, based on ability to pay. No one is denied membership because of inability to pay. Membership is open to anyone who is committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change.

KFTC Steering Committee Meta Mendel-Reyes, chairperson Cassia Herron, vice chairperson Christian Torp, secretary-treasurer Amy Copelin, at-large member Mary Love, at-large member Chapter Representatives Mikaela Curry, Big Sandy Carly Muetterties, Central Kentucky David Miller, Cumberland Chase Gladson, Harlan County Connor Allen, Jefferson County Rebecca Tucker, Madison County Melissa Roth, Northern Kentucky Chanda Campbell, Perry County Amelia Cloud, Rolling Bluegrass Fannie Madden-Grider, Rowan County Joy Fitzgerald, Shelby County Summer Bolton, Southern Kentucky Amanda Groves, Western Kentucky Shannon Scott, Wilderness Trace Alternates: Katricia Rogers, Big Sandy; Kaelyn Payton, Central Kentucky; Damien Hammons, Cumberland; Sheyanna Gladson, Harlan County; vacant, Jefferson County; Adam Funck, Madison County; Lauren Gabbard, Northern Kentucky; Russell Oliver & Susan Hull, Perry County; Carol Hurn, Rolling Bluegrass; Ezra Dike, Rowan County; Cynthia Dare, Shelby County; Teresa Christmas, Southern Kentucky; Jim Gearhart, Western Kentucky; Margaret Gardiner, Wilderness Trace

Table of Contents KFTC News Reflecting on the last two years in this incredible organization ...................................... 3-4 KFTC graduates second Organizing Academy cohort ............................................................. 5 We’re in a moment – it’s time to go All In....................................................................................... 8 KFTC begins a racial justice assessment and visioning process.............................................. 9 Interns boost KFTC’s work this summer....................................................................................... 30 KFTC Calendar of Events ................................................................................................................... 31 Environmental Justice Problematic Revelation Energy now trying bankruptcy............................................................ 6 ORSANCO board makes water quality protections voluntary............................................... 11 New Energy and Just Transition Help send coal miners to Washington, DC .................................................................................... 6 Summit focuses on missing and murdered indigenous women.............................................. 7 KFTC members join Climate Justice Alliance to urge Congress to take action................ 7 Voter Empowerment Primary election numbers show increasingly bold goals........................................................ 10 Local Updates – Building Grassroots Power Water connects us all: World Peace and Prayer Day 2019..................................................... 12 Persistence pays off: Letcher County federal prison halted.................................................. 12 Northern Kentucky celebrates its 10th Annual Pride event .................................................... 13 Hart County Party at the River in Munfordville............................................................................ 14 Rolling Bluegrass celebrates Food: Our Common Connection............................................. 15 Scott County residents stand against landfill ............................................................................. 15 KFTC and community members meet in Buffalo Trace area................................................. 16 2019 Annual Membership Meeting Annual Membership Meeting: Understanding, celebrating Action for Democracy....... 18 2019 keynote speaker: Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson............................................................. 18 Annual Membership Meeting: Schedule of Activities .............................................................. 19 Nominations for KFTC leadership positions ....................................................................... 20-22 Proposed 2019-2020 KFTC Platform . .................................................................................... 23-28 Annual Membership Meeting: Registration .................................................................................29

On the front cover: some of the folks featured in KFTC’s new video: We Are Kentuckians – We Choose Each Other. View the video at WeAreKentuckians.org and then sign up to be part of building grassroots power and determining the outcomes in the 2019 and 2020 elections.

Balancing the Scales is published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and sent as third class mail from Louisville. Reader contri­butions and letters to the editor should be sent to P.O. Box 864, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 or jhardt@kftc.org. Subscriptions are $20/yr.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 3

executive committee corner

Reflecting on the last two years in this incredible organization

By Meta Mendel-Reyes KFTC Chairperson This is my last article as chair, so I want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to serve two terms in this position. It’s not really good-bye because I’ll still be part of the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair. But it’s a good moment to reflect on the last two years in this incredible organization.

I’m going to frame my reflection in terms of our vision for KFTC, because one thing I have learned over my two terms is how it’s central to all our work to make Kentucky better for all of us. The other organizations that I’ve been a part of have had a mission statement and sometimes a vision statement, but they have been mostly invisible, a few words on the inside cover of their annual report. But in KFTC, our vision is embedded in everything we do, inspiring our work and challenging us to reach the Kentucky of our dreams.

This is not intended to be a history of the last two years, but rather a few snapshots of my experience as chair. ***** We are working for a day when Kentuckians – and all people – enjoy a better quality of life.

Taking back the House

I’m at the entrance to the tunnel that leads into the capitol building. The hallway leading up to the tunnel

is packed with KFTC members, a colorful, diverse crowd of Black, Brown and White people, young and old, straight and gay, a former miner from eastern Kentucky, a pastor from Louisville and a teacher from right here in Frankfort. We are there to take back the state house that the governor has closed to us, the people of Kentucky.

As we chant, “Whose house? The people’s house! Whose house? Our house,” I’m thinking, this is how we reach the day when all Kentuckians enjoy a better quality of life! _____ When the lives of people and communities matter before profits.

KFTC’s Vision We have a vision …

We are working for a day when Kentuckians – and all people – enjoy a better quality of life.

When the lives of people and communities matter before profits.

When our communities have good jobs that support our families without doing damage to the water, air, and land.

When companies and the wealthy pay their share of taxes and can’t buy elections.

When all people have health care, shelter, food, education and other basic needs.

When children are listened to and valued.

When discrimination is wiped out of our laws, On strike in Paint Lick I’m one of 20 people crowded habits and hearts. into small kitchen. Five of us are from the Madison County chapter, And when the voices of ordinary people the rest are Mexican farm workers on are heard and respected in our democracy. strike because the grower has not paid them for two weeks. The talk is serious – will the grower have them arrested? How can our _____ chapter offer support? – while we enjoy the beef and bean burritos the men have made for us. I’m thinking When companies and the wealthy pay back to my days as a farm workers organizer – this is their share of taxes and can’t buy elections. how we fight for people and communities over profits! _____ “Starving the Schools, Feeding the Rich” – Cookie Monster When our communities have good jobs The lawn in front of the capitol is covered with that support our families without doing red shirts. Teachers from all over Kentucky, including damage to the water, air and land. many KFTC members, have come together to defend funding for education and stop the governor from Green New Deal taking away public employees’ pensions. They carry I’m at a table in a roomful of people gathered in colorful signs, including a cartoon of Cookie Monster Frankfort to learn more about the Green New Deal. munching on a cookie labeled “school funding.” In As we eat a delicious meal, our table shares our stories addition to joining the rally, KFTC is holding a series of how climate change has impacted each of us. Led of webinars on the inequity of our tax system and how

by KFTC and our cosponsors, Sunrise Movement and that affects teachers, public employees and everyone SEIU, we discuss how the fight against climate change who believes that the state budget should address the can bring thousands of new jobs to Kentucky. The needs of the people, not the overflowing banking acenergy is electric. I’m thinking, this is a way to both counts of the Kentucky elite. I’m thinking, this is how support our families and protect our environment. continued on the next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

4 | Balancing the Scales

executive committee corner

Reflecting on two years in this incredible organization …

continued from previous page we make the companies and the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. _____ When all people have health care, shelter, food, education and other basic needs.

People’s Emergency Health Care Hearing I’m telling the story of my first two years in Kentucky, when my employer refused to include my partner on my health insurance. For two years, she had no insurance, and I held my breath, hoping that her chronic illnesses would not flare up during that period.

Today I’m being live-streamed along with a nurse from Louisville who describes the desperate people who came to her hospital suffering from advanced illness, because they couldn’t afford preventive care.

The People’s Emergency Health Care Hearing was our only way to demonstrate that “our lives were on the line” to the politicians who wanted to roll back Medicaid and repeal Obamacare. If Bevin or McConnell refused to hear from the people, then we would hold on own virtual hearing, 25 hours of personal stories about the suffering of Kentuckians who lack insurance or access to adequate health care. I’m thinking, this is how we raise our voices to demand a health care system that meets our basic needs. _____ When children are listened to and valued.

Organizing Academy I’m in a church basement in Berea, leading an exercise on power for the first cohort of the Organizing

Academy. Like the Organizer Apprentice program, the Academy represents KFTC’s response to the disastrous 2016 election.

Following a summit of leaders from all over the state, we decided to meet the new challenges by doubling down on what we do best – organizing. Recognizing that people power is at the heart of resistance, KFTC has committed itself to training new organizers who can help to empower Kentuckians. As the participants around the table call out examples of positive and negative power, I am struck by the wide range of ages in the room, from a 15-yearold from Harlan to a pair of 70-somethings from Rowan County. We pay as much attention to what the teenager has to say as to his elders, and not in a condescending way. I’m thinking that KFTC goes beyond just valuing children to actually listening to them. It will take intergenerational organizing to reclaim Kentucky, and KFTC is lifting up the voices of the youth who are so often silenced. _____ When discrimination is wiped out of our laws, habits and hearts.

Racial Justice Along with staff and other members of the Executive Committee, I’m on a Zoom call interviewing potential consultants to lead KFTC’s upcoming racial justice assessment. Although we are in a predominantly white organization in a predominantly white state, we have committed ourselves to evaluating our internal organization and our external programs through a racial justice lens.

It has taken over three years to get to this point, three years of staff and member trainings, an ad-hoc committee to explore what we can do, the creation of a standing racial justice committee, and a lot of selfsearching to fully understand that fighting for racial justice includes turning that lens on ourselves. I’m thinking, even though KFTC has been fighting racial justice throughout our 37 plus years as an organization, it will take even more honesty and effort to truly wipe out discrimination from our hearts, habits and laws. _____

And when the voices of ordinary people are heard and respected in our democracy.

Our democracy Thanks to KFTC, I have experienced the fight for genuine democracy in many ways, locally, in the state and in the country. I was part of rural Berea’s small but enthusiastic, first-ever Pride March. In Frankfort, I marched with the Poor People’s Campaign, right up to the doors of the state capitol, which were closed to us.

In Washington, DC, I joined our national allies, the Climate Justice Alliance, to protest Trump’s inauguration and participate in the historic Women’s March.

Of course, marching is far from the only form of democracy in action – I have also registered voters, canvassed homes, organized town halls and more. I’m thinking, KFTC is just one of the many voices demanding to be heard and respected in our democracy.

And the voices are getting louder. _____ I would like to end with three snapshots that I hope to see soon.

November 5, 2019: The streets of Kentucky towns and cities are filled with crowds celebrating the defeat of Governor Matt Bevin.

November 3, 2020: Retirement parties for Senator Mitch McConnell through the state.

Spring 2021: Recognizing that the electoral process can only do so much, KFTC leads a march of thousands from Fulton County to Pike County, to demonstrate the that organizing for power is the best way to bring into our vision of the Kentucky we love.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 5

KFTC News

KFTC graduates second Organizing Academy cohort

KFTC graduated its second Organizing Academy Cohort on May 25. Fourteen folks graduated from the program from across the state.

The 2019 Organizing Academy cohort engaged in a three-month training program from March 2019 through May 2019 called “Organizing 101: Building Power Through Organizing” where they learned organizing skills while helping make tangible, positive change in Kentucky.

Meta Mendel-Reyes, KFTC’s chairperson, helped co-create and co-lead the cohort. Cen-

tral Kentucky and cohort member Liz Sheehan led the self care lessons throughout. And other guest and staff facilitators who shared their skills and knowledge included 2018 cohort grads Chandra Cruz-Thomson, Trinidad Jackson, Alexa Hatcher, and Fannie and Alvin Madden-Grider, who came back this year to lead sessions.

The Academy consisted of six in-person Saturday trainings in the central Kentucky area on the six Saturdays listed below.

The cohort also asked that participants read, listen, watch and engage with various resources throughout their three-month training, as well as participate in discussions and reflections with fellow cohort members on a monthly video call and via email.

The training dates and topics were: • • • •

March 9: Organizing, Power, and KFTC March 23: Inclusive Organizing April 6: Base-building and Leadership Development April 27: Meeting Facilitation and Creating

• •

Agendas; Grassroots Fundraising May 11: Non-Violent Direct Action May 25: Reflection and graduation

Cohort members will be (and already are) using what they learned to lead organizing projects in their regions, using their tools and skills to build grassroots power across the state.

Graduates participated in a full cohort evaluation process in June to provide feedback to KFTC to strengthen future cohorts. Organizers will also be working with graduates from their regions to support the graduates in using their skills and staying connected.

Graduates • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Susan McGee, At-Large, Robertson County Kathy Curtis, Big Sandy chapter Tiffany Duncan, Central Kentucky chapter Liz Sheehan, Central Kentucky chapter Julia Basil, Cumberland chapter David Desjardins, Jefferson County chapter Delores Butler, Jefferson County chapter Andrew Pettyjohn, Jefferson County chapter Margie Stelzer, Madison County chapter Courtney Combs, Perry County chapter Ly Madden, Perry County chapter Eric Simpson, Rowan County chapter Joyce Adkins, Southern Kentucky chapter Shannon Scott, Wilderness Trace chapter

Find out more about the Academy and organizing resources at: www.kftc.org/kftc-organizing-academy

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

6 | Balancing the Scales

Environmental Justice

Problematic Revelation Energy now trying bankruptcy

KFTC members and residents of many other coalproducing states and regions have watched with the activities of Revelation Energy, LLC with increasing alarm in recent years. They’ve watched closely as the company went on a buying spree, acquiring hundreds of mine permits and hundreds of thousands of acres of mines in Kentucky alone from 2014 to 2018.

They’ve tracked notices of dozens of safety, health and environmental violations and overdue taxes charged against Revelation Energy, many of which remain outstanding. (According to the Lexington Herald Leader, Revelation Energy has been the top violator of reclamation and environmental rules in each of the last three years.)

And throughout this year, KFTC members have actively organized against proposed mining permits and permit amendments sought by Revelation Energy that threaten water quality and community well-being in Harlan and Pulaski counties.

According to KFTC member Davie Ransdell, who serves on KFTC’s Land Reform Committee and represents the organization on the board of the Alliance for Appalachia, “Anyone watching this company has been concerned that a scam or a train-wreck was coming.”

On July 1, 2019 Revelation Energy and its recently formed affiliate Blackjewel LLC announced that the companies are filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Southern District Court of West Virginia. That is the first step of a legal process that many companies use to avoid paying debts.

KFTC members in Harlan County heard from some Revelation miners in Cumberland that their

most recent paycheck bounced, and the status of their jobs going forward is uncertain.

The bankruptcy sets in motion a flurry of new questions and concerns for employees, vendors and other creditors, including the county governments that are owed millions in unpaid property taxes; and state and federal agencies owed millions in unpaid taxes, fees and fines for violations.

For example, according to the Lexington Herald Leader, Revelation Energy owes the state of Kentucky $6 million, and owes millions more to private companies in Kentucky.

On a recent conference call of organizations and grassroots activists working in Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, participants ticked off a list of additional concerns, including:

• What help can employees expect now, including 1,100 workers in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia and 600 more in Wyoming?

• How many Revelation mines are actually shutting down, and which ones are still operating?

• Is the company still paying fees to the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund and to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund?

• What happens next for unreclaimed mine sites and places where there may be ongoing violations of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, Mine Safety and Health Act and Clean Water Act? • What happens now for counties and schools,

Help send coal miners to Washington, DC In July, more than 100 coal miners and family members, including many from Kentucky, will travel to Washington, DC to demand that congressional leaders take action to reinstate the excise fee that supports the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.

Because extraordinary steps must be taken to protect some of the very sick individuals traveling across country in the summer heat, the cost for the upcoming trip is significant.

A crowdfunding effort is helping to pay travel costs (any additional raised will support the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center’s black lung work). You can support the trip here: https://bit.ly/2XL6wRd For further reading go to: www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-kentucky-black-lung20181226-story.html (short link: https://lat.ms/2XlbXSt)

many of which are already in economic distress, that are owed millions in back taxes?

The owner of Revelation Energy and Blackjewel, a West Virginia man named Jeff Hoops, has long been at the center of criticism. When he sought to purchase two mines in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming in 2017, the sale was opposed by local organizations who pointed to 42 outstanding mine permit violations at the company’s mines in Central Appalachia.

Hoops was also the owner of Frasure Creek Mining, a company operating in eastern Kentucky that was exposed by environmental organizations, including Appalachian Voices, KFTC, WaterKeeper Alliance and Kentucky Riverkeeper for falsifying water pollution reports to the state and committing tens of thousands of violations under the Clean Water Act. KFTC member Davie Ransdell points out that she’s watched other coal companies follow a similar pattern, including Horizon Natural Resources 15 years ago, and countless others since then. (After Horizon filed for bankruptcy, its productive mines were purchased by ICG, a company owned by Wilbur Ross, the billionaire who currently serves as U.S. Commerce Secretary.)

“The pattern starts when the industry is in a downturn and many mines are doing poorly. They can be bought really cheaply. So a new company steps in and goes on a buying spree. They amass lots and lots of properties and run them hard. Production numbers go up. Violations go up. The bills mount up. Then one day they file for bankruptcy and pretty much walk away,” Ransdell explained.

“At that point, the whole thing goes to court, where other companies can step in to buy the properties on the cheap. The new company is given lots of time to address the outstanding problems, they don’t have to pay the fines and the violations don’t show up on the new company’s record.”

“Mine regulators are supposed to use something called the Applicant Violator System to stop bad actors from getting new mining permits. But if a company appeals its violations, or if it uses bankruptcy to transfer properties and permits to a new corporation, they can escape accountability,” Ransdell continued.

KFTC and other organizations working in areas affected by Revelation Energy and Blackjewel’s operations will continue to monitor what happens next in the bankruptcy process and to push for accountability for the workers and communities being harmed.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 7

New Energy and Transition

Summit focuses on missing and murdered indigenous women

By Joanne Golden Hill I attended the Oil and Gas Summit that was held in Ponca City, Oklahoma. It was at the request of Casey Camp-Horinek of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma, an elder, tribal council woman and international movement leader.

I have been honored to stand in solidarity with Casey on multiple occasions – the New York Climate March, Washington State Protecting Mother Earth Joanne Golden Hill (left) Conference and now with Casey Camp-Horinek. the Oil and Gas Summit

in Ponca, Oklahoma.

The Ponca Nation is at the epicenter of the fracking fossil fuels industry that has poisoned their water, air and soil.

I was shown a park that a gas company had donated to the people of Ponca. Only it was toxic, the stream of water and soil that was there was deadly to fish, wildlife and of course humans. I also noted no one but us was there.

They are also at the epicenter of fracking earth-

quakes. While there we experienced a 4.4 earthquake in magnitude.

We marched past Conoco’s refinery, then to a billboard that was to bring awareness to all the missing and murdered indigenous women.

It was a very powerful summit. I took away – as always when listening to Casey Camp-Horinek, Tom Goldtooth and other great leaders – such an awareness of the need for us all over the earth to make a just transition for all.

KFTC members join Climate Justice Alliance to urge Congress to take action Several KFTC members recently met with U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley and members of the Climate Justice Alliance to discuss the need for bold climate action and Just Transition policies.

The group underscored the importance of building climate policies that are informed by communities and organizations working for a Just Transition on the frontlines of extraction and near the fencelines of pollution. They emphasized the important role of sustainable farming in climate policies, especially efforts like the Black Dirt Farm Collective that uplift black folks engaged in sustainable agriculture.

Pictured are representatives of the Climate Justice Alliance and two KFTC members. Mikaela Curry of Pike County is third person from the left. Laurel Mayes of Barren County is in the middle in front of Sanders.

And they stressed the importance of opposing false solutions, including fracked natural gas, carbon capture and sequestration, and nuclear energy.

Mikaela Curry of Pike County and Laurel Mayes of Barren County were originally in Washington D.C. to participate in a gathering hosted by the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival.

While there, they were able to connect with KFTC’s allies working with the Climate Justice Alliance and to participate in several legislative meetings.

“It’s hard to imagine the meeting with Senator Sanders going any better,” said Curry. “He asked a lot of questions and was really engaged. At the end he said it was one of the best meetings he's had in a while.”

“I wasn’t sure there would be time for me to tell him what I thought,” said Mayes, a recent high school graduate from Barren County, Kentucky. “But I did, and then he had questions for me about Kentucky. I’m so glad I was able to be part of this.”

Curry encouraged Sanders to support current efforts to strengthen funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund and miners’ pension fund, and to support the RECLAIM Act to direct $1 billion towards land and water restoration in areas where mining took place before the 1977 federal surface mining law.

Mayes invited him to visit Kentucky to meet with people working for Just Transition in many regions of the state.

Three KFTC members (Teri Blanton of Berea, Nolan Slone of Prestonsburg and Byron Barber of Louisville) attended an Environmental Justice Convening on June 26 in Washington, DC, sponsored by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz) and Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.). They are pictured here, along with other representatives of the Climate Justice Alliance and Alliance for Appalachia.

The conference was organized by Rep. Grijalva, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, to inform congressional staff members about issues of environmental justice. Grijalva has declared his intention to introduce a wide-ranging environmental justice bill – based on principles drafted with the input of groups in attendance and others expected to join the effort – before the end of this year.

Community members can review the proposed principles, submit feedback and participate in the process at https://naturalresources.house.gov/ environmental-justice.

8 | Balancing the Scales

We’re in a moment – it’s time to go All In

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

This spring, KFTC’s Steering Committee voted to go “all in” to impact the important elections in 2019 and 2020. They saw the urgency of this moment when so many things – our health care, pensions, schools, environment and our democracy – are at stake. Impacting the elections means engaging with hundreds of thousands of voters and changing the narrative about what’s possible in Kentucky. In the letter below, KFTC Chairperson Meta Mendel-Reyes explains why this moment is different – and why we have to rise to it.

To KFTC members and friends:

I’m writing to share some important news about how you can help change Kentucky politics in 2019 and 2020.

But first, some personal news. In May I welcomed my first grandchild, Hope. Having a grandbaby is wonderful – I highly recommend it. And I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want for her.

I want Hope to live in a world where she can be who she is. She’s a beautiful biracial child, and I want all her identities to be welcomed and respected. In the same spirit, I want her to feel connected to other people, regardless of difference. I want her to have a sense of community. To succeed, but not at the expense of others. I want her to practice love in action, because I know that our lives are so much richer when we engage deeply with other people to change the world.

And in fact, I want these things for all children. I want all kids – and all people – to be loved for who they are, to learn and grow and share, to have everything they need to thrive and dream.

This is the world that KFTC is working for. And I can’t remember a time in my life when that vision has been more threatened. Or when it was more urgent for us to take action.

The people in power in Frankfort and Washington D.C. are actively working to divide us, appealing to our worst impulses of hate and anger. They want us to point fingers at each other, while their corporate donors get richer and Kentuckians struggle to pay our bills.

But we can choose a different way. We can choose a bright future for Kentucky – with an economy that works for all of us, well-funded schools and well-respected teachers, the health care we need, clean air and water, and welcoming communities.

We can change the narrative about what’s possible in Kentucky and, taking action together, we can create a community that works for people, not profits. We can choose each other.

What will it take? We have to elect better leaders.

To do that, we have to reach more people than we’ve ever reached before.

So we’re asking more of you than we ever have before – because we know that nothing else will do. This is our moment, but only if we rise to it.

KFTC has an ambitious plan to recruit 1,000 Democracy Leaders to mobilize 100,000 voters who share our vision. The goal is to impact the important elections in 2019 and 2020 – and build grassroots power for all the elections to come.

We’re talking with thousands of folks through neighborhood canvassing, tabling at events, phone calls, texting, house parties, Democracy Meet and Greets, and even at tee ball games. We’re launching a communications campaign with a new website, video series, social media and more. And – to meet our goals – we have to multiply and amplify all of these efforts.

I’m asking you to do all you can. Here are some ways you can support the work: • • • • • •

Host a kitchen table conversation and invite folks in your neighborhood to talk about issues and voting.

Join a neighborhood canvass or phone bank.

Register voters at a local event.

Help plan a Democracy Meet and Greet or candidate forum.

Become a Sustaining Giver at an amount that’s right for you, or increase your Sustaining Gift. Your ongoing support is vital to this movement.

Bring your talents, skills, hopes and dreams to the table.

I want Hope to live in a world where people are trying hard to bring out the best in each other. I think we can have that kind of Kentucky if we work for it.

This moment really matters. Will you join us in choosing a bright future for Kentucky?

Meta Mendel-Reyes, KFTC Chairperson P.S. Visit our new website WeAreKentuckians.org and sign up to volunteer. Or call your local organizer and ask how you can help. And please consider donating – every gift helps fund this work.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 9

KFTC News

KFTC begins a racial justice assessment and visioning process Late this spring, KFTC began a Racial Justice Assessment and Visioning process. This update is the first of what will likely be an ongoing series where we’ll share updates on what we’re learning, activities we’re engaging in, and potential next steps as we go through this process.

In June 2018, the KFTC Steering Committee held a racial justice workshop for its summer retreat. Coming out of the workshop were three ideas the Steering Committee wanted to explore: 1) a racial justice audit or assessment of KFTC’s overall work; 2) a People of Color Caucus for members and staff; and 3) a Racial Justice Advisory Committee.

After further discussion, the People of Color Caucus has gotten underway and the Steering Committee put on hold the Racial Justice Advisory Committee until after we go through the assessment process.

The Executive Committee authorized contracting with a consultant to assist with the assessment process.

We developed a robust “request for proposals” (RFP) that outlined who we are, what we’re looking for in this process and characteristics of a good match. We received more than a dozen strong applications from around the country.

A team of leaders and staff was convened to review

the proposals and work toward a choice. That team conducted interviews with the top six or seven firms and followed up conversations and reference checks with the top two.

In the end, the team was excited to recommend Frontline Solutions for the contract. Frontline is a Black-owned and led consulting firm that has some experience in working with groups in the South. There was a good rapport with them, and we found that their skills, experiences and knowledge were well aligned with our RFP. We have signed a contract and the assessment and visioning process are underway. The assessment will likely wrap up by the end of February 2020.

The assessment process will involve an analysis of KFTC’s strengths and challenges in racial justice – internally (systems, structures, processes, policies, staffing, leadership, etc.) and externally (our issue campaigns, our allies, etc.). Once we have an understanding of these strengths and gaps, we will work with Frontline on a visioning process in which we’ll map out where we want to be over the next 3-5 years and the steps for getting there.

One of the primary areas identified by KFTC and people of color allies is the need to build political

power to win by bringing people of color and poor and working class folks together across the state. KFTC is in a unique position – as a majority white organization in an overwhelmingly (88 percent) white state – to organize low-income and working class white folks in a way that is centered in a racial justice analysis.

That work lies in meeting folks where they are, engaging them in learning about racial justice, privilege and mutual self-interest in order to build commitment to organizing together across race and class.

At the same time, we aspire to be a more multi-racial and welcoming organization with more leaders and staff of color. Those two goals don’t necessarily exist in tension with one another, but it’s also not always clear how to pursue both simultaneously and synergistically.

We’re excited to begin this assessment and visioning process with Frontline Solutions and are hopeful that it will give us the lessons, tools and strategies to pursue both these important goals with success. We also believe that this process will also give us insight into the strength and challenges facing our overall programs and organization.

And we’re looking forward to sharing updates with our membership and being as transparent as possible about the process along the way.

We are Kentuckians. We choose each other.

To achieve our vision, we have to change the narrative about what’s possible in our state.

This year and next, when we have important elections in Kentucky, we’ll be promoting a narrative that’s different from what most of the candidates will be telling us.

It’s a narrative of inclusion that calls out the politicians for trying to divide us. It’s about choosing a future that’s good for all of us, not just the few at the top. It’s about choosing each other.

The foundation of this narrative is: “We are Kentuckians. We choose each other.”

You’ll be seeing a lot of these messages, and we hope you’ll share them and help us create a different narrative about what’s possible in Kentucky.

To watch our video, get connected and sign up to volunteer in our voter work, visit our new website: wearekentuckians.org

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

10 | Balancing the Scales

Voter Empowerment

Primary election numbers show increasingly bold goals KFTC is setting increasingly bold goals in building electoral strength to get more people registered, informed about candidate stances and voting in order to build support around issues we care about, support candidates whose stances align with ours, and to train new candidates.

KFTC members leaned into this year’s primary election more heavily than any other, calling voters and generally getting the word out. It made a big impact.

Here are a few numbers that show what KFTC members achieved this election through KFTC and the New Power PAC: • • • • • • • • • •

Calls to voters made: 12,151 Voter conversations by phone: 2,015 Voicemail messages left: 3,805 Voters texted: 16,413 Voters registered: 313 Supporters identified: 1,163 (through petition signatures, etc) KentuckyElection.org visits: 46,900 (about 2.5 times as many as last primary!)

Gubernatorial candidates responding to our issue survey: 7 (of 8) Voter Guides distributed: 17,850 (including Spanish guides) Other lit pieces printed: 20,447

•

Total ad views online: 291,675

KFTC members who made the most completed voter turnout calls: • • •

Frank Schwartz: 372 Kaleigha Stewart: 366 Xavier Fogle: 263

Voter Turnout • • •

•

Democrats voting for governor in this primary: 394,490 Building a stronger voter base means getting more people registered to vote Republicans voting and then engaging them in issues that matter to them, their families and for governor in this communities. This KFTC voter registration and information table in northern primary: 259,854 Kentucky is one of many this summer throughout the state. The deadline for All the numbers have not been reported, but registering to vote in the November 5 General Election is October 7. indications are there KFTC’s General Election work has already bewas a 24.3% Democratic voter turnout, a far cry gun, with a focus this summer reaching out to voters, from the 12.5% overall voter turnout predicted building support for KFTC issues and highlighting and a stronger turnout than any democratic candidates’ position on key issues. Voter registration primary this century. efforts and canvasses are underway in many parts of Governor Bevin received just 52.4% of the vote the state. in the Republican primary

To impact the elections in 2019 and 2020, we’re recruiting 1,000 Democracy Leaders to engage 100,000 voters who share our vision. Sign up to volunteer at WeAreKentuckians.org • Donate to support the work at kftc.org/support

KFTC’s Voter Empowerment work includes respecting the right to vote for more than 312,000 Kentuckians who have a felony conviction in their past. In the spring, Together Frankfort hosted a Voting Rights presentation with a good turnout.

Debra Graner (above) was one of the presenters.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 11

Environmental justice

ORSANCO board makes water quality protections voluntary

By Robin Gee and Maria Truitt On June 6, the current standards set by the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) for protecting water quality in the Ohio River became voluntary. Only two of the commissioners representing eight member states and the federal government voted against the measure.

The reasoning behind the change, according to commissioners, was the minimal number of staff members and the overwhelming amount of work pouring in. Some felt the current standards overlap with state and federal environmental protection agency rules.

However, it was pointed out by many residents of these member states that not all of ORSANCO’s standards are covered by other agencies and, in fact, many

Sister Joyce Moeller reads to ORSANCO commissioners a Dayton City Commission resolution opposing weakened water protection standards.

environmental regulations are being rolled back by the Trump administration. For example, ORSANCO monitors more than 180 toxins and pollutants not covered by state or EPA standards.

States along the Ohio River must work in coalition to ensure the health of all who live along its banks.

If one or two states ignore pollution controls, it can cause harm to all who live down river.

Activists from both Kentucky and Ohio arrived at the Radisson Hotel Riverfront in Covington the morning of June 6 to oppose the change. About a dozen spoke out at the hearing to add to the abundance of online comments received. The majority of people commenting at the hearing strongly opposed the change.

More protections, not less, are needed at a time when the EPA and state agencies are being deregulated, they said. Sierra Club representatives and others pointed to the additional need for numeric standards to regulate nutrient pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

Also of concern were proposed fracking water holding facilities and plants designed to use fracking byproducts to manufacture plastics in and around the river in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. According to Scientific American, tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, are showing up in fish and even in beer that uses water from polluted sources.

These structures are already being built, and now with voluntary regulations it will continue at an even faster rate.

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT THE OHIO RIVER Ask ORSANCO commissioners to re-visit their decision to make water protection standard voluntary for states. Send an email to these commissioners from Kentucky.

MESSAGE: Hello, my name is _______ and I’m a concerned resident in the state of ___________.

Making the ORSANCO water quality standards voluntary is not acceptable and puts millions of people at risk to contaminated drinking water. I demand ORSANCO holds another public hearing before the scheduled meeting in October to take further consideration of making the standards optional.

Federal appointee Tom FitzGerald – Director, Kentucky Resources Council – fitz@kyrc.org Kentucky commissioners Ronald Lovan, President/CEO, Northern Kentucky Water District – Rlovan@nkywater.org Charles G. Snavely, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet – charles.snavely@ky.gov Jenean Hampton, Lieutenant Governor – jenean.hampton@ky.gov

Many also spoke on behalf of their children and grandchildren who will be most impacted by these changes, and how they are fighting to ensure a better future for them and generations to come.

Cheryl Jon-Cox, who spoke on behalf of the Sierra Club, said: “The Ohio chapter has 30,000 members and over 100,000 supporters … and we are all unified in our message that mandatory standards must remain in place across the basin in order to protect the five million people who rely on the Ohio River for drinking water.”

Joshua, a Kentucky teacher, not only pleaded with commissioners to keep standards mandatory but also said it’s important to improve on the guidelines already set.

“You are not only necessary, but you need to improve your role.”

“We have been in violation of the Clean Water Act in our sewer district,” he explained. “We have a combined sewer overflow system, meaning every time it rains our water treatment is overflowed so all of our raw sewage is going into the Ohio River. It used to be 14 million gallons a year, now it's eight, so it has improved. But you are highly necessary, I assure you.”

Doug Conroe, one of the two ORSANCO commissioners who voted against the proposal, made the following statement: “I see less and less in terms of environmental, governmental proactivity," he said. "I see status quo.

I see sincere and caring environmental officials who are hamstrung by fiscal cutbacks and staff reductions, along with facing heavy pressures from the regulated community to lighten up. I believe having meaningful, river-wide required standards is an important tool to include in our toolbox.”

ORSANCO now must set new policies and procedures by their October meeting in Virginia. The meeting is set for October 8-10.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

12 | Balancing the Scales

Building Grassroots Power

Water connects us all: World Peace and Prayer Day 2019

By Maria Truitt Northern Kentucky KFTC Intern Twenty-three years ago, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th generation Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, began traveling the world conducting World Peace and Prayer Day. It takes place every annual summer solstice due to its sacredness among all cultures, to unite people of all faiths and nations to join hands in a day of prayer dedicated to Mother Earth.

This year, Cincinnati, Ohio, had the privilege of being the host for World Peace and Prayer Day, honoring the valuable gifts our planet provides and the indigenous people who call this region home.

In honor of the opportunity to share the experience with the founder of this worldwide movement, people joined together for four days of community building and cultural sharing at Fort Ancient near Dayton, Ohio. Each day honored those who came together, and celebrated the indigenous communities among us that lead this movement.

For three days spiritual and community leaders shared space by a ceremonial fire to talk about the challenges our world is facing, and what each is doing to create a better one going forward. They also shared

cultural traditions, faith traditions, and how these things together enrich our lives and our communities, as well as provide the resilience we need to overcome the challenges we face.

The celebration concluded on June 21 when KFTC (among many organizations and people) joined the Sacred in Prayer on the Purple People Bridge connecting Newport, Kentucky with Cincinnati. Here we gathered as one to lift prayers of justice for the gifts Mother Earth provides, healing for those who harm her and love to show our gratitude for all she does.

The ceremony began with folks walking singlefile to the middle of the bridge from each side of the river. Northern Kentucky KFTC member Sister Joyce Moeller led the Kentucky delegation to the middle of the bridge, where they met with the Ohio delegation in the middle of the Ohio River.

We all stood there, our differences aside, and joined in song led by Paula Looking Horse, an accomplished traditional Dakota singer, and Linda Daney with Cupiit Yurartet Drummers and Dancers.

Throughout the occasion there was burning of the sage, which is known in sacred ceremonies to cleanse negative energies.

The first person to speak was Guy W. Jones, the Hunkpapa Lakota Elder, who resides in Dayton, Ohio,

and is one of the founders of the Miami Valley Council for Native Americans in his town. It was an honor to witness him speak about his gratitude for his mother and the keepers of it.

“This is that moment, this is that time, when we as the people must lead,” he said.

In the middle of the circle we created and gathered around sat Jackie Andrew of Lil’wat, St’at’imc Nation, Interior Salish. Clothed in a bear pellet which resembled part of her role in her tribe as a St’at’imc Bear Dancer, she blessed us with the Bear Medicine.

At the end of the ceremony they offered tobacco, which is a symbol for unity, showing that we are related to not only one another but everything on Earth

Persistence pays off: Letcher County federal prison halted After years of effective resistance, Letcher County residents have halted plans for a new federal prison.

In June, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons announced that it was withdrawing approval to build the $510 million maximum security facility on a toxic mountaintop removal site. It said more analysis of environmental impacts is needed.

This is a significant victory for the Letcher Governance Project, which spearheaded local efforts to stop the prison and direct the federal funds into other local initiatives that would boost the local economy and support a Just Transition.

Local resident Tom Sexton told the Kentucky News Connection that many eastern Kentuckians submitted comments during the proposal process sug-

gesting other ways the federal funds could be invested in the region. Some ideas included investing in water and infrastructure, student-loan forgiveness, improving broadband and internet access, and building substance-abuse recovery centers.

The group also pointed to data that shows prisons do not provide the boost to local economies that proponents claim. The promise of jobs in an area devastated by the loss of coal jobs was used to gain support among local residents and divide the community.

The Letcher prison would have been the fourth federal prison to be built in eastern Kentucky's 5th congressional district and the most expensive one in U.S. history. It would both reflect and support misguided policies of mass incarceration, many pointed out.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers is the chief proponent of federal prisons. He sees that Bureau or Prison decision as a delay rather than the end of the project.

A pending lawsuit challenged the construction on a number of grounds, and was cited by the Bureau of Prisons in announcing its decision.

Filed by 21 federal prisoners from around the country, the Abolitionist Law Center and Friends of Lilley Cornett Woods and North Fork River Watershed, the lawsuit argues the prison would have threatened the health and well-being of inmates, correctional workers and an already fragile environment, including old-growth forests and the habitat for several endangered bat species.

A national organization called the Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons also helped organize against the prison proposal, supporting efforts by local residents and prisoners.

“The lawsuit highlighted that both the process and actual building of the Letcher facility conflicted with various federal laws,” said Marianne Cufone, the lead attorney with the virtual law firm Green Justice. “The Bureau of Prisons did the right thing in withdrawing its construction plans.”

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 13

Building Grassroots Power

Northern Kentucky celebrates its 10th Annual Pride event This year northern Kentucky as a community celebrated its 10th Annual Pride on June 13.

The festival in Covington brought out city leaders, including an openly LGBTQ public official, from Covington and Dayton. State representatives Buddy Wheatley and Dennis Keene, local organizations and others helped celebrate the strides made toward equity for LGBTQ+ community members.

As KFTC marched in the parade, numerous people called out thanks for the work we do, celebrating our voter guide, the work we do to connect allies in the community, and appreciation for our vision.

Many people had met us during Pride at one of the various events, including the kick-off at Bircus Brewing (where they released the Y’all Means All Ale) and The Future Is Queer party at Lil’s aimed at bringing together under 21 members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Throughout these events KFTC registered 15 voters, talked with dozens of others, and celebrated the progress that has been made locally.

However, members know there is work to be done.

LGBTQ+ people are impacted by all of KFTC’s issues, because the community is everywhere.

To help recognize this, and think about how to create spaces of belonging, the Northern Kentucky chapter partnered with Northern Kentucky Fairness and the Community of Reason for a workshop to build

a community where ‘Y’all Means All.’ Bonnie Meyer, the LGBTQ Resource Director at Northern Kentucky University, led the workshop. Folks discussed what a Fairness Ordinances is (anti-discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in housing, employment and public accommodations) and which cities in Kentucky have one. And while this is an important step, it alone will not lead us to achieving our vision.

Bonnie shared stories of undocumented students who are members of the community, who face violence The Red Hot Dancing Queens! and discrimination based on who they are, where they are from and who they love. of spaces for LGBTQ+ people, and how Governor Students face insecure housing at college after coming Bevin’s shortsighted economic policies especially harm out, or lose financial assistance from family members LGBTQ+ people. This includes pension policies that at school. People shared stories of the hate they experi- put health departments at risk of closing to proposed enced in their community, and their lives. changes in coverage and work requirements in Med Participants also talked about an increasing lack icaid that give low-income LGBTQ+ even fewer options. And a regressive tax systems means underfunded services for all Kentuckians.

While many in government, both in Kentucky and in the country as a whole, are trying to roll back progress, there have been great steps over the last 15 years. People shared stories about how much more support of the LGBTQ+ community there is across the region, and were hopeful that some basic steps forward would soon be made at the city level in nearby cities.

As Pride celebrations in northern Kentucky end, folks were reminded why this celebration is needed so much. Representation matters. We must see all members of our community, celebrate what they bring and create spaces for conversations on how to celebrate, welcome and honor them.

Just as Black History doesn’t end on February 28, Pride shouldn’t end on June 30.

Members of the Cumberland chapter were excited about getting involved in KFTC ‘s voter empowerment work as they gathered for their annual chapter meeting in June.

Follow the Northern Kentucky chapter on social media: Instagram @northernky_KFTC • Twitter: @NKY_KFTC • Facebook.com/nky.kftc.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

14 | Balancing the Scales

Building Grassroots Power

Hart County Party at the River in Munfordville

By Jarrett Cox, Hart County Every person who is involved in politics has a certain moment that made them want to get involved. I had two of them.

The first one was in 2014 when I was watching an episode of Real Time with Bill Maher and I heard a senator that I had never heard of before: Senator Bernie Sanders. This was before anyone had thrown their hat in the ring to run for president as a Democrat. Listening to Senator Sanders speak made me think that maybe I could run for office someday. How crazy would that be, right?

The second moment was in 2017. I had started attending various political functions in Elizabethtown, looking for a sense of belonging and community. I had already gotten the standard letter from my state representative with the most generic writing possible and a printed signature on it that year. I had thought about running for state representative.

A 25-year old (at the time) college student from Cub Run in Hart County. Surely someone else would

run; I’d knock doors and make calls for them. Surely someone else would step up … right?

It became abundantly clear by the beginning of 2018 that no one would step up. That no one planned to run for the Democratic ticket to be state representative, so it had to be me or no one else. I guess I was that crazy.

I convinced my skeptic parents to sign my forms vouching for me and I ran. Since this isn’t written by Rep. Jarrett Cox (KY-21) you might know how that story ended in 2018.

But something happened in 2018 that is hard for me to explain. I got involved and met some incredible people. I experienced something I found special. I found that sense of community that I was looking for.

And after Election Day, I decided that I didn’t want that to end. I worked with some like-minded progressives in Hart County to organize to do something bigger. I was jokingly called the “token millennial” because I was the youngest of the group of politically active progressives at the age of 26.

This search for something more led me to get involved with Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. I joined in 2018, but due to meetings being in Bowling Green, and me working in Elizabethtown, I just wasn’t

A good good-sized group gathered in Bowling Green for the Southern Kentucky chapter’s annual meeting.

Judy Petersen and Sam Avery holding Judy's KFTC awards for her time spent in Frankfort working against the proposed Aetna Furnace landfill project in the 1980s and ’90s.

able to attend any meetings.

Luckily for me, the current Southern Kentucky KFTC Organizer Apprentice both grew up in the small county of Hart and started working on something special: Party at the River.

At Thelma Stovall Park (named after former Lt. Governor and late Hart County native) in Munfordville on June 15, KFTC members and people interested in the group got together for a cookout and gathering.

Long-time members of KFTC like Judy Peterson talked about a plan to turn the Aetna Furnace quarry into a landfill for surrounding counties in the 1980s being what got her involved with the group. She proudly displayed a “This IS my vacation” award given to her by KFTC for using her vacation days from work to go to Frankfort and help get the proposal defeated.

The proposal would have threatened Rio Springs and the Green River, and she has been a proud member of KFTC ever since.

A great group of political veterans along with some newcomers to the work discussed issues affecting the citizens of Hart County, as well as KFTC having a presence in the county for the first time in decades.

There are plans in the works to do some tabling at local events to register voters and connect voters to issues, like health care, in our community.

Whatever comes of it, I’m glad to see my neck of the woods engaged again.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 15

Building Grassroots Power

Rolling Bluegrass celebrates Food: Our Common Connection community and improve our chapter’s organizing skills through team work. All this while learning about food insecurity and healthy eating!

Food is love, and is a key part of creating any Despite predicted stormy weather, the day ended community. This was especially clear at the Rolling up being fairly mild, with rain only spitting intermitBluegrass first ever grassroots food fair! tently.

More than 50 people came out to our Food: Our Folks in the community could tell that something Common Connection exciting was going on at Ed Davis Park by the big col Our chapter came to the idea by wanting to dis- orful “cruising café” school bus. The ‘cruising café’ is cuss issues of food insecurity, and access to healthy a ‘meals on wheels’ service provided by Scott County food. Along the way we were able to build stronger Schools to help address summer break food insecurity with children.

Me m b e r s b ro u g h t and shared a lot of great healthy homemade food, a silent auction of food items, and cookbooks. We even had drawings for free food for folks who joined us!

Local artist Rosemary Wimpling masterfully lead a food printing workshop. This was engaging for kids of all ages!

The event also featured Members shared food and celebrated what food means to their community. wonderful resources like

By Rosanne Klarer

Scott County residents stand against landfill Hundreds of local residents came out to Scott County High School June 3 to speak about proposed changes to the Scott County Waste Management Plan. Residents have been fighting an expansion of the landfill, and the Scott County Fiscal Court is now considering changes to the plan to reduce future waste stored there.

Resident after resident mentioned the impact the existing landfill has had on day-to-day lives – air quality concerns, breathing concerns, dangerous traffic conditions, and repeated offenses by the landfill regarding environmental violations. As the county continues to grow, and waste from other communities is shipped in, the current situation cannot remain the same.

These common refrains often were focused on two essential questions: What do we want people to say about the communities where we live? And what kind of place do we want to leave to the next generation of Scott County residents?

People talked about how welcoming Scott County was to their families, the growth in local businesses and the opportunities people have. They also pointed to the increasing inability to spend time outside because of the landfill, and how the infamy of the landfill was coloring how many people saw northern Scott County.

Long-term concerns came up again and again.

Folks acknowledged that the world is changing, and we need to figure out how to reduce the waste we produce – promoting curbside recycling and reducing our waste, but also thinking about those who are most impacted: youth, older folks and people with health issues.

The Scott County Fiscal Court will be deciding between two choices: closing the landfill entirely or reducing the source and amount of garbage going in.

Regardless of what they decide, the meeting helped move forward the conversation around reducing waste.

Millie Conway (left) and Leslie Bebensee talk about farm issues in Kentucky. Leslie brought her ponies from Kokovoko Farm for folks to ride, while the rain held off.

the NAACP, Community Farm Alliance, LexVeg, local health departments, and more!

Many of the resources were represented by our 10 wonderful speakers. From the Amen House, God’s Pantry, also shared the important work they provide in fighting hunger in our communities.

To liven things up, we also had music from local 9-piece ukulele band, The Hot Cookies of the Bluegrass. They had us in sing-alongs, and entertained with some great songs with food themes!

Candidates for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture also came by, including Democratic candidate Robert Hayley Conway, and Republican incumbent Ryan Quarles. Both are from Scott County. Joshua Gilpin, the Libertarian candidate, could not attend.

Attendees were excited to learn more about the candidates, and are looking forward to seeing all three candidates’ response in KFTC’s voter guide!

We were incredibly thankful to have Colmon Elridge be our Master of Ceremonies. Colmon is a member of the God’s Pantry Board of Directors, and kept things moving.

Everyone left with a commitment to do this event again next summer, with several attendees volunteering to be a part of the planning committee!

Follow the Rolling Bluegrass chapter’s work on social media – Twitter: @RBG_KFTC, Facebook: www.facebook.com/rbg.kftc

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

16 | Balancing the Scales

Building Grassroots Power

KFTC and community members meet in Buffalo Trace area On June 29, more than 20 KFTC members and folks interested in finding out more about KFTC met up in Maysville for an informal get-together. The vast majority of people in the room came from Robertson, Bracken, Fleming and Mason counties – counties often referred to as the “Buff a l o Tr a c e” a re a , w h e re K F TC d o e s Nick Denham not currently have a chapter.

KFTC members Susan McGee (Robertson County) and Barbara Morgan (Bracken County) organized the Meet and Greet after several months of planning. Over the past year, McGee and Morgan had become more involved in KFTC through hosting a Power House Energy Efficiency workshop, attending the 2018 KFTC Annual Meeting and doing some voter registration and door-knocking during last year’s General Election.

McGee also participated in the second cohort of the KFTC Organizing Academy. As their involvement deepened, both McGee and Morgan were excited to scope out the interest from their friends, families and networks had in local grassroots organizing.

McGee facilitated the agenda of the three-hour Meet and Greet, which was held at Lil Jumbo’s Coffee Company in Maysville, owned

by KFTC member Sean Connelly.

Nick Denham, a well-known local musician, played music while KFTC members and friends mingled.

Barbara Morgan (left) and Susan McGee facilitated a discussion The group then introduced at the Buffalo Trace gathering. They talked about the voter emthemselves and the issues they felt powerment and building grassroots power efforts they have been most passionately about – everything involved with. from meaningful voter empowerment to trans liberation to the adequate funding of adheres to in order to create meaningful change. public education.

“Where does power come from? Talking. And Member Jill Dew, who lives in Northern Ken- listening. The stories [Susan and I] heard doing voter tucky, reflected that “if you want to make change, registration were powerful!” she reflected. you have to do it locally!” Morgan then shared her By the end of the event, the group had set a story of becoming more politically activated, and date to meet again on July 27 at 2 p.m., again at Lil walked folks through the strategies and issues KFTC Jumbo’s. They also planned to gather on July 9 to train themselves on how to register voters in their community. All are welcome to join!

At kftc, you count!

Lots of new and familiar faces were in the room for the Jefferson County annual chapter meeting on June 10.

Members made plans for powerful Action for Democracy work and set ambitious goals of 1,000 new members and $6,000 in grassroots fundraising for the coming year.

•

You’re part of a community of people who share a vision for Kentucky.

•

You impact issues that are important to you. You receive information, training and opportunities to speak directly with decision makers.

•

You amplify your voice and build New Power. Working together, we do so much more than any of us can do alone.

•

You get fellowship and fun with others who share your values.

We are Kentuckians.

We choose each other.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Balancing the Scales | 17

On the following pages is all the information needed to participate fully in KFTC’s 2019 Annual Membership Meeting.

Introduction to the weekend and theme Page 18 Meet our featured speaker Page 18 The weekend’s Schedule of Activities Page 19 Annual Leadership Elections Pages 20-22 Proposed 2019-2020 Platform Pages 23-28 Registration Form Page 29 Once registered you’ll be able to plan your weekend using Sched on your mobile device.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

18 | Balancing the Scales

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Understanding, growing and celebrating KFTC’s year-round Action for Democracy We know we can have a Kentucky where all of us can thrive. But we have to change the narrative about what’s possible in Kentucky. And we have to elect leaders who will show up with us and for us.

We do that by building inclusive, unstoppable leadership – from the grassroots up.

That will be the focus as KFTC members from across Kentucky gather August 2-4 in Berea for KFTC’s Annual Membership Meeting.

We’ll learn more about how KFTC’s voter engagement strategy goes hand-in-hand with our issue organizing, and how together we build grassroots power to create lasting change in Kentucky.

We’ll challenge ourselves to go ‘all in’ to build grassroots power – year round – to win on election day, increase civic engagement, build a healthy democracy, and pass progressive local, state and federal legislation that improves the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

We’ll meet on the campus of Berea College for a weekend of great guest speakers, workshops, social activities and more. The gathering is family-friendly.

Childcare will be offered, and youth are encouraged to participate in all sessions.

The weekend begins Friday evening at 7 p.m.

Then we begin Saturday morning with an opening session where we orient ourselves to the space and theme of the weekend and begin to dig into a great day of learning and sharing.

Participants will have the opportunity on Saturday to attend two break-out sessions of their choice from a great lineup of eight different workshops. An afternoon break on Saturday will give folks a chance to stretch their legs or relax our minds. Optional recreational and educational activities will be offered during the break.

We’ll come back together on Saturday evening for a fun awards ceremony that recognizes the hard and important work of KFTC leaders throughout the year, and also hear from a powerful, engaging keynote speaker (see below).

Sunday morning we’ll have a closing session, which includes our democratic, grassroots business meeting.

A schedule is on page 19 and online at kftc.org/ annual-meeting. Final details and speaker bios will be added online as the program takes shape.

Lodging will be provided in the college dorms.

All dorms are fully air-conditioned, and accessible rooms are available. If for some reason the dorms will

not work for your lodging needs, you can indicate that when you register and we will work with you to find appropriate accommodations.

If you have questions before you register, please contact KFTC staff person Michael Harrington at michael@kftc.org or 859-756-4027.

Don’t delay. Register now (online at kftc.org/ annual-meeting-registration or use the form on page 29). We expect to fill up quickly, so reserve your spot today. Scholarships are available by request.

2019 keynote speaker: Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson The KFTC Leadership Development Committee has confirmed Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson as the keynote speaker at the annual membership meeting. She is the co-executive director of the Highlander Research & Education Center in New Market, Tennessee and the first black woman to serve in that position.

Woodard Henderson is a 33-year-old Affrilachian (Black Appalachian), working class woman, born and raised in southeast Tennessee. She has served as president of the Black Affairs Association at East

Tennessee State University and the Rho Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

She is a long-time activist working around issues of mountaintop removal mining, and environmental racism in central and southern Appalachia, and has served on the National Council of the Student Environmental Ac-

tion Coalition.

She is an active participant and nationally recognized leader in the Movement for Black Lives and is on the governance council of the Southern Move-

ment Assembly.

Most recently, Woodard Henderson was featured on the 2019 Frederick Douglass 200, a list of 200 individuals who best embody the spirit and work of Frederick Douglass, one of the most influential figures in history.

The Highlander Center is a social justice leadership training school and cultural center in Tennessee founded in 1932. Through popular education, language justice, participatory research, cultural work, and intergenerational organizing, they help create spaces – at Highlander and in communities – where people gain knowledge, hope and courage, expanding their ideas of what is possible.

Woodard Henderson’s speech will be on Saturday evening during the annual membership meeting.

Find all the details about the annual meeting at: kftc.org/annual-meeting

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 19

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Schedule of Activities FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 4 p.m.

Registration Opens

6 p.m.

Dinner

7 p.m.

Changing the Landscape: Running for Office as a Woman and Person of Color in Kentucky.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring women and people of color who have recently run for office in Kentucky sharing their experiences and insights.

9 p.m.

Social Activity – film screening, Berea music festival, KFTC game night, more SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

7:30 a.m. Registration Opens and Breakfast 9 a.m.

Morning Program and Opening

10:15 a.m. Group Photo 10:45 a.m. Workshops Round 1(choose one) Skill Up! Action For Democracy Tools for Grassroots Leaders – To win in 2019 and 2020, it’s going to take all of us. Through hands-on mini-trainings, you’ll learn how to have these conversations through new digital tools, life hacks for talking with strangers, and social-science-based strategies to make your message more effective. You’ll leave the workshop feeling more confident to talk with your family, friends, and neighbors about the role elections can play in the issues that matter to them.

Who We Are & What We Do: Introduction to KFTC and Grassroots Organizing – Are you new to Kentuckians For The Commonwealth or are unfamiliar with grassroots organizing? This workshop is a great way to learn about KFTC, what grassroots organizing is and isn’t, and why we believe organizing is the best way to build grassroots power, develop leaders and create long-lasting change.

From Apathy to Action: Climate Talk that Works – Are you talking about climate change with your friends and family? For a lot of Kentuckians, we avoid talking about it because it feels like climate change isn’t something that resonates with our communities.

In this workshop, participants will build a collective

set of skills and strategies to talk about climate change in a way that moves us from apathy to action. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how climate change impacts us in Kentucky and concrete examples of how and why we must act on climate.

Building Resiliency Through Mindfulness: Finding Balance in an Imbalanced World – When something challenging happens, how well do you recover?

Well-being and resilience are skills we can learn and cultivate in our personal lives, our organizing and our communities. In this workshop we’ll discuss what is mindfulness, different mindfulness practices, and collectively share skills and resources that are available in our areas so we can leave the workshop being more equipped to build resiliency into our life.

Second Chances: Voting Rights for People with Felonies in Their Past – Part of building a healthy, participatory democracy means that voting includes everyone. But one in eleven voting-age Kentuckians don’t have the right to vote because Kentucky has the harshest felony disenfranchisement laws in the U.S. We’ll learn what we can do in our individual chapters and communities to make history and restore voting rights to thousands of Kentuckians!

Disability Justice 101: Community Care for Every Body – In this workshop, participants will examine how ableism intersects with other socially constructed identities to reinforce systemic oppression. Participants will be introduced to disability justice principles and explore strategies for advancing accessibility, inclusion and liberation. Attendees will be challenged to think critically about how people living with both visible and invisible disabilities might experience erasure, discrimination, microaggressions and violence.

They will imagine alternatives to the messages in our society that keeps us separate and gives privilege to those more able-bodied.

Democracy in Action: Engaging and Empowering a Base of Kentucky Voters – Do you want to learn how you can engage and empower voters in your community? KFTC believes that fostering relationships with voters before, during and after election day is key to building a progressive political base.

And door-to-door canvassing is the best way to build relationships with voters and empower them to take action all year long. This workshop will give you the tools for planning and running a door-to-door can-

Once you register you can download to your mobile device all program details and plan your weekend on the Sched platform. vass in your community.

My New Kentucky Home: Renovating Housing Policy – Home is a place to spend time with loved ones, rest and rejuvenate for the day to come. But for many Kentuckians, this isn’t an option. We have an opportunity to take down the walls and barriers to housing and renovate Kentucky’s housing policy. Alison Johnson of Housing Justice League in Atlanta will help us by sharing about Georgia’s recent passage of a statewide housing bill Angela Briggs will share stories and experience from field organizing for renters’ rights in Barren County.

12:15 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Workshops Round 2

(same set of workshops as Round 1) 3 p.m.

Afternoon Break – enjoy free time or join a tour of the Berea Urban Farm with Sustainable Berea

5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:45 p.m. Keynote and Awards Ceremony 9:30 p.m. Trivia Night!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 7:30 a.m. Breakfast 9 a.m.

Up From the Grassroots: Building Inclusive, Unstoppable Leadership In this dynamic session, we will use music, stories and visuals to understand what grassroots, community leadership looks like, celebrate the contributions grassroots leaders make in Kentucky, and build out where our grassroots leadership needs to go in 2019 and beyond.

10:30 a.m. Annual Business Meeting and

Closing Session This is the time when we review and vote on KFTC’s issue platform, elect statewide officers, and approve new and returning KFTC chapters.

12 p.m.

Adjourn

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

20 | Balancing the Scales

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Election of Leaders Nominees named for KFTC, Ky Coalition leadership positions The KFTC Leadership Development Committee recommended, and the Steering Committee has approved a slate of candidates for KFTC’s Executive Committee and the Kentucky Coalition board (see page 22) that is diverse, highly qualified and exemplifies KFTC’s commitment to shared leadership.

The nominees will be considered for election by the members present at the Annual Business Meeting in August 4 in Berea.

The Leadership Development Committee developed these recommendations over the course of two video calls in June after receiving 40 nominations

from KFTC members and chapters across the state.

Committee members reviewed profiles of each of the nominees, including key roles and involvement with KFTC and the broader community, information about who made the nominations and any reasons given for nominating each person.

KFTC Executive Committee KFTC’s Executive Committee consists of five officers who also serve on KFTC’s Steering Committee and who make necessary decisions between Steering

Committee meetings. Four members of the Executive Committee are elected. The fifth position is for the immediate past chair. The Secretary-Treasurer also serves as chair of the Finance Committee.

To serve on the Executive Committee, a person must be a current member of KFTC, may not be an employee or immediate family member of an employee of KFTC or the Kentucky Coalition, and may not serve more than two consecutive one-year terms in the same position.

The Leadership Development Committee is tasked with putting together a diverse slate of four qualified candidates, taking into account a diversity of characteristics including gender, age, race, income, educational backgrounds of various sorts, place of residence, level of involvement in the local chapter and statewide organization, and issue interests.

In addition to the above criteria, there are a number of desired traits the Leadership Development Committee keeps in mind as it considers individuals nominated to serve. These criteria have been developed by the committee over time. They seek people who: • • •

• •

•

• • •

Are visionaries who connect underserved and marginalized folks together Reflect the diversity of our membership (gender, age, race, income, geography, issue, etc.)

Are good financial advocates and fundraisers (an authentic person who is effective and willing to tell their own story and KFTC’s story, and to ask others to invest in our work) Have a good working relationship with staff and executive director Demonstrate a commitment to KFTC’s vision and values, and take an intersectional approach to our work, actively seeking out connections among our issues.

Are knowledgeable about KFTC’s program of work (have experience working with a statewide committee and/or the Steering Committee and/ or a local chapter) Listen well and build consensus Are respectful and work well with others (not controlling or domineering) See issues from others' points of view and work continued on next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 21

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Election of Leaders Nominations for KFTC, Ky Coalition leadership positions continued from previous page toward consensus Are good at thinking through complex organizational challenges Are good at developing strategies and plans Keep the larger picture in view and operate on the basis of what’s best for the whole organization Stand up for what they think is best for KFTC but be willing to accede to others opinions

•

The current Executive Committee and the status of the office-holders is:

•

• • • •

• •

The chairperson is Meta Mendel-Reyes. She has served two years, and is not eligible for another term in that position. She will be come the immediate past chair.

The vice-chairperson is Cassia Herron. She has served one year and is eligible for another term in that position. She is the nominee for chairperson.

The secretary-treasurer is Christian Torp. He has served two years as secretary-treasurer and is not eligible for another term in that position but may serve in another position.

The at-large representative is Amy Copeland. She has served one year in the position and is eligible

•

for another term.

The at-large representative is Mary Love. She has served one year as an at-large representative. She is a nominee for the Kentucky Coalition board (see page 22).

NOTE: The fifth position on the Executive Committee is typically filled by the Immediate Past Chair. The former past chair resigned in 2018, so the open position was filled by Mary Love, who has served a little more than one year in this position. KFTC’s current chair, Meta Mendel-Reyes, will rotate into this position this year.

Nominees for the KFTC Executive Committee positions CHAIRPERSON: Cassia Herron has served on KFTC’s Executive Committee for the last year. Locally, she supported the Jefferson County Chapter’s “We Are Kentuckians” event, and event which seeks to honor African American women and Black culture in Kentucky. She is experienced in community organizing and has previously worked with union organizers and trainers with the Highlander Center. She also has experience working with the Community Farm Alliance, and works extensively with issues of economic development and food access.

She provided consistent and sustained leadership to the Empower Kentucky campaign, and she’s provided leadership in KFTC’s work for collective liberation and inclusivity in the Steering Committee and through her work with the Executive Committee.

VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Alan Smith is an active member of the Southern Kentucky Chapter and has been dedicated to the chapter since he began to get involved right around the time the chapter was founded. Alan has served on the Economic Justice Committee and Voter Empowerment Strategy Team,

and has served on the Steering Committee for three years and the Kentucky Coalition Board for one year. He’s continued to support statewide issues by participating in events like A Seat at the Table and Hear Our Health. Locally, he was active on voter empowerment strategy and voter registration efforts, fundraising and at-home lobby meetings – right up until his wife Jeannie ran a phenomenal campaign for state senate this past fall, when he had to pivot for a bit! Alan is now supporting KFTC’s collaboration with the Poor People’s Campaign. Alan has provided consistent, insightful, and reliable leadership to KFTC for many years.

S E C R E TA RY- T R E A SURER: Rebecca Tucker is truly a life-long member of KFTC. She’s been serving as the Madison County Steering Committee Representative after serving a year as the chapter’s alternate. She’s been a valued leader, always asking qual-

ity questions and moving the work forward. Rebecca serves on KFTC’s Economic Justice Committee and Leadership Development Committee, and is a valued and active participant on both. She also is an active supporter of local work, helping to plan chapter fundraisers, guiding and participating in local Democracy Team and issue work, and supporting Madison County’s interns and student workers.

AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE: Fannie MaddenGrider is a very involved member in Rowan County, serving as the Rowan County Steering Committee Representative. Fannie is a graduate of the first KFTC Organizing Academy cohort, and helped develop trainings for the next Academy cohort. She’s also active in the Rowan County chapter. She was a leading force in Rowan County's voter outreach in 2018, and helped organize numerous events through KFTC and Indivisible in Morehead – from a town hall on taxes and pensions to a "potluck picnic for progressives." Fannie’s political and electoral analyses are valued by the Steering Committee and by her chapter, as are her interest in developing leaders and building community.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

22 | Balancing the Scales

Kentucky Coalition Board nominees The Kentucky Coalition is the tax-exempt organization affiliated with KFTC. It supports leadership development programs and other charitable activities of KFTC. The Kentucky Coalition board includes the five members of the KFTC Executive Committee plus three additional members elected by KFTC’s membership at the Annual Business Meeting.

To be eligible for one of the three elected positions on the Kentucky Coalition board, a person must be a current member of KFTC, may not be an employee or immediate family member of an employee of KFTC or Kentucky Coalition, and may not serve more than four consecutive one-year terms.

The Leadership Development Committee considers all nominees and works to develop a diverse slate of three qualified candidates, taking into account a diversity of characteristics including gender, age, race, income, educational backgrounds, place of residence, level of involvement in the local chapter and statewide organization, and issue interests.

Desired qualities for the Kentucky Coalition board include the list of traits used for the Executive Committee, plus: people with prior experience on the KFTC Steering Committee or Finance Committee, people committed to thoughtful stewardship of resources, and people who do not currently serve as their chapter’s Steering Committee representative. That last item is not legally required, but it is desirable.

The following members currently serve on the KC Board: NOMINEES Ezra Dike was a member when he lived in Jefferson County, then moved to Rowan County, where he served as the Steering Committee alternate, then stepped in to serve as the Representative for a time. He is now an active member in the Cumberland Chapter and serves on the Finance Committee. He has supported trainings and workshops, and a public defender, has consistently offered his perspective on legal matters, including helping the organization understand what it would entail to advocate for providing state funded legal representation to those involved in civil court proceedings.

Adam Funck serves on the Steering Committee for the Madison County chapter. He formerly worked with KFTC as the student organizer for Berea College in partnership with the school’s CELTS department which connects students with service learning opportunities. He is passionate about nonviolence, immigrant’s rights and environmental justice. He has actively supported voter engagement work in the Madison County chapter area, and has deep experience with canvassing and phone banking. He is a very involved member of the local chapter and has been integral in the chapter’s fundraising efforts.

He has recently attended a training in Virginia with KFTC members to learn about racial justice with the Virginia Organizing Project. He also attended the Washington, D.C. Poor People’s Campaign event.

Mary Love lives in Oldham County is active in the Jefferson County KFTC chapter. She currently serves on the Executive Committee. She has served as co-chair of the Land Reform Committee, as well as on KFTC’s Leadership Development, New Energy and Transition, and Litigation committees. Mary has represented KFTC in a number of state and regional coalitions, including the Alliance for Appalachia, Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance, and Extreme Energy Summit. Mary lobbies and testifies frequently on KFTC issues, including clean energy, water quality and mining issues, payday lending, and telephone deregulation. Mary served on the Steering Committee for several years, and is a retired Presbyterian minister.

Annual meeting checklist √ If you haven’t already, please register.

Use the form on page 29 or online at kftc.org/annual-meeting-registration. √ Make sure your membership dues are current so you can vote at the annual business meeting for statewide officers and the platform. Renew at kftc. org/support or become a Sustaining Giver with the form on page 30.

Are you crafty?

A collector?

A great cook?

Here’s your chance to share your passion and support KFTC.

Each year at our annual meeting we have a silent auction. It’s a great opportunity for quilters, jam makers, painters, photographers and collectors to bring something special and raise funds for KFTC’s work.

This year’s annual meeting is August 2-4 at Berea College. Now’s a great time to start working on a special item you can contribute to support KFTC and make the weekend more fun. Items are on display all day Saturday, and the bidding creates some friendly competition.

Hand-made items are especially popular, and gently used items like pottery and art are also welcome. But please resist the urge to bring everything you would put in a yard sale – KFTC will have to pack up everything that doesn’t sell. A well-chosen item or two will be much appreciated!

And here’s another idea: you can donate a service or an experience. A massage, cooking lesson, or gift certificate to a bed-and-breakfast make great silent auction items.

If you have questions about the silent auction, give us a call at 606-878-2161.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 23

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Platform Process

KFTC’s Proposed 2019-2020 Platform What is the KFTC platform?

The KFTC platform is a statement of KFTC’s public position on issues. It reflects important issues and concerns that have been identified by our membership over the years on which we’ve taken a position. If something is in the platform, chapters can engage in work on that issue. The platform is not our public vision or mission statement. It is an internal document used to help allow chapters and clusters of members to work in KFTC’s name on issues.

What is the process for revising the platform?

1. At the chapter annual meetings in May and

June, each chapter discussed the platform and made, if it chose to do so, recommendations to the Steering Committee.

2. The Steering Committee discussed these suggestions at its July 6 meeting, accepting, revising or declining each recommendation. They approved the draft platform, printed on the following pages, to recommend for adoption to the members at the annual meeting.

3. At the Annual Meeting, all of these recommendations are explained, discussed and considered during the business portion of the meeting (Sunday morning, August 4). Members can make additional recommendations to the draft platform at this time. Each recommendation is

voted on unless there is a motion to accept the entire platform as proposed. At the end there is a vote to accept the entire platform as proposed or amended.

4. Members in good standing (current in their membership dues) are eligible to vote.

The flow chart below illustrates this process.

On the following pages is the proposed platform as approved by the Steering Committee. Included is information about each proposed change, including the chapter that suggested the change and their reasoning for the suggestion. In some cases the Steering Committee accepted the intent proposed by the chapter but edited the plank for clarity, consistency or simplicity.

Platform Suggestion Criteria •

•

•

• •

•

Does the proposed change actually clarify our position on an issue?

Does it make more clear what a chapter can or cannot do in the name of KFTC? Does the proposed change reflect the shared values of KFTC, as we understand them? Is it aligned with our vision?

Does the proposed platform change reflect current organizing by our members or chapters, or that members and chapters have a clear intention to initiate?

Do we believe the proposed change reflects broadly shared agreement within KFTC’s membership?

Is the proposed change likely to be divisive within the KFTC membership? If so, are we in a good position to manage that division and discussion at this time?

Do we have the capacity – the time, knowledge, and staff & leader resources – at this time to take on the additional work required for the addition of this platform recommendation?

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

24 | Balancing the Scales

KFTC’s Proposed 2019-2020 Platform To be discussed and voted on at the Annual Business Meeting, August 4, 2019 Proposed additions are in Bold caps.

Proposed deleted words are struckthrough.

Preamble Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is a statewide, grassroots organization working for a new balance of power and a just society. As we work together we build our strength, individually and as a group, and find solutions to real life problems. We use direct action to challenge – and change – unfair political, economic and social systems. Our membership is open to all people who are committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change. KFTC’s goals of organizing are: (1) fostering democratic values, (2) changing unjust institutions, (3) empowering people and communities, (4) helping people participate, (5) overcoming racism and other discrimination, (6) communicating a message of what is possible, (7) building organizations, (8) winning issues that affect the common welfare, and (9) having fun.

We are working to create a society that focuses on supporting the human

Proposed by the Madison County chapter. Explanation: This change needs to be made to both align our preamble with the rest of our platform document a and to ensure understanding among membership during our changing and often dangerous political time.

rights of all people. We are social justice organization. We believe that all people must be treated with respect and dignity regardless of ability, age, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic.

We are working to build New Power – new economic, energy, and political power – in Kentucky and the nation. New Power consists of a new economy, a diverse homegrown economy good for all people, an economy that is just and sustains workers, communities, and the environment. New Power includes new energy that is clean, renewable, affordable, and generates jobs for our workers. New Power means a new democracy that includes, respects, and represents everyone.

1. We understand that the global climate is changing as a result of human activity. The changes already underway have profound effects on our weather, our water, our food, our economy, world politics and the natural environment. And we understand, if not checked, climate change will have a catastrophic impact on the entire globe. Specifically:

e. We will fight to protect Kentucky’s precious water resources including ensuring safe, accessible and affordable water for all Kentuckians.

a. As Kentuckians, we are committed to working here at home and with communities across the nation and around the world to prevent catastrophic climate change by working for a just transition.

g. We oppose fracking and fracturing drilling technology until such time it is proven safe.

b. We believe that a just transition is one that celebrates our cultures and invests in communities and workers who currently depend on the old economy.

2. Since clean air, water and land are every Kentuckian’s right, KFTC will work to protect and preserve a clean environment and to protect health and bio-diversity by working for stronger regulations and better enforcement. Specifically: a. We oppose the use of the mountaintop removal method of surface coal mining and valley fills that bury perennial, intermittent and ephemeral streams. b. We will work for a sustainable forestry products industry [non-timber and wood products] for Kentucky that relies on ecologically sound forest management and the use of Best Management Practices on public and private lands. c. We will work to preserve and protect publicly owned lands and their natural resources. d. We oppose on every front the rollback of the authority and funding for agencies and services that protect the environment and the rights of surface owners.

f. We demand reasonable regulation of oil and gas drilling including protection and replacement of water and reclamation of damaged land.

h. We oppose the construction of new pipelines, or the repurposing of existing pipelines, to carry oil, fracked gas or its by-products, tar sands oil or any toxic substances because of the proven vulnerability of pipelines to leaks and explosions that can adversely affect residents. i.

We demand full enforcement of laws and regulations related to the mining, transportation and burning of coal in order to protect water resources, prevent blasting damage, and require the reclamation of land and permitting of secondary roads used for hauling coal.

j.

We oppose the use of dangerous coal sludge impoundments and call for the development of emergency action plans for communities living near impoundments.

k. We support a robust set of policies that make family farms an economically viable livelihood, ensure clean air and water, and healthy foods for communities. We oppose the environmental and economic destruction of industrial farming. l.

We oppose importation of all solid, hazardous and special wastes including those related to fracturing. We promote local control over land-use decisions involving landfills, incinerators, and related facilities.

continued on next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Proposed Platform … continued from previous page

Balancing the Scales | 25 Proposed additions are in Bold caps.

Proposed deleted words are struckthrough.

m. Recognizing the high costs and deadly effects of uranium mining, processing, and waste disposal, we oppose the expansion of nuclear power.

b. We will work to strengthen and enforce ethics codes for elected and appointed officials.

n. We will work to protect air quality to ensure the health and safety of Kentuckians.

c. We support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution making it clear that corporations are not people and money is not speech. Furthermore, we will work to eliminate the connections between money in political campaigns and governments that are non-responsive to the people.

o. We support local and statewide policies to ensure smoke-free workplaces. p. We will support reducing the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, the right of the public to know the nature of pesticides and herbicides applied, and the right of a local government to have more stringent control of pesticide and herbicides use. q. We promote source reduction, recycling, strong procurement policies for recycled products and a bottle bill. r. We will oppose environmental racism and classism, or the practice of locating polluting industries and waste facilities near low-income and minority communities, and in neighborhoods where people are least able to fight back. s. We support strengthening present timber theft laws in Kentucky to protect forests and private property rights. t.

We support protection of biodiversity, including endangered species.

u. We favor strong conservation representation on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission.

3. We will fight to protect surface owners from the abuses by extractive industries. Specifically: a. We demand that the broad form deed amendment be fully enforced by all levels of government. b. We support a change in property laws so that a minority owner of an undivided interest cannot allow the sale, leasing or mining of land or minerals against the wishes of the majority of owners. c. We demand that oil and gas operators have permission of surface owners before they drill. d. We support the property rights of all landowners and will work to ensure these rights are exercised responsibly and equitably so as not to unfairly compromise the interests of the public, the environment, or surrounding property owners.

4. We will work to empower voters and expand authentic, democratic participation that makes government open, honest, and responsive to the needs of the people. Specifically: a. We will fight to protect the local control of solid waste management and siting, and support strong host agreements before permits are issued by the state.

d. We support campaign spending limits and public financing of elections to reduce the amount spent on elections and the power of big money contributors. e. We will work to make state and local economic development authorities accountable to the people. f. We demand easy access and an end to the overly bureaucratic procedures necessary to obtain open records in Kentucky. g. We support equitable access to state funds for roads and public transit. h. We support local communities’ cooperation on common issues. i.

We oppose closed-door meetings and decision-making not open to the public when used to block public participation or transparency.

j.

We support restoring voting rights to former felons. We support programs that promote the positive re-entry of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated prisoners into our communities.

k. We oppose all forms of voter suppression and support policies that facilitate full democratic participation, including improved civics education and accommodations for people with disabilities and those currently or potentially eligible to vote that are currently incarcerated in local jails. l.

We support automatic and same day new voter registration.

Proposed by the Rowan County chapter.

Explanation: The chapter had a conversation about how an important barrier to voter empowerment in Kentucky is lack of access to, or insufficient forms of, civics education. A hands-on understanding of basic civics and the public's role in shaping our political landscape is something we'd like to support.

Proposed by the Cumberland and Rowan chapters. Explanation: This change is needed because it's a focal point of the voting rights movement right now. It will make voter registration easier for more folks.

m. We oppose the practice of partisan gerrymandering in drawing political districts, which strips communities of their democratic power and compromises the integrity of our political process. n. We support voting methods, such as ranked choice voting, that ensure election outcomes that more accurately represent diverse views of populations.

continued on next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

26 | Balancing the Scales

Proposed Platform … continued from previous page

o. We oppose the subversion of democracy through inappropriate state takeovers of duly elected local governing bodies. p. We support electing the U.S. president by popular vote.

Proposed additions are in Bold caps.

Proposed deleted words are struckthrough.

Proposed by the Rowan County chapter. Explanation: The reason for this plank is that the "winner-take-all" model for obtaining a state's electoral votes have contributed to a flawed electoral college system, in which candidates don't consider some states important because they consider the statewide outcome a foregone conclusion, and in which a candidate could not win the national popular vote but still become president.

q. We call for an expungement program that is accessible and free for those eligible.

Proposed by the Central Kentucky chapter. Explanation: The recent drop in expungement fees to $250 (from $500) in Kentucky has raised a critical question about the barriers to a healthy and full life that this fee creates, especially for poor and working class folks with felony convictions. We believe that the barrier should be eliminated altogether, and that expungement process should be made free and accessible to all who are eligible.

5. We will fight to create a just economy that sustains communities, families and individuals, promotes health, protects resources for the future, and supports social investment that eliminates structural poverty. We support communities that value socio-economic diversity. Specifically: a. We will work with all interested parties, including recipients, to develop a welfare and benefits system that serves the community as a whole, provides a safety net, helps people move forward, and treats people fairly and with dignity and due process. b. We will work for an economic development process that is open, sustainable, supportive of local economies, and sees that companies receiving public money for job creation provide training, safe working conditions, health benefits and a living wage and transition away from a fossil fuel extraction industry. KFTC does not support prison expansion as a means of economic development. c. We support public policies and utility programs that minimize utility customer shutoffs due to inability to pay and we will work to eliminate customer shutoffs during extreme weather conditions and medical emergencies.

We support energy conservation programs, the implementation of percentage of income payment plans and fair access to utility services including local gas hookups. d. We support policies aimed at significantly increasing the development of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and clean renewable energy sources in Kentucky, ultimately leading toward climate neutrality. e. We seek energy policies that promote the development of community-scale, locally owned renewable energy sources, create local jobs, and help lowwealth households, enterprises, and communities to access energy efficiency measures and clean energy solutions.

f. We support funding effective and efficient community services through an equitable, fair, and progressive tax structure. g. We support the continued fair taxation of unmined minerals. h. We support the collection of coal severance taxes on every ton of coal mined and demand an increasing return of severance tax funds to promote sustainable economic development in coalfield counties; we further support at least one-percent of coal severance taxes collected be put in a permanent trust fund that will be used by and for the communities where the coal was extracted for the purpose of creating a more diverse and sustainable economy; we call for an increase in the severance tax rate and the creation of a community-based process to determine how funds are spent. i.

We call for demand a system of high quality public education that is transparent and fully funded, including preschool early childhood education through higher education that is accessible and affordable for all Kentuckians.

j.

We support policies that are in favor of reducing the economic burden of higher education.

Proposed by the Wilderness Trace chapter. Explanation: To clarify that there is public education not included in the description of "preschoolhigher education," add language around "fully-funded" to acknowledge the current and historic underfunding crisis, and strengthen the language from "call" to "demand.

k. We object to the dominance of corporate interests in the decision-making, values and priorities of our public and private educational institutions at all levels. We oppose for-profit charter schools and vouchers. l.

We support economic reform through the use and support of sustainable agriculture.

m. We support affordable access to nutritious and healthful foods for all people. n. We advocate for quality, affordable, comprehensive health care including but not limited to preventive health care, preventative dental and vision care, mental health services, prevention of infectious diseases including HIV prevention and care, reproductive health services including access to abortion, comprehensive addiction treatment and long-term care for all Kentuckians, and we affirm our support for a single payer health care system. o. We support a comprehensive approach – and investments – that recognize good health is determined by a wide range of social and economic factors such as education, social welfare, housing, income, and environmental conditions, as well as traditional health factors. p. We support the right to a living wage for all Kentuckians that provides adequate income for housing, health care, education and basic necessities.

We oppose wage discrimination based on gender, race, ability, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic

continued on next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Proposed Platform … continued from previous page q. We oppose exploitation of labor, including prison labor and unjust international trade programs and demand an end to the use and sale of sweatshopmade products.

Proposed by the Western Kentucky chapter. Explanation: Prison labor is a part of what sustains the prison industrial complex by making prisons profitable and exploiting the labor of those forced into the system. Given the recent national attention to prison labor, we feel it is important to make a clear statement about our position on the issue. While our platform does make a statement about the exploitation of labor, the plank only refers explicitly to sweat shops. The plank regarding mass incarceration does not address prison labor as part of the system. We feel it necessary to explicitly address the exploitation of prison labor in order to expand and clarify this position. Given our work with the Poor People’s Campaign in April to directly address this issue during the Truth and Poverty Tour stop in Eddyville, our chapter recommends the platform change so we can continue to build on this work.

r. We call for a new system for the transportation of coal that makes possible better pay for truckers, shared company accountability for safety violations and road damage, safe roads and safe mining communities, and reduced weight limits for coal trucks. s. We support the right of workers to organize and the right to collective bargaining. t.

We support quality, affordable, accessible housing for all persons. We demand just housing policies that protect the rights of renters to be treated fairly and encourage resident involvement in decision-making processes. We support the right of all people to live in inclusive, healthy and sustainable neighborhoods of their own choosing.

u. We demand enactment and enforcement of occupational health and safety laws that protect all workers in Kentucky, especially workers in occupations that continue to suffer high rates of preventable work-related death, disability, and illness such as coal miners, coal truckers, and other coal industry workers. v. We support fair and equitable lending practices. w. We support adequate, affordable, and energy efficient public transportation on a statewide basis, and we demand infrastructure planning that supports alternative modes of public transportation such as biking and walking. x. We support fair and equitable access to information and communication systems for all people. y. We support policies that enable people to live safely and well in their homes and provide good alternatives to nursing home care. z. We support policies that foster the growth of alternative economies, including worker-owned cooperatives. aa. We support policies that promote substantial paid family and medical leave from the workplace that are flexible regardless of race, class, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age or any other defining characteristic. We also support access to safe, affordable childcare that values families in the workplace.

Balancing the Scales | 27 Proposed additions are in Bold caps.

Proposed deleted words are struckthrough. ab. We oppose the privatization of public services.

We support public accountability of existing privatized services, including their return to public control.

Proposed by the Central Kentucky chapter. Explanation: Our chapter has done great work in the past few years around rising utility rates and holding the Public Service Commission accountable. We notice a rising need to push for municipalization of private utilities (such as Kentucky Utilities).

ac. We support sustainably grown industrial hemp as an economic driver providing a just transition for environmentally impacted communities as well as respite from resource extraction and monoculture farming. To that end, we support informing citizens of the various uses and products derived from hemp and legislation that removes barriers to scaling the domestic supply and market. We support policies that restrict the monopolization of hemp by corporate entities. ad. We support the legalization of production, sale and consumption of cannabis and cannabis-based products for medical and recreational use, and amnesty of anyone currently experiencing legal ramifications of cannabis related charges. We support policies that restrict the monopolization of cannabis by corporate entities.

KFTC supports the Proposed by the Wilderness Trace legalization of cannabis and canna- chapter. Explanation: The chapter feels the current plank is overly broad bis-based products and incomplete in sections, leaving as a controlled, it subject to legitimate attacks and regulated submisinterpretation by adversaries and stance for personal sympathizers alike beyond KFTC. The and medical use. chapter attempted to address these KFTC advocates for concerns and to plug what they see as holes that are weakening the overall further scientific message and cause for change desired research into the

by KFTC. The Steering Committee was overall safety and not in agreement with all the chapter’s health effects proposed changes, but recognized of cannabis. KFTC the intent behind the changes. The supports policies Steering Committee crafted this new, that restrict the proposed plank to try to address some monopolization of of the chapter’s concerns. cannabis by corporate entities. KFTC also supports amnesty for anyone currently experiencing legal ramifications of cannabis-related charges.

ae. We support public policies and funding for the arts and humanities in schools and communities throughout the state.

6. We will fight to create a fair and just society that respects human and civil rights, uplifts all people to their potential, and values the participation of everyone. Specifically: a. We support affirmative action programs that guarantee equal rights for all people. b. We oppose all forms of racism and work to eliminate it from our society and from within our organization. continued on next page

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

28 | Balancing the Scales

Proposed Platform … continued from previous page c. We condemn and oppose discrimination, oppression, and harassment of all people by public or private individuals or institutions based on any of the following: ability, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, national origin, citizenship, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, current or former incarceration status or any other defining characteristic. We believe that denial of the right to due process constitutes discrimination and oppression. d. We will lead by example in affirming people’s gender identities and gender expressions and embodying inclusive spaces for diverse gender identities. e. We will work toward a more fair justice system not mired in discrimination based on ability, age, gender, national origin, citizenship, race, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic. f. We support the right of residents who are undocumented to be treated with the respect and dignity to which Proposed by the Rowan County all human beings are entitled. chapter. Explanation: Given current We acknowledge the legality of events, the chapter found it imall peoples’ right to seek asylum, portant to distinctly name "family and we seek the end of family separation" as a practice by ICE that separation, detentions and KFTC unequivocally opposes. criminal prosecutions of immigrants at our borders and elsewhere. We therefore call for the abolition of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), an organization which dehumanizes and terrorizes immigrants and people of color. We also support open pathways to citizenship for people who are undocumented. g. We oppose the inappropriate use of police powers, the expansion and privatization of the prison system, and the use of excessive force by police, including the targeting and killing of African Americans and other people of color. We do support full funding of public defenders in order to ensure the diligent and competent representation by these public servants. We call for an immediate end to the mass incarceration of African Americans and other people of color, and the practices by which mass incarceration is currently implemented. h. We support a transition from Proposed by the Jefferson County our current punitive justice chapter. Explanation: Taking out the system to a more restorative word "more" before "restorative justice system that honors the inhersystem" clearly states that our current ent dignity of all individuals, criminal justice system is not restorative. including people with physical illness, mental illness or addiction. i.

We support the abolition of the death penalty.

j.

With farmers, horse owners, pet owners and a diverse array of wildlife, Kentucky is a state that values animals and their contributions to our lives, our economy, and our well-being. It is also a state with some of the weakest laws and enforcement related to animal cruelty. We support sensible local and state initiatives that would prevent the abuse of animals.

k. We understand there’s a lot of diversity around gun ownership across the

Proposed additions are in Bold caps.

Proposed deleted words are struckthrough. state. We support responsible gun ownership and initiatives to address the problem of gun violence. Such initiatives include, but are not limited to, universal background checks and closing private sale loopholes. l.

We support KFTC members being active in peace movements in Kentucky and worldwide.

Proposed by the Northern Kentucky chapter. Explanation: We want to remove the word members to explicitly allow KFTC chapters and our organization to be active as KFTC in peace actions. This allows us to be more explicitly nonviolent, and to act in stronger solidarity with allies around immigrant and refugee work, as well as uphold our commitment to honoring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

m. We oppose the “cash bail system.” We oppose civil/asset forfeitures absent conviction. We support the right to a state provided attorney in civil court should you not be able to afford one. n. We support Kentucky counties recognizing their history and to take up the National Memorial for Peace and Justice’s offer to provide lynching memorials to any county where a lynching occurred in the past. o. We support international human rights as specified in the UN Declaration of Human Rights. p. We support the passing and implementation of the Equal Rights AmendProposed by the Rolling Bluegrass ment to the United chapter. Explanation: It's time to States Constitution in protect and promote equal rights order to promote equi- and increase equity for all genders. ty for all genders. q. We support reparations that address the lingering negative effects of slavery and other forms of systemic racism on living AfricanAmericans and society.

Proposed by the Central Kentucky chapter.

Explanation: Given the rising national conversation about paying reparations to those affected by slavery and discrimination, our chapter believes it's important to take a stand in support of this issue. Currently, our platform doesn't explicitly name the need for reparations. "Reparations – by which I mean the full acceptance of our collective biography and its consequences – is the price we must pay to see ourselves squarely." - TaNehisi Coates

r. We recognize Kentucky’s shared, racist colonial history and acknowledge the deep connection between indigenous people and the land while actively working to recognize and abolish colonized frameworks.

Proposed by the Big Sandy chapter.

Explanation: As an organization with indigenous membership, located in a state and country established on stolen land through violence, and as people working in formal alliance with indigenous-led organizations and communities, we feel a need to formally establish in our organization and platform some recognition of indigenous history, issues, and commitments on our part. The Steering Committee simplified this proposed plank.

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 29

KFTC Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting

Registration Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ City, State Zip _________________________________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Total number of adults ____

Total number of children ____

LODGING All lodging will be in Berea College dorm rooms.

All dorm rooms are air-conditioned and accessible rooms are available upon request. Bathrooms are shared with others on the same floor.

Will you be staying overnight with us? ___ Friday night only ___ Saturday night only ___ Friday and Saturday nights ___ I don’t need lodging or will be making my own arrangements In most cases, rooms are double-occupancy. If there are 3 or more people in your party, would you like more than one room? ___ Not applicable ___ Please give us two rooms next to each other ___ We would all like to be in the same dorm room and will bring our own sleeping bag ___ We need a different lodging option. Please call us to see if other arrangements can be made.

Accessibility ___ I need a handicap accessible dorm room ___ I need a first-floor room and/or elevator ___ I have another accessibility request. Please specify: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Room or suite-mate preference Please list other people who might also be attending that you would like to share a room with. We will do our best to honor requests but can’t guarantee it. _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Any other special considerations for lodging? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ If you have questions about lodging or accessibility requests, please contact heather@kftc.org.

MEALS – included in the cost of your registration Meals you will be in attendance for ___ Friday dinner (6 p.m.) ___ Saturday breakfast (7:30 a.m.) ___ Saturday lunch (12:15 p.m.) ___ Saturday dinner (5:30 p.m.) ___ Sunday breakfast (7:30 a.m.)

Please complete this form to register for the Annual Meeting and mail the entire page with payment to KFTC, P.O. Box 1450, London KY 40743.

You also can register at kftc.org/ annual-meeting-registration Do you have any special childcare needs or requests? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ TRANSPORTATION ___ I am driving myself ___ I can offer a ride to others ___ I need a ride COST Registration fees help KFTC offset a portion of the expense of our annual meeting. We appreciate your contribution to this important weekend!

Prices for one adult, full weekend: • With meals and lodging: $100 • With meals (no lodging): $60 Prices for one adult, Saturday only: • Includes Saturday’s meals: $45

Do you have any special dietary preferences? ___ No restrictions ___ No pork ___ Gluten-free ___ Vegetarian ___ Vegan ___ Other, please specify: _________________________________________ CHILDCARE Do you need childcare? Please list their names & ages: Name:

Age: _______

Name:

Age: _______

Name:

Age: _______

Name:

Age: _______

When will you need childcare? ___ For the full conference ___ For only select times which are:

Prices for one adult, just Friday or just Sunday or other: contact KFTC for pricing Children and Youth Pricing • Children 12 and under are free • Children 12 and older suggested donation

of $15 to cover the cost of meals How are you paying? ___ Payment is enclosed ___ I request a full or partial scholarship (we’ll be in touch with you) ___ I request a payment plan (you can enclose a partial payment now) Please make a check or money order payable to KFTC and put “Annual meeting registration” in the note field.

Mail this form and payment to: KFTC P.O. Box 1450 London, KY 40743

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

30 | Balancing the Scales

KFTC News

KFTC is hiring for eastern Kentucky

Interns boost KFTC’s work this summer KFTC welcomes three interns working with staff and members this summer.

In Madison County, Yesenia Soriano-Altamirano was born in Mexico and now calls Kentucky home. Yesenia believes that if you love something you shouldn’t ignore its weaknesses, but rather help it to grow and change. She loves Kentucky and wants it to be the best that it can be for its people.

Yesenia first heard of KFTC through her work at the Center for Excellence in Learning through Service at Berea College. She is passionate about organizing to combat the interconnected issues that lead to generational poverty.

Dahlton Lang is a Florida native who has found her home in Louisville. She is currently working toward her master’s degree in social work, which brings her to the KFTC Jefferson County staff as a practicum student.

In her free time, Dahlton enjoys listening to true crime podcasts while taking long walks with her dog

through Cherokee Park.

She finds herself particularly interested in fighting for a world with strong animal rights and universal healthcare. Through KFTC, Dahlton hopes to learn more about Kentucky and how to make her new home a better place.

Maria Truitt is a native to the state, born and raised in northern Kentucky. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, she is passionate about ensuring a safe and healthy community for all and living in harmony with nature.

She was originally drawn to KFTC due to her strong roots in activism and wanting to get more involved with the local public.

She has since started the Environmental Justice Committee within the Northern Kentucky chapter.

Angel Hill, a community organizer based in London, has left the KFTC staff. Hill worked with the Cumberland and Harlan chapters, first as an organizer apprentice and more recently as an organizer.

KFTC is now considering candidates for a community organizer position and an organizer apprentice position in southeastern Kentucky.

The Eastern Kentucky Community Organizer will work with KFTC’s grassroots leaders and staff to strengthen our membership and local chapters in eastern Kentucky. This person will implement outreach strategies to engage thousands of people around key issues, voting, and opportunities to take action.

The Eastern Kentucky Organizer Apprentice is a professional community organizing job and opportunity to learn community organizing skills while actively working in the field to build grassroots power. This position will run for a maximum of 16-months, from August 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020.

To learn more about these positions and how to apply, visit www.kftc.org/jobs

Support KFTC’s Action for Democracy year-round in Kentucky!

Name(s): ________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ City, state & Zip: __________________________________________

Give online at kftc.org/support

I would rather make a one-time gift of: □$100 □$50 □$25 □$15 □$5 Other: $__________ Suggested dues are $15-$50 annually, based on ability to pay. Any amount is welcome.

Step Two: Payment Method:

Phone: ________________________________________________

□ Check or money order enclosed

Email: ________________________________________________

□ Electronic Funds Transfer (best option for Sustaining Givers). Please return this form with a voided check.

Select which organization you would like to donate to: □ KFTC: Donations to KFTC are not tax-deductible. We encourage you to give to KFTC to support our democracy work.

□ Kentucky Coalition: Donations to Kentucky Coalition are tax-deductible.

Become A Sustaining Giver: Sustaining Givers provide steady income to support KFTC’s

work throughout the year. And being a Sustaining Giver allows you to make a bigger impact.

Make me a Sustaining Giver!

I will contribute $ _____ every:

□ Month □ Quarter □ Year

To update an existing Sustaining Gift, contact Ashley at 606-878-2161 or Ashley@kftc.org

□ Credit card: Complete information below.

□ Visa □ Mastercard □ Am. Express □ Discover

Card Number: __ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ Expiration Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ Authorized Signature: ____________________________ Date: _________________ Mail this form with your check to: KFTC • P.O. Box 1450 • London, KY 40743

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 31

calendar of events July 14, August 11 Cumberland chapter meetings July meeting: 2-4 p.m. at the Union College Student Center in Barbourville August meeting: 2-4 p.m., location TBD Info: Lisa@kftc.org or 859-200-5159 July 16, August 20 Northern Kentucky chapter meetings 7 p.m. at Center for Great Neighborhoods 321 ML King Boulevard, Covington Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103 July 18, August 15 Rowan County chapter meetings 6 p.m. at St. Albans Church, 145 E. 5th Street, Morehead Info: Nikita@kftc.org or 502-488-3830

July 23, August 27 Southern Kentucky chapter meetings 6 p.m. at The Foundry 531 W 11th Ave. in Bowling Green Info: Laura@kftc.org or 502-599-3989 August 1, September 5 Rolling Bluegrass chapter meetings 6:30 p.m., Scott County Public Library 104 S. Bradford, Georgetown Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103 August 5 Wilderness Trace chapter meetings 7 p.m. at InterCounty Energy 1009 Hustonville Road, Danville Info: Tyler@kftc.org or 859-276-0563

KFTC OFFICES and STAFF MAIN OFFICE Morgan Brown, Burt Lauderdale, Ashley Frasher 131 North Mill Street P.O. Box 1450 London, KY 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714 info@kftc.org

FIELD OFFICES Louisville E’Beth Adami, Alicia Hurle, Carissa Lenfert, Chandra Cruz-Thomson, Corey Dutton 735 Lampton Street #202 Louisville, KY 40203 502-589-3188 Bowling Green Laura Harper Knight and Alexa Hatcher 958 Collett Ave., Suite 500 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-282-4553

August 6, September 3 Big Sandy chapter meetings 6 p.m. at the Mountain Muse 128 S Front Street in Prestonsburg Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262

Northern Kentucky Joe Gallenstein, Caitlin Sparks and Dave Newton 640 Main Street Covington, KY 41005 859-380-6103

July 18, August 15 Central Kentucky chapter meetings 7 p.m., check for location Info: Meredith@kftc.org or 859-276-0563

August 12 Jefferson County chapter meeting 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church 809 S. 4th St., Louisville Info: Chandra@kftc.org or 502-589-3188

Central Kentucky Jessica Hays Lucas, Beth Howard, Heather Mahoney, Laura Greenfield, Erik Hungerbuhler, Tyler Offerman, Meredith Wadlington, Tayna Fogle, Nikita Perumal 250 Plaza Drive, Suite 4 Lexington, KY 40503 859-276-0563

July 21 Western Kentucky chapter meetings 3:30 p.m. in Paducah, location TBA Info: Laura@kftc.org or 502-599-3989

August 2-4 KFTC Annual Membership Meeting Berea College Information on pages 17-29

July 22, August 26 Perry County chapter meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky office 420 Main Street in Hazard Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262

September 21 KFTC Steering Committee meeting 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: TBD Info: Michael@kftc.org or 859-756-4027

July 22, August 26 Madison County chapter meetings 6:30 p.m. Berea Friends Meeting House 300 Harrison Road, Berea Info: Sasha@kftc.org or 859-358-9713

October 7 Deadline to register to vote in the November 5 General Election Register at GoVoteKY.com or at your local county clerk’s office

July 18, August 15 Shelby County chapter meetings 6:30 p.m. at the Stratton Center 215 Washington Street, Shelbyville Info: Carissa@kftc.org or 502-741-8759

Floyd County Jessie Skaggs, Jerry Hardt, Jacob Mack-Boll and Taylor Adams 152 North Lake Drive P.O. Box 864 Prestonsburg, KY 41653 606-263-4982 Berea Lisa Abbott, Amy Hogg, Sasha Blankenship and Michael Harrington 210 N. Broadway #3 Berea, KY 40403

859-756-4027

Email any staff member at firstname@kftc.org except for Beth Howard use bethhoward@kftc.org and Laura Greenfield use lauragreenfield@kftc.org

www.kftc.org | July 11, 2019

32 | Balancing the Scales

With your help, we’re going all in to build grassroots electoral power in 2019, 2020 and beyond.

• • • • •

Register thousands to vote Talk with voters about issues that matter Get out the vote Elect better leaders in 2019 and 2020 Train future candidates and campaign staff

Action

To impact the elections in 2019 and 2020, we’re recruiting 1,000 Democracy Leaders to engage 100,000 voters who share our vision.

Sign up to volunteer at WeAreKentuckians.org Donate to support the work at kftc.org/support

for

democracy We are Kentuckians. We choose each other.