October 2019 – Balancing the Scales

VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

INSIDE …

KFTC Democracy Leaders doing remarkable work around fall election Working for PAC candidates ..... 4 Registering voters ...................... 5 Integrating voting rights ........... 6 Pride celebrated many places ...... 9

OCTOBER 16, 2019

Raising voices with development ideas in Bowling Green ................. 7 Climate strike actions ................... 12 Assessing racial justice within KFTC ............................................... 14 … and much more inside!

KFTC Democracy Leaders in action

Important KFTC endorsement announcement – page 4

Change Service Requested

scales

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

BALANCING THE

www.kftc.org | October 16, 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 Cassia Herron, chairperson Alan Smith, vice chairperson Rebecca Tucker, secretary-treasurer Fannie Madden-Grider, at-large member Meta Mendel-Reyes, immediate past chair Chapter Representatives Emily Baldridge, Big Sandy Tiffany Duncan, Central Kentucky David Miller, Cumberland Carl Shoupe, Harlan County Connor Allen, Jefferson County Alondra Garcia, Madison County Greta Elenbaas, Northern Kentucky Courtney Combs, Perry County Amelia Cloud, Rolling Bluegrass Alvin Madden-Grider, Rowan County Joy Fitzgerald, Shelby County Summer Bolton, Southern Kentucky Jim Gearhart, Western Kentucky Shannon Scott, Wilderness Trace Alternates: Mikaela Curry, Big Sandy; Rachel Norton, Central Kentucky; Stephanie Kingsley, Cumberland; Chase Gladson, Harlan County; Courtney Kearney, Jefferson County; Susan Haddix, Madison County; Paul Schwartz, Northern Kentucky; Bobby Duff, Perry County; Kali Reagan, Rolling Bluegrass; Allie Secor, Rowan County; Tammy Barrett, Shelby County; Teresa Christmas, Southern Kentucky; Shannon Davis-Roberts, Western Kentucky; Eric Mount, Wilderness Trace

Table of Contents KFTC News Executive Corner: Let’s help each other strive for our utopian visions .............................. 3 KFTC leaders confront results of racial justice assessment .................................................. 14 KFTC Calendar of Events ................................................................................................................... 15 Become a Sustaining Giver, make a lasting difference ........................................................... 16 Voter Empowerment New Power PAC’s Statewide election endorsements ............................................................... 4 KFTC Democracy Leaders focus on campus registrations ..................................................... 5 Voting Rights work integrated with voter empowerment ....................................................... 6 Local Updates – Building Grassroots Power Grassroots power is vital to community development............................................................... 7 Successful fundraiser in Rowan............................................................................................................ 7 Members celebrate Northern Kentucky’s love for democracy................................................. 8 KFTC members support growing number of Pride events........................................................ 9 Reflections on the Fairness victory in Georgetown................................................................... 10 Love the Lake: Wilderness Trace celebrates Herrington Lake..................................................11 Big Sandy chapter hosts Disability Justice workshop.................................................................11 New Energy and Just Transition Members join climate strikes across the commonwealth..........................................................12 Kentucky consumers need energy option, not monopolies ................................................. 13

KFTC on social media Facebook www.KFTC.org/facebook For chapter Facebook pages, visit: www.kftc.org/links

Instagram @jckftc @soky_kftc @centralkentuckykftc

@kentuckiansforthecommonwealth To find our photos on Flickr:

@KFTC @NKY_KFTC @RBG_KFTC @MadCo_KFTC @EKY_KFTC

@JCKFTC @WT_KFTC @SoKyKFTC @VotingRightsKY

www.flickr.com/ photos/KFTCphotos

Don’t miss KFTC’s New Power PAC endorsements for the November 5 General Election … page 4 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 | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 3

executive committee corner

Let’s help each other strive for our utopian vision

By Rebecca Tucker What’s your utopian vision? This was Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson’s question to the brave folks that participated in her keynote address at the KFTC Annual Meeting in August. I do not usually participate in keynote addresses, but Ash-Lee would not have it any other way. We were being called to action and no one left the room unmoved. We needed to answer the question, what’s your utopian vision and what are you going to do about it?

We were told to talk about this question with the people sitting around us. I was next to a dear KFTC friend, and she said that in her utopian vision the need for voter empowerment work would not exist. That a lot of the core work that KFTC does would not be necessary. She talked about the other things KFTC would be able to do if our time was not taken up fighting for people’s rights. Perhaps we could have an art collective, or lead field trips across the Commonwealth.

I thought about my own utopian vision, but I got caught up thinking about the word. Utopia. It means good place, but it comes from a Greek word that means, no place. Was I being asked to envision a place that would never exist?

I also thought about Berea College, where the annual meeting was held, and the utopian vision of its founder, John G. Fee. He dreamed of a co-educational college, where men and women, blacks and whites, would learn and grow together. In 1855 he set his dreams to reality and founded the college. Not surprisingly, he was forced out of town at gun point, but he persisted.

For the next 50 years the college grew and served. It was the first co-educational and interracial college of the U.S. South. However, soon after his death, the Kentucky state legislature passed a law in 1904 that segregated colleges. A law that was aimed squarely at Berea, being the only integrated college in Commonwealth.

Did Fee’s utopian vision fail? Was it only a “no place” utopia?

If you fast-forward to the Berea College of today, you will find that it has one of the most diverse student bodies in Kentucky. Does this mean the vision

was a success?

I think it is safe to say that no one seriously considers Berea to be a utopia. It is a small town and it experiences divisiveness, bickering, racism, homophobia and plenty of other non-utopian qualities.

It is also my chosen home. It is a place that I have grown to love, and there are people living here that I cherish.

I love going to Friday night concerts, I love the free hot air balloon rides during the Spoonbread Festival, I love the local library, and I love the walking trails that stretch across the town like a constellation.

I want more though. I want a Berea that has a Fairness ordinance, a Berea that does not require an invocation before council meetings, and I want a Berea where I don’t find discarded needles in front of my house.

When I think about my utopia, there are a lot of things that I want. For Kentucky, I want to see the day when all people have health care, shelter, food, education and other basic needs. For KFTC, I want an organization where all members feel welcome and secure, where they know their voices will be heard, and that discrimination is wiped from our wiped out of our habits and hearts. For my chapter I want to ensure that children are heard and listened to, and the voices of ordinary people are heard and respected in our democracy.

I recognize that I am not likely to see the entirety of my utopia become a reality. The arc of justice is long after all, but I will never stop striving for my utopian vision. I believe it is important to dream the dream, and it is equally important to organize and put action into that dream. This was Ash-Lee’s call to the room. She asked us “What are you gonna do about it?”

I highly encourage you to check out Ash-Lee’s keynote address on the KFTC website, because we

were given marching orders. Here are a few of the notes we should keep close as we bend the arc of justice toward our utopian visions: • • • • • • • • • • •

We don’t get anywhere if we aren’t multi-generational.

What does it look like if white people in Kentucky don’t concede Kentucky to white supremacy?

In the absence of utopian vision, we get shitty strategy.

Who does it serve to have a rural / urban divide?

Need a black and brown youth organizing strategy.

Does my work plan get me to where we need to be going?

What does it look like to stand with the most marginalized? Follow black women.

What does it look like to spread what we’re learning?

Who is the base? How does KFTC drive with vision? How do budgets reflect that?

Invest in leadership of marginalized people.

Invest in young people.

Demand what we deserve.

Ash-Lee closed her address by asking us to respond to the following prompts.

I am a commitment to: ____________ Conditions of Satisfaction (how I’ll know I’m meeting / getting close to my commitment): Timeline: ______________ The next time you see me, ask me how I’m doing on my commitments, and I’ll ask you about yours.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR MAILING LABEL Over the summer KFTC transitioned to a new database. We’re still working out a few glitches, so if there is anything not right about your address, the names on the label or the number of issues of Balancing the Scales that show up in your mailbox, please let us know.

Contact us at info@kftc.org or call Ashley at 606-878-2161.

Thanks!

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

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P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743 606-878-2161

Dear KFTC Members, Friends and Allies, Our shared vision for Kentucky includes many things that we work for every day – affordable health care, a commitment to the best schools for our kids and support for educators, clean and safe communities, and much more. We previously wrote to you to point out the sharp contrast in the views and actions of the gubernatorial candidates, and how electing Andy Beshear as governor will make achieving our vision more possible, and remove an obvious barrier.

There are many other things that we choose as part of our vision – expanded voting access and opportunities; equity and opportunity for farmers and people starting small, locally-owned businesses; transparency and accountability in government, including respect for open records and open meeting laws; and returning voting rights to people with felonies in their past.

Achieving these goals means it’s important who we elect to all the offices on the statewide ballot on November 5. Besides Andy Beshear, the KFTC Executive Committee endorses and encourages you to vote for the following candidates: • • • • •

Heather French Henry for Secretary of State Sheri Donahue for Auditor of Public Accounts Michael Bowman for State Treasurer Greg Stumbo for Attorney General Robert Conway for Commissioner of Agriculture

Heather French Henry for Secretary of State

Sheri Donahue for State Auditor

We are not just choosing between candidates on November 5, we are choosing our future. That’s why it’s important we pay attention to all the races on the ballot – including special elections on ballots in many parts of the state (find a sample ballot for your county at http://apps. sos.ky.gov/electionballots).

As Kentuckians and KFTC members, it’s on us to elect leaders who will help Kentucky get back on course and make more possible our work toward a brighter future for all – no matter our age, our income, the color of our skin or which county we call home. Electing the candidates listed above moves us in the right direction.

Andy Beshear Our endorsement for Governor

There are many ways each of us can help in the final weeks before the election. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit WeAreKentuckians.org and sign up to volunteer your time or donate. Join your local KFTC Democracy Team, sign up to help canvass your neighborhood or make calls to undecided voters.

We are Kentuckians and we choose each other.

KFTC Executive Committee Cassia Herron Alan Smith Rebecca Tucker Fannie Madden-Grider Meta Mendel-Reyes

Michael Bowman for State Treasurer

Greg Stumbo for Attorney General

Robert Conway for Ag Commissioner

Paid for by the New Power PAC, www.NewPowerKY.org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

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Voter Empowerment

KFTC Democracy Leaders focus on campus registrations KFTC members relentlessly got out into their communities over the past few months to register their neighbors to vote, going door-to-door and tabling at community events, college campuses, neighborhood centers and elsewhere.

In August, as students returned to school, KFTC was present on college campuses in all parts of the

Western Kentucky University

state. More than 2,000 new student voters were registered.

The voter registration deadline was Monday, October 7.

In the end, KFTC registered 2,560 voters.

That exceeded the goal for 2019 by more than 500 voters. Every region of the state hit or exceeded their goal.

KFTC also recruited 4,841 people to sign petitions on various issues in that time, and did it with 363 volunteer shifts by KFTC members.

Behind every one of those numbers are thousands of real people who KFTC connected with – people with stories now a little more empowered and connected to our democracy.

In the few weeks before Election Day, KFTC Democracy Leaders will be walking the streets and going door-to-door, hold dozens of

Eastern Kentucky University phone banks, participate in lots of special events and more to make sure voters learn about the issues, know where candidates stand, and get out and vote!

Reach out to a local KFTC organizer (list on page 15) to get involved!

See what is on your ballot, learn about the candidates, find your voting location and more at www.

KentuckyElection.org. Please share far and wide.

The election is just days from now. The implications of this election are huge.

KFTC needs as many members as possible to get involved to mobilize and turn out voters. Here’s what you can do: • • • • • University of Louisville • • •

•

Get up with a KFTC organizer (list page 15) and make a plan.

Help get volunteers! Round up your friends and neighbors to help out!

Sign up for a canvass and help talk to voters.

Sign up to table with us to talk to voters.

Make phone calls – in the office, in your house, with your friends. We have to call LOTS of voters. We can get you set up with a Call Hub account and you can be off and running.

Use social media to recruit volunteers, get folks to commit to vote, share KFTC events, activities and direct people to KFTC’s online voter guide: KentuckyElection.org.

Call and text your progressive friends and family in Kentucky and make sure they plan to vote on November 5.

Host your neighbors and others you know who are unlikely voters but are impacted by injustice to your house to check out the voter guide, fill out a sample ballot and make a plan to vote on election day.

Offer your neighbors, friends and family a ride to the polls on election day.

Murray State University

Go to this link and sign up for any of these types of actions: University of Kentucky

kftc.org/events

Thomas More University

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

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Voter Empowerment

Voting Rights work integrated with voter empowerment As the 2019 governor’s election looms close, KFTC members are continuing the fight to restore voting rights of people with felonies. The campaign is gaining momentum and getting stronger every week.

Here are a few highlights of recent work: Brennan Cent e r Vo t i n g Rights Summit in New York – KFTC leaders Lois Gillespie (left), Debbie Graner and KFTC Fellow Tayna Fogle visited New York as delegates from Kentucky to talk about local voting rights work.

They networked with key allies across the country, who were all very interested in the work of KFTC and allies in Kentucky, and brought back some good ideas while sharing plenty of their own.

The Roots and Heritage Festival in Lexington – Kentucky’s largest annual Black community festival was a place KFTC members talked to many people about the Voting Rights issue. In all, 677 people signed the voting rights petition and KFTC connected with dozens of people who are being denied the right to vote. Three candidates for statewide office came by KFTC’s booth to express their support, including gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear.

Rally for Recovery in Louisville – Friends at People Advocating Recovery and Young People in Recovery held a powerful Rally for Recovery in Louisville in September. Volunteers with KFTC, Poor People's Campaign and others registered voters, passed out voter guides and circulated petitions for restoration of voting rights for people with felonies in their past. In all, 242 people signed the petition and members talked to many people, including Alaina Combs of the Healing Place who spoke out at the Rally for Voting Rights in Frankfort earlier this year and has won her right to vote and will be voting this November 5!

Voting Rights Presentation with the Lexington Quakers – Led by Rolling Bluegrass

Chapter leaders Rosanne Klarer and Amelia Cloud, people shared stories and discussed Voting Rights at this public meeting.

Sing for Democracy in northern Kentucky – Northern Kentucky KFTC members brought MUSE Cincinnati Women's Choir and other powerful performers out to sing, punctuated by stories from people who are being denied the right to vote. Participants also heard Rally for Recovery from tenants fighting an absent management company, a 16-yearold talking about the need for youth to be engaged to talk about voter engagement, including Restoration of Voting Rights for people with felonies in their past. and elders to listen, and other stories.

Phone banks to likely supporters – KFTC members across the state tried out a new strategy to call voters and talk to them about this issue, asking them to virtually sign onto the petition for voting rights if they support it. To be part of that effort reach out to Dave Newton at 859-420-8919 or Dave@kftc.org

In all, more than 4,000 people have signed the Voting Rights Petition this year. Supporters can sign online at www.KFTC.org/VotingRights. Members are encouraged to also share the petition online and ask friends and neighbors to sign it, or print off petitions from that website and circulate them.

Looking ahead, the 2019 election is the largest Presentations at Centre College – Nia Dye and others opportunity to move this issue forward. KFTC will be made two presentations about Voting Rights at Centre mobilizing supporters of this issue and others to vote, College in Danville in connection with the Bonner and building electoral muscles for when the voting Scholars, and helped circulate the petition there. rights issue gets on the ballot in a few years.

Petition drives in Berea – Berea KFTC members Go to www.KentuckyElection.org to see where collected hundreds of petition signatures in support of candidates stand on voting rights and other issues.

Voting Rights in recent months at a variety of events. The governor’s race and the secretary of state’s race are particularly important for this issue.

NAACP’s Power to the People – Jim Gearhart, a KFTC's New Power PAC endorsed Andy Beshear KFTC Democracy Leader from western Kentucky ap- for governor, partially because he pledged to sign peared on the NAACP's Power to the People program an executive order restoring voting rights to many thousands of Kentuckians with felonies in Roots & Heritage Festival their past. Matt Bevin, our current governor, actually made it harder for people to get their rights back when he first took office.

Supporters also can volunteer with local KFTC chapters to work phone banks, go door-to-door, pass out voter guides at events and give people rides to the polls on Election Day. Starting in January, members will be back in the state capitol lobbying legislators on this issue, and there are many ways for members and supporters to plug into the effort then.

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 7

Building Grassroots Power

Grassroots power is vital to community development BB&T Bank.

The first half of the workshop exIn August, Mt. Zion Baptist plored the basics of the federal program.

Church hosted the Bowl- Brent Childers, director of Neighboring Green Opportunity hood and Community Services, exZones Community Forum plained the details of the program and and Workshop. The event how the economics of our city fits into it. brought those who live and Ron Burkins, assistant vice president for work in Bowling Green’s the western Kentucky region with ComOpportunity Zone together munity Ventures, and David Greer, fiwith city officials and represen- nancial advisor, PNC Bank Investments,

tatives of the investment commu- discussed the nuts and bolts of how innity to explore how we can benefit from the program vestment can be made in the community. and how we can ensure the best outcome for our The second half of the program neighborhoods. delved into how our elected representa The goal of the Opportunity Zone tax incen- tives can shape the way these investments Local and state elected officials listened while community tive is to bring private capital into areas previously are used. Community leader and local members and investment representatives talked about the neglected by investors. Collaboration between all business owner, Rev. Christopher Page, needs and potential in Bowling Green’s Opportunity Zone. stakeholders, including residents of the community, city commissioners Dana Beasley Brown ensures the resulting investment alleviates poverty, and Brian “Slim” Nash, and state Representative Patti vassing and phone-banking in the community, discreates jobs, and supports small and local businesses. Minter shared their ideas for guiding this investment cussing the issues and inviting residents to the work Akisha Townsend Eaton, a Southern Kentucky in our community to benefit current residents. shop. We know that development decisions should KFTC member and legislative attorney, led the plan- We also heard from Nathan Ivy, president and be shaped by the needs of the community and every ning for this innovative workshop, which was spon- founder of Seed to Oaks, a nonprofit that facilitates effort needs to be made to guard against gentrificasored by Mitchell Dun, a mortgage loan officer with partnerships between local churches, businesses and tion and displacement of residents. civic agencies.

By connecting with residents, respecting their Local KFTC mem- knowledge and valuing their input, we are able to Follow the Southern Kentucky chapter’s work on social media – bers proudly supported organize based on the needs of those who are directly Twitter: @SoKyKFTC, Facebook: www.facebook.com/SOKY.KFTC/ this workshop by can- impacted by this tax incentive program. These relationships are the foundation of our grassroots power.

Through two phone bank opportunities and one big canvass in the Opportunity Zone with the NAACP, we learned that their top needs are affordable housing, a grocery store, upkeep of the infrastructure and better access to public transportation.

We also registered voters and ensured people had the resources they need to vote.

Opportunity Zones have the potential to strengthen and grow our communities, but they are vulnerable to outside influence. It’s important that our city officials take action to ensure that investment presents healthy, sustainable and equitable opportunities for residents.

Local and state elected representatives have the power to determine how our neighborhoods grow: they can choose to hear us concerning our neighborhoods’ needs or choose to disregard the voice of their The Rowan County chapter had its annual fundraiser, a labor-of-love food booth at the Storytelling Fesconstituents. This is why voting in local and state tival in Morehead. They sold $861 in homemade stews, soups and baked goods – and provided healthy elections is so important! Support our local commufood options for festival-goers. Pictured at right are Carolyn Moore, Trudi Lewis and Allie Secor. nities by voting on November 5.

By Elizabeth Hawks

Successful fundraiser in Rowan

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

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Building Grassroots Power

Members celebrate Northern Kentucky’s love for democracy Northern Kentucky members celebrated the voter registration period with a whirlwind of activity from September 28 through October 6! Working with ally organizations, student organizations, churches, local businesses, musicians, poets and others, they worked hard to make sure more voices would be heard in our upcoming election.

Beginning with Sing For Democracy, members partnered with the Poor People’s Campaign to host an event at Our Savior Church in the Eastside of Covington. The event featured speakers who are left out or new to our democracy, including people with felonies in their past and youth. Choirs from Robbins Street Christian, First Baptist Church of Elsmere and MUSE: Cincinnati Women’s Choir made it memorable event.

Speakers and musicians talked also about local issues, including: • •

housing, including poor maintenance and record keeping that is putting residents at Covington’s River’s Edge apartment complex housing at risk; health care, including the challenges of being a grandparent raising grandchildren, the lack of affordable options, and a system that doesn’t see people as individuals; and,

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

Dinah Devoto sang to guests and shared her story at the Roebling Books gathering.

•

the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that many feel around our elections, especially when they don’t have a voice.

From there, members registered voters at Gateway Community and Technical College, Thomas More University and Northern Kentucky University.

They hosted democracy meet and greets at Roebling Point Books & Coffee, the Bean Haus in Covington and the Crazy Fox Saloon in Choir members of Robbins Street Christian Church and First Baptist Church of Newport.

They also engaged Elsmere provided inspiration songs at the Sing for Democracy. The picture includes in a 14-stop voter reg- KFTC member Serena Owen on the far right. istration pub crawl in MainStrasse in Covington, registered voters near finished, poets Rhea Robbins and Mo Bell read and churches and grocery stores in Elsmere and Coving- shared struggles they have faced in the community. ton, and ended the event with a celebration at Lil’s Members also discussed what’s next, and listened Bagels and Roebling Books. to the work KFTC and the Poor People’s Campaign The celebration was a perfect ending to a great had been doing on a variety of issues in the commuweekend. Member Dinah Devoto sang to members nity, discussing the choice Kentuckians face over the as they came in and shared her KFTC story. After she next two years.

Northern Kentucky members Robin Gee, Tanya Stager and John Kennedy tabled at the Eastside Music and Soul Food Festival.

Ben Wehrle helped inform and register voters at Thomas More University.

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 9

Building Grassroots Power

KFTC members support growing number of Pride events On September 14, Shelbyville’s In addition to food, games and muShelby Pride first Pride Festival left community sic, representatives from local busimembers with an overwhelming feeling of together- nesses, nonprofits and service providers interacted with residents. All of this was made possible by those ness.

More than 300 like-minded people attended the who donated time, money and terrific energy to festivities, celebrating and showing their support for bring the true meaning of Pride to Shelbyville.

Shelbyville’s LGBTQ+ residents.

Throughout the event, hugs, laughter, dancing The Shelby County KFTC Chapter and Martha and even a few tears reflected the importance of Layne Collins High School Gay-Straight Alliance equality and understanding. were able to raise funds, as well as support for a local Chapter members thank everyone who made this event possible!

Fairness Ordinance at the event.

Louisville Pride

Courtney Kearney and Hunter Malone at Louisville Pride.

Pikeville Pride

Hundreds of folks from around eastern Kentucky gathered for the second annual Pikeville Pride on October 12 in Pikeville City Park. The event featured a drag show, live music, free hugs, face painting and a Pup Pride Parade. The event was organized by community members with support from Lexington-based organization Pride Community Services Organization and the Big Sandy Chapter of KFTC.

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

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Building Grassroots Power

Reflections on the Fairness victory in Georgetown Georgetown passed a fairness ordinance on September 9, becoming the 13th Kentucky city to do so. Since this writing, Versailles became the next city to pass a fairness ordinance, and Highland Heights has had its first reading, with a second reading scheduled for October 15.

By Willow Hambrick I am a retired public school teacher, an adjunct professor at Georgetown College, a mother of five children (two of whom are gay), and a grandmother to seven. My husband, a local pediatrician, and I both spoke in favor of the ordinance.

After a tabled motion over two years ago that stymied the passage of a fairness ordinance, our Fairness Campaign Committee and other members of KFTC needed a new strategy. Even though we had presented the city council with over a thousand signatures of support, and even though we had organized a Pride Picnic attended by over 300 people, we still could not garner enough votes to pass a Fairness ordinance.

Our new strategy was to make Fairness an election issue and to give each city council member the chance to express their views on fairness by speaking at our next Pride Picnic. People were able to hear their views, and those who did not speak were given opportunity to express their views on paper.

Georgetown got a clear indication of those candidates running for city council who would vote for a Fairness ordinance, and we initiated an all-out effort to

elect pro-Fairness candidates. who supported the ordinance.

Follow the Rolling Bluegrass Three of the city council memMost saw this vote for what it chapter’s work on social media – bers and the mayor worked was: a civil rights issue, not a Twitter: @RBG_KFTC, with legal counsel to draft an religious issue.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rbg.kftc Most moving were the ordinance that would protect speeches from the LGBTQIA legal religious exemptions, yet make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender community, one of which was delivered by Marsha identity or sexual orientation in the areas of employ- Moors-Charles, the lead pastor at Bluegrass United ment, housing and public accommodations.

Church of Christ in Lexington, whose wife had lost her The strategy worked! The vote for Fairness was teaching job in Scott County as a result of her sexuality.

5-3. The mayor would have broken a tie in support of Moors-Charles's ability to speak as a lesbian Christian fairness, but he did not need to. minister and to refute the misconceptions of other pro My husband and I and my lesbian daughter held fessing Christians in the crowd was most welcomed. hands as the roll call vote was taken. We trembled with After the vote, we even had to endure watching anxiety as we knew this would either be the blessing of two of our council members who voted “No” laughing an historic victory – or the curse of legal discrimination and making comments that disparaged gay people. The comments were caught on an open mic, and therefore to continue unabated and unreported.

When we realized that the fairness ordinance had others got to see and hear just why this ordinance was passed, we were elated and misty-eyed. The exultant so very necessary. crowd moved into the hall to hug and cheer and cele- On Facebook I wrote that the five council membrate. bers who voted “Yes” were true Profiles in Courage and Emotionally, we were exhausted as the discussion that I was so very thankful for the ways they showed lasted over three hours, and many of the speakers ex- grace under pressure. pressed hurtful and religiously inaccurate comments My final words to all the LGBTQIA people in the about LGBTQIA people and the Bible. It was especial- crowd were, “Welcome to the new Georgetown. You ly difficult for all the LGBTQIA people to have to sit can finally put down your suitcase, open it, and make in silence while others condemned their lifestyle and your home here. Did you feel it? The earth just moved desired to limit their civil rights. under your feet, and the arc of the universe just bent a There was, however, an overall level of respect, little more towards justice tonight!” Yes! and an overwhelming number of speakers

Dismantling Racism Workshop, October 26 in Corbin This workshop is hosted by the Cumberland KFTC chapter and local allies, and will be led by State Rep. Attica Scott.

This training is free and open to all. A light lunch will be served a light lunch afterwards.

Participants are welcome you to stay for a community conversation with Rev. William Barber II and Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chairs of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival, from 1 to 2 p.m.

RSVP for more details about any or all parts of this important day to: kftc.org/corbinrjworkshop

Announcing:

KFTC 2020 Annual Membership Meeting July 24-26, 2020 at Berea College

Mark your calendars now!

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 11

Building Grassroots Power

Love the Lake: Wilderness Trace celebrates Herrington Lake

By Shannon Scott

“As residents who recreate on the lake and drink its

The Wilderness Trace KFTC water, we are concerned about Chapter hosted a celebration of the threats to the lake, mostly Herrington Lake on September caused by humans. We have 14. Community members ate asked those dealing with these hot dogs and learned about a vaissues to speak about how the riety of community resources for public can be better stewards protecting the water quality of of this wonderful resource,” Herrington Lake while listening explained Julie Pease, one of the to Conrad Shiba and Joel Klepac Speakers included Tom FitzGerald (at event organizers. play Bluegrass music. Electricity mic) from the Kentucky Resources The lake is the drinking for the celebration was provided Council, with Jason Stevens from the water source for Boyle, Garrard Boyle County Health Department, and Lincoln counties.

by Wilderness Trace Solar.

Door prizes included an Preston Miles representing CREEC, R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m original painting by David Charlotte Church from the Kentucky KFTC, Clark’s Run EnvironFarmer (won by the Werner Waterways Alliance and Malissa McAl- mental and Educational Corp., family), a gift certificate from ister with the UK Water Resources the Kentucky Resources CounOld Bridge Golf Course and Department. cil, the Kentucky Waterways restaurant (won by Joe Myers), Alliance, the Boyle County an “On Lake Time” wooden sign (won by Bob Silvers), Health Department, the University of Kentucky Water and a rain barrel donated by Barbara Farley of Danville Resources Institute and the Danville Water Treatment (won by Margaret Gardiner).

Plant provided resources and answered questions about

their programs that help keep the source of our drinking water safe. Bonner Scholars from Centre College provided help with the celebration.

The Wilderness Trace Chapter serves members in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, Mercer and surrounding counties.

Preston Miles (behind table) shared information about the Clark’s Run Environmental Education Corporation with attendees. CREEC works to restore, protect and celebrate the historic waterway of Clark’s Run in Boyle County.

Big Sandy chapter hosts Disability Justice workshop Members of the Big Sandy chapter – inspired by need(s) and also comfortable in having that need met. the disability justice workshop at the annual meeting “It was so wonderful to discuss how we can use – came together in Prestonsburg to organize a local community care to achieve disability justice in our Disability Justice Workshop. community at our workshop,” shared Pyette. “The Led by Tiffany Pyette of Floyd County and Tina room was collaborative and caring, just like the disabilJackson of Lawrence County, the workshop served as ity justice movement itself.” a collaborative learning space for participants to ask After grounding everyone in some history of the questions, share their experiences and build commu- disability justice movement and some common terms, people were asked nity with each other. to share what kind As part of the of barriers to acicebreaker, folks cess that they see in shared how they their communities. were showing up They brainstormed in the space that a wide-ranging list evening. The questhat included things tion invites people such as the lack of to check in with public transportatheir body and mind tion in eastern Kenand to answer the tucky, telephones question as honestly as possible so that Big Sandy chapter members shared space and conversation in that use automated people can feel com- order to share experiences and learn about disability justice voice recordings, lack of mental health serfortable in having a for their chapter and beyond.

vices, and the Kentucky state capitol building.

Many people in the room shared their experience with the increasing costs of medical care, which Pyette neatly summed up by saying, “As long as care isn’t accessible to the poor, it’s a barrier.”

The workshop closed with a discussion about how everyone can help people participate as their full selves while simultaneously building a society where the barriers people face are eliminated.

Participants had interpersonal suggestions like getting comfortable checking in with each other, learning sign language, or offering rides or carpooling. Suggestions for the chapter included having events that are sensory friendly or creating group norms where people can ask for clarification around unfamiliar words or ideas.

Participants were excited about continuing to learn about Disability Justice and continuing to integrate it into the chapter and KFTC’s work.

“Disability justice is one way that we can genuinely choose each other and use community care to be the kind of Kentucky that protects, uplifts and values everyone.” Pyette reminded folks.

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

12 | Balancing the Scales

New Energy and Transition

Members join climate strikes across the commonwealth Louisville As we stood under the blazing sun in Jefferson Square Park with our signs and petitions, Greta Thurnburg was delivering this quote to the United Nations, “You must unite behind the science. You must take action. You must do the impossible. Because giving up can never ever be an option.”

At the Louisville Climate Strike, attendees were ready to unite and take action. KFTC Chairperson Cassia Herron spoke of the importance of voting and fighting against political bullying. Generations young and old clapped and hollered in solidarity.

We knew that giving up on the planet and our future is not an option.

— Dahlton Lang, Jefferson County Prestonsburg Members of the Big Sandy chapter organized a local Climate Strike event on September 20 where a group of about two dozen folks gathered at the downtown Prestonsburg park to be in solidarity with people from across the world to protest government and business inaction on climate change.

“Climate change is happening ... We only have one planet and there’s only one chance to fix it,” said Tiffany Pyette.

Pyette, an Eastern Band Cherokee woman, led the attendees in an Algonquin water song to connect to the water and to express gratitude for it:

Nee bee wah bow En die en Aah key mis kquee Nee bee wah bow Hey ya hey ya hey ya hey Hey ya hey ya hey ya ho Which translates to: Water is the lifeblood of the earth Water is the lifeblood of our bodies The chapter also hosted a follow-up conversation about climate change at St. James Episcopal Church the following week.

Frankfort “We need to pay attention to our future, our children’s future. What kind of future do we want them to have? I know the answer. I want a world that is sustainable, diverse, safe, and beautiful.”

— Natalie Dufour, sophomore at Franklin County High School and Frankfort Climate Strike organizer Bowling Green More than 100 participants gathered on the Western Kentucky University campus on September 26. The strikers were WKU students and community members alike. Students, activists, and professors gave speeches throughout the duration of the event to highlight the impacts of climate change on our community and in our world.

Despite the rain that fell throughout most of the event, dozens of people stayed for the whole three hours. It was incredibly inspiring to see the community’s passion and dedication.

Cincinnati “As much as humanity believes the ideology that we are invincible, that is obviously not the case. We have met our match, in fact our greatest horror, that will easily destroy us all if we do not act now. The Youth is sharing this message with the rest of the world, as demonstrated during the Global

Joshua and Jade Algarin-Crowder at the Louisville climate action.

Climate Strike.

“Today gave me hope, as I witnessed the rise of youth power, and the undying passion that follows around the world. Often it is easy to feel isolated in environmental justice work because of the overwhelming amount of destruction swarming through the news about that forest on fire and that regulation being rolled back etc.

“But on September 20 I got to see the other side, the part that fuels your fire and reminds you this fight is not over, only getting stronger.

“We have entered a time period where more rules are broken than being followed by the people we are supposed to call leaders. It is time for us to act the same but in the name of justice. We have tried asking nicely, we have tried to make our voices heard – but the truth of the matter is they won’t listen until they feel threatened, which is the road we are headed down.

Walking out of school and work is only the beginning of rebellion the youth is willing to take to secure a future of this Earth.

“The universal message of these climate strikes is we have a moral responsibility to act now for the sake of our future. Granted this crisis we find ourselves in IS NOT our fault, it is more than obvious the ones with blame on their shoulders could care less.

“We can continue to let our differences divide us, and allow their manipulation to succeed, or we can create an endless ray of power by walking forth together on this issue. Without each other, we have no power.

Without us, THEY have no power.

We stand For our water, For clean air continued on the next page

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 13

New Energy and Transition

Kentucky consumers need energy option, not monopolies Utility companies are rolling back energy efficiency programs, attempting to corner the market on renewables and doubling down on a business model that is clearly out-of-date. Those ideas were touched on in an August Balancing the Scales article, available online at: www. kftc.org/weatherization-options.

This article furthers the conversation about Kentucky’s problematic monopoly utility structure.

By Rachel Norton Utility companies are simultaneously filing for rate increases, and attacking the fair credit rate for power you generate (a common crediting model known as solar net metering).

The rate increases utilities are filing with the Public Service Commission (PSC) increase usage and base fees – a practice that disproportionately affects people of modest income, disempowering them from the ability to lower their utility bills by using less energy. Instead, they will have to pay more each month, regardless of their usage.

In most cases such as this, other organizations are allowed to intervene in the rate case to advocate on behalf of disproportionately affected people. However, in a recent rate increase case, many low-income consumer advocate organizations that have intervened in the past were shut out of this process.

The solar net-metering front is no better. Utility companies paid more than $300,000 in lobbying fees to end solar net metering, which provides an individual solar investor and utility customer a one-to-one credit for any solar energy they do not use, but instead send out on the grid for others. The consumer can never get a check of any kind, but can subtract earned credit from their energy bill at a later time when they aren’t producing enough energy for their needs.

When energy is sent back onto the grid, it generally goes to use at a nearby location with energy needs, and the neighboring consumer is charged full price for that energy. In this way, utility companies are able to make a profit off of an investment an individual has made. Providing those solar customers with a credit for later use only costs utilities a third of the value they make from the energy being exported by solar users.

The utility business model is out of date. Because

of their monopoly status, utilities in Kentucky haven’t been spurred to innovate, and are now clearly unwilling to compete.

Profiting off people’s energy needs and their own energy resources is leading to amoral outcomes, such as de-incentivizing energy efficiency and renewable energy, attempts to monopolize the renewable energy market, raising rates for people who often can’t afford it and who live in homes that don’t stay warm enough – all of which leaves people in need without options.

Kentuckians deserve the opportunity to invest in solar in the same way any utility can. People left with the burden of poor housing stock and high bills should

have lots of options, and deserve to feel as empowered as possible in making decisions about their homes.

Third-party ownership of essential services and natural resources has always been bad for our communities, and has often led to corrupt decision making.

We should control our essential services and own our own resources, we should be able to create our own structures to protect our resources – and no one should profit from them.

The health and future of our communities depends on having these conversations, being willing to step outside of the box, and to fight for new and better ways of living together in this world.

During the 2019 legislative session, the Republican-controlled General Assembly and Gover­ nor Bevin gutted net metering so that new solar customers no longer will be guaranteed a full, fair credit for the excess solar power they generate. Instead, our elected leaders directed the Public Service Commission to decide how large – or small – a credit utilities must give rooftop solar customers for their power, and that amount can change with each new rate case.

The PSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 13 at 9 a.m. in Frankfort to de­ termine “the value of solar.” If PSC commissioners undervalue solar in the way that monopoly utilities are pushing for, Kentucky’s thriving, independent solar industry – and the good-pay­ ing jobs that come with it – could come to a screeching halt.

Go to https://rb.gy/b29255 to let us know you can attend the November 13 hearing.

Climate strikes across Kentucky … continued from previous page

We stand For our brothers, For our sisters We stand For all people, Of all nations We stand

“We cannot win this battle in one day. It will take us showing up, working together, and making our voices heard every day after the next.

But we can do it, and we will do it.

“We are more than Kentuckians, we are sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, and together we can change this world because we choose each other.” ­— Maria Truitt, Northern Kentucky

Frankfort climate action

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

14 | Balancing the Scales

Racial Justice

KFTC leaders confront results of racial justice assessment “Solidarity is not a matter of altruism. Solidarity comes from the inability to tolerate the affront to our own integrity of passive or active collaboration in the oppression of others, and from the deep recognition of our most expansive self-interest. From the recognition that, like it or not, our liberation is bound up with that of every other being on the planet, and that politically, spiritually, in our heart of hearts we know anything else is unaffordable” — Aurora Levins Morales

By Mikaela Curry and Tiffany Duncan As a part of KFTC’s commitment to racial justice, the Steering Committee made the decision last year to commit to a racial justice organizational assessment and visioning process.

During the weekend of October 5-6, members of the Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Racial Justice Team and People of Color Caucus, as well as several staff, gathered to discuss the results of the Racial Justice Assessment that was conducted by Frontline Solutions, a Black-owned consulting firm that was hired to conduct an independent third-party analysis of KFTC’s culture, obstacles and goals regarding race equity work.

The weekend was facilitated by Dr. Micah Gilmer and Marion Johnson, of Frontline Solutions, who established clear community agreements for how folks would work together over the weekend. Saturday got off to a bit of a challenging start as people were coming into the space with many feelings surrounding the announcement of the KFTC union the day before. The facilitators allowed for acknowledgments and discussion of feelings, while centering attendees on the tasks and topics for the weekend.

One of the basic assumptions that the facilitators gave to start is that, “Our systems, sectors and organizations were not built for diversity, for equity or for inclusion.” They helped to navigate through definitions of those terms, and others from Power (“The ability to influence others, including decision-makers; access to resources; and the ability to define reality for yourself and others.”) to White Fragility (“A state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear,

and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation,silence, tears, and leaving the stress-inducing situation”).

Continuing conversations around education, understanding the vocabulary and terms of this work, is going to be important as we move forward together in this work.

Gilmer and Johnson presented results of the assessment to the group primarily in quotes and graphs that were structured by organizational culture, leadership and governance, operations and the experience of people of color (POC). They had prepared a memo, but ultimately decided not to share it with the group ahead of time because they had concerns over how it would impact people’s emotions coming into the space.

They identified that the results of their assessment were as stark as they had ever experienced during their time doing this type of work based on how white people experience KFTC and how people of color experience the organization.

A lot of time was provided for personal and group reflection, and there were many challenging conversations as people expressed a wide range of reactions, including confusion and hurt. Saturday was uncomfortable and challenging, it did not feel good to most people. At the end of the day, the group asked the facilitators to play the “We Are Kentuckians” video so that there was a point of positivity and connection to end the day on.

On Sunday, people gathered back with a song led

by Tayna Fogle and Serena Owen. Frontline facilitators had folks self-organize into a total of six small groups to focus on three main topics: Identity, Structure and Governance, and Healing and Transformation.

After grounding ourselves in the space with a short breathing exercise, we broke into these small groups

and there were two tables assigned to topic. Each group reflected on the barriers to equity in KFTC and the opportunities for growth and change in their topic area.

The discussions began with goals for the session, followed by defining the most critical challenge in each area. When folks came to consensus, they discussed systems, processes, and actions that might help KFTC address the problems.

After working in small groups, each team shared their ideas with everyone present. Next steps were discussed, including having two additional visioning retreats that could potentially begin processes to put some of this work into action.

One of the most important components discussed is educational resources so that we can establish a starting point for understanding this work. Many attendees agreed that this is a critical time for KFTC to live out its values and mission by centering racial justice in decision-making and practice.

A real cultural shift will require personal and relational work for everyone involved in KFTC. As we move forward together, we might make mistakes, but if we stay committed to this organization and each other we will make progress.

Anti-oppression work is continual, not always linear, and lifelong. We strongly encourage all of you to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings and challenges around racial justice. Then, think about issues affecting your chapter and local communities.

If there are people of color who regularly attend your chapter meetings, make sure you are listening to them; if there are not, consider why that might be.

Some potential actions you could take include talking to your organizer about having a racial justice training during a chapter meeting, reading books and watching films about racism, white supremacy and decolonization, and remembering our resistance becomes revolutionary when it gets radical.

Suggested Reading • “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz • “Towards Humanity: Shifting the Culture of Anti-Racism Organizing”

by Tawana Petty • “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019

Balancing the Scales | 15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS More events at kftc.org/calendar October 17 and November 21 Rowan County chapter meetings 6 p.m. at St. Albans Church 145 E. 5th Street, Morehead Info: Nikita@kftc.org or 502-488-3830 October 17 and November 21 Central Kentucky chapter meetings 7 p.m., Episcopal Mission House 203 E 4th Street in Lexington Info: Meredith@kftc.org or 859-276-0563 October 22 Southern Kentucky chapter meetings 6 p.m. at The Foundry 531 W 11th Ave. in Bowling Green Info: Alexa@kftc.org or 502-599-3989 October 24 “Knock Down the House” film screening in Perry County, 6 p.m. at the Perry County Public Library, 289 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262 October 28 and November 18 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 October 28 and November 25 Madison County chapter meetings 7 p.m. Berea Friends Meeting House 300 Harrison Road, Berea Info: Carissa@kftc.org or 859-756-4027

November 5 – Election Day! Election Night Chapter Watch Parties Big Sandy – 6 p.m. at the KFTC office, 152 N. Lake Drive in Prestonsburg Northern Kentucky – 6 p.m. at House of Orange Bar, 433 Johnson Street in Covington Rolling Bluegrass – 6:30 p.m. at Slainte Public House, 320 Main Street in Georgetown

October 25, 2019 – 6:30 p.m. in Covington Lincoln Grant Scholar House (824 Greenup Street) in the Eastside neighborhood.

Stories will highlight the hurt and damage the evils of systemic racism, poverty and wealth inequality, militarism, and ecological devastation have on our communities.

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

November 7 Harlan County chapter meeting 6 p.m. at the Rebecca Caudill Library 310 W. Main St. in Cumberland Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262

Louisville E’Beth Adami, Alicia Hurle, Carissa Lenfert, Chandra Cruz-Thomson, Corey Dutton 735 Lampton Street #202 Louisville, KY 40203 502-589-3188

November 11 Jefferson County chapter meeting 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church 809 S. 4th St., Louisville Info: Coreydutton@kftc.org or 502-589-3188

Bowling Green Laura Harper Knight and Alexa Hatcher 958 Collett Ave., Suite 500 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-282-4553

November 13 Save Solar: PSC Hearing on Net Metering 9 a.m. at PSC office, 211 Sower Blvd, Frankfort Info: Nikita@kftc.org or 502-488-3830

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

November 19 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 November 22-23 Steering Committee overnight retreat 7-9 p.m. on Friday night 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday Info: Heather@kftc.org or 859-276-0563

Poor People’s Campaign Mobilizing, Organizing, Registering Educating Tour October 25 – 1:30 p.m. in Fort Wright Join Revs. William Barber and Liz Theoharis and the Kentucky Poor People's Campaign in front of Senator Mitch McConnell’s office at 1885 Dixie Highway in Fort Wright.

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October 26 – 1 p.m. in Corbin A community conversation following a Dismantling Racism Workshop, hosted by KFTC and led by State Rep. Attica Scott.

Central Kentucky Jessica Hays Lucas, Beth Howard, Heather Mahoney, Laura Greenfield, Erik Hungerbuhler, Meredith Wadlington, Tayna Fogle, Nikita Perumal 250 Plaza Drive, Suite 4 Lexington, KY 40503 859-276-0563 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 and Michael Harrington 210 N. Broadway #3 Berea, KY 40403

October 26 – 6 p.m. in Hazard Community dinner and conversation RSVP. to: kftc.org/ppchazard

859-756-4027

October 28 – 6:30 p.m. in Georgetown Share stories and song at Georgetown College, and unite to do more for those in the community hurt by systemic evils.

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

16 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | October 16, 2019