MANHATTAN – Engaged Kansas has added Kansas Association of REALTORS (KAR), Kansas Medical Society (KMS) and United WE to its coalition of organizations that are encouraging and supporting civic-minded individuals to consider local public service.
“There are many great organizations across Kansas developing resources for citizens to run for and engage in local civic government,” says Brenden Wirth, Kansas Farm Bureau director of political affairs. “Engaged Kansas is a hub for these like-minded organizations to share those tools.”
Other Engaged Kansas partners include the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, Kansas Association of Counties, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Bankers Association, Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Leadership Center, and League of Kansas Municipalities.
“KAR is proud to join forces with our partners through Engaged Kansas,” says 2024 KAR President Jon Fort. “REALTORS understand that equipping individuals who care deeply about their communities with the proper tools to run for public office is critical to the success of our state. We stand ready to promote Engaged Kansas resources alongside our allies and look forward to helping drive the conversation on political engagement in Kansas.”
With more than 6,000 elected positions on school boards, county commissions and municipal governments across the state, Engaged Kansas exists to demystify the process of becoming a public servant while helping develop leaders who will drive progress from the ground up.
“Physicians across Kansas are dedicated to ensuring all Kansans have access to the highest quality medical care. Kansans depend on physicians and policymakers alike to do their part to provide the best healthcare for people in every corner of our state,” says KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo. “Public service is a vital element in shaping our environment, not just for healthcare, but beyond. The Kansas Medical Society supports the work of Engaged Kansas to promote and produce informed and effective policymakers for the benefit of all Kansans and would encourage those interested in public service to begin in this program.”
“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” says Wendy Doyle, United WE president and CEO. “Being a part of the Engaged Kansas Coalition, we look forward to furthering our work to address the gender disparities in local leadership and are able to make real changes in our communities.”
Since its launch in 2023, www.EngagedKansas.org
