Recently, many of us may be feeling disappointed and frustrated in our national politics. In times like these, when our faith in government institutions and higher systems of power is wavering, our local community resources remain steadfast in their commitment towards progressive advocacy. Here are some local resources for you to plug into.

Throughout political strife and social unrest, the ACLU of Kansas and local advocacy groups have remained committed to protecting the rights and liberties of all Kansans. This sustained commitment towards a safer and more progressive Kansas would not have been possible had it not been for the support provided by our community members. To sign up as an ACLU of Kansas beehive volunteer, click here. Take a look at our events page here to see other ways you can join our efforts.

In times of uncertainty, our local mutual aid programs are direct lifelines for our communities. Here are just some of the mutual aid programs we have in Kansas:

• Kansas City Community Resources
• Assistance League- Wichita
• Lawrence Mutual Aid Network
• First Call for Help- Ellis County
• Atchison Area United Way
• United Way of Dodge City

This last election, we saw voter suppression and misinformation across the country. We need informed voting rights advocates in our communities. For those looking to fight for voting rights and equal access to our democratic process in Kansas, check out these organizations:

• Loud Light: Loud Light is a nonpartisan, youth-focused organization that engages, educates, and empowers individuals from underrepresented populations to build community power that has an impact on decision makers.
• League of Women Voters (Kansas): The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.

In the wake of another Trump presidency, many of us are especially concerned about the future of immigrant’s rights in the state of Kansas. Here are some local organizations dedicated towards protecting and defending immigrant’s rights in Kansas:

• El Centro is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to join their Promotores (Promotors). Click here to learn more and sign up today.
• Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR) is looking for volunteers to be a part of their Rapid Response Program. Volunteer roles include:
  • Rapid Response: Be a First Responders to calls about ICE activity, training required/ Sea un socorrista a las llamadas sobre la actividad de ICE, se requiere capacitación
  • Accompaniment: Accompany members of our community who are going through the immigration process, training required/ Acompañar a miembros de nuestra comunidad que están pasando por el proceso migratorio, se requiere capacitación
  • Advocacy: Phone banking, Canvassing, and more. / Abogacía: banco de llamadas, campañas electorales, y mas.
  • Fundraising/ Recaudación de fondos
  • Community Events/ Eventos comunitarios

LGBTQ+ pride in Kansas will never be diminished regardless of who is in power. Our local queer advocacy groups have been a consistent resource and safe space for LGBTQ+ Kansans. Take a look at some of the LGBTQ+ advocacy groups we’ve worked with in the past:

• Trans Lawrence Coalition (@translawrencecoaltion)
• Trans Joy KC (@transjoykc on Instagram)

With the Kansas legislative session only a couple months away, it’s imperative that we prepare for the upcoming attacks on our civil rights that will be proposed. Arm yourself with the knowledge and resources that are needed to defend Kansan’s rights:

• Familiarize yourself with your House and Senate representatives. Click here to find out who represents you.
• Sign up for our legislative training events to learn about grassroots advocacy in the Kansas capital.