Advocacy Organization in Kansas
Educate. Activate. Motivate.
Our (Grass)Roots
In 1999, a group of Kansas attorneys formed Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, the statewide chapter of the national Appleseed Network.
The group sought to transform pro bono legal work from helping individuals to focusing on broad, systemic social initiatives. Law and policy should not exist solely to restrain abuses, but should instead provide a pathway to fight historic oppression so all people can fulfill their potential.
The national Appleseed Network was established five years earlier by Harvard Law School classmates. Following their 35th Class Reunion, Richard J. Medalie spearheaded the Class of 1958 to fund a “foundation to help organize, establish, and guide state centers for law in the public interest throughout the country.”
Kansas Appleseed is truly a statewide organization with staff living and working in communities across the state, including Holcomb, Wichita, Iola, Emporia, and Lawrence.
Our Mission
Kansas Appleseed is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to the belief that Kansans, working together, can build a more thriving, inclusive, and just Kansas.
Our Work
We focus our work on doing what is right for every Kansan.
A Clear Vision of the Future for Kansas
Thriving
All Kansans should have the resources they need to support themselves and raise healthy families.
Inclusive
All Kansans should be able to participate fully in their communities.
Just
All Kansans benefit from a fair and effective system of justice.
Meet Our Staff and Board of Directors
Our staff and board of directors is dedicated to understanding the barriers and challenges facing Kansans—and facilitating positive systemic change that moves Kansas forward.
Contact Kansas Appleseed for More Information
Learn more about what we can do together to make Kansas more thriving, inclusive, and just.
Read More About Our Work
Kansas Appleseed Update: Legislative Wins & Ongoing Advocacy
Over the last few weeks, we have celebrated many great moments at Kansas Appleseed. We’ve seen several bills signed into law by Governor Kelly and we celebrated the settlement of our Progeny v. City of Wichita lawsuit over the Wichita Police Department’s use of a gang database. Whether it is in the Statehouse or in … Continued
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The Kids are Alright, but the State’s Investment in Them Needs to be Greater
The kids are alright, but state investment in them needs to be greater. Failure to invest in the systems that support at-risk youth in the state is a policy decision to not invest in the future of all Kansas children. The 2016 youth justice reforms have not been allowed to fulfill their promise to Kansas … Continued
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The Real Impact of Youth Shackling
Being a teenager is mortifying. Your brain and body are still developing, and everything happening to you impacts that development, especially the moments you’d rather forget. So, the question is, why does Kansas continue to allow a legal practice that research has proven demeans, humiliates, and stigmatizes Kansas children? The practice in question is youth … Continued
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