Advocacy Organization in Kansas

Educate. Activate. Motivate.

Fighting for a Stronger Kansas

Kansas Appleseed partners with organizations and Kansans with lived experiences to inform our work, and we fight for systemic change, shepherding policy solutions at all levels of government.

As part of a national network of 18 Appleseed Centers, Kansas Appleseed is able to harness the resources of a national network while working on issues that matter most to Kansans.

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 Wichita, Kansas City, 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.

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.

Meet Our Staff and Board

Contact Kansas Appleseed for More Information

Learn more about what we can do together to make Kansas more thriving, inclusive, and just.

Contact Us

Read More About Our Work

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BLOG: What would the founders think of direct elections for Kansas Supreme Court?

On August 4, 2026, Kansans voters will be asked if they want to amend the Kansas Constitution in order to elect Supreme Court Justices. Currently, Kansas uses what is called the merit-based system that was adopted in 1958.

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Annual Report Finds Kansas Foster Youth Still Facing Placement Instability and Gaps in Mental Health Care

While the State has made some improvements in services and outcomes for children in DCF custody, it continues to face workforce challenges and an urgent need to address placement instability.

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Reflections From a Summer Justice Fellow by Kelsie Kulp

After spending more time at the organization, I learned that these individuals have the heart, drive, and work ethic to compete with much larger organizations. Kansas appleseed is the epitome of “small but mighty” and inspires me to keep fighting for what is right.  

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