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
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
Legislative Update: Sine Die
It was a short return to Topeka for the legislature, and to our pleasant surprise, we saw success on several of our issues with some opportunities for continued work on youth and adult justice issues. Supporting Justice-Involved Youth House Sub. for SB 420 was taken up in conference committee meetings this week, but was altered … Continued
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A Conversation with Dr. Stef Sloan: Multi-Disciplinary Legal Representation in Child Welfare
Dr. Stef Sloan, PhD is a lecturer at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, Director of Research for the Child’s Voice Project, and a research and evaluation consultant in the child welfare space, advancing national strategy for research, evaluation, and funding for pre-petition and preventative legal services. I sat down to talk with … Continued
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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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