From advocating for children in foster care to examining how our constitutional processes can better serve the public, Kansas Appleseed is working alongside communities to advance a more just and inclusive state. Here’s what we’ve been working on:
SUPPORT OUR WORK: We have a merch store!
We’re so excited to announce a new way to support Kansas Appleseed’s work. Our online store is officially open, and every purchase makes a difference!
Buy a tote bag, T-shirt, crewneck, or hoodie to directly invest in our work. All proceeds help advance our mission to build a Kansas that is more thriving, inclusive, and just.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Annual Report Shows Kansas Continues to Fail Children in Foster Care
As part of the legal team in M.B. v. Howard, we, along with our partners at the National Center for Youth Law, Children’s Rights, and Kansas City attorney Lori Burns-Bucklew, are holding the State accountable to its commitments under the 2021 settlement agreement. The Period Five reportfrom the Center for the Study of Social Policy, which independently monitors the State’s progress, finds that Kansas continues to fall short in providing children in foster care with safe, stable placements and the mental health services they need.
Read our full statement here.
BLOG: Kansans Deserve Clarity When Amending the Constitution
The August 4th referendum taught us a lot about Kansans: We are thoughtful voters who take a serious look at constitutional propositions and care deeply about due process and fair judicial administration. Another takeaway from the 2026 primary election is that the proposed amendment and the messaging around it were confusing.
In this month’s blog, Kelm Lear, Policy and Legal Research Analyst at Kansas Appleseed, writes about conflicting messages that left Kansans confused and how reforms could help restore the public’s confidence in elected officials and at the ballot box. Read morehere.
SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH!
We joined advocates statewide as Governor Kelly proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month.
This year, that call to action is especially urgent. As thousands of Kansans have lost SNAP benefits and families face difficult choices between food and other basic needs, Hunger Action Month is a time to demand that our officials protect and strengthen the programs Kansans rely on so every person in our state can access the food they need to thrive.
We’re proud to stand alongside partners across Kansas working every day to build a better state.
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MARILYN HARP
For more than 40 years, Marilyn was a public interest lawyer with Kansas Legal Services, serving as Executive Director for 15 years. Now retired, she dedicates her time to volunteer work, which includes serving as a citizen lobbyist with the Kansas Legislature, advocating for issues that affect low-income individuals, primarily in the criminal justice arena. Marilyn joined the Kansas Appleseed board because she enjoys finding ways to impact the lives of those with whom she works and translating that to policy initiatives.
Marilyn has served on the Kansas Appleseed board since 2024.
EVENT: CLE WITH ASSOCIATES IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Support Kansas Appleseed and get your CLE credits! Join Associates in Dispute Resolution for their 20th Annual Fall CLE/CDRE Conference – a full day of practical, advanced-level programming featuring experienced attorneys, mediators, arbitrators, and other distinguished professionals.
- Approved for 6.0 Hours of CLE/CDRE credit.
- Includes 1.0 hour of Ethics for Kansas & Missouri
This year, a portion of seminar proceeds will be donated to support our work at Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
In the news:
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9,000 in Kansas exist SNAP program as error rate penalties loom over the state
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Report: Kansas fails to meet housing, mental health needs of vulnerable children in foster care
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Thousands of Kansans Are Losing SNAP. Here’s What You Need to Know About the New Work Rules
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Kansas fails to provide foster kids with stable housing, mental health services: report
Building a better Kansas happens every day, and it happens because Kansans choose to be part of it. Whether you share your story, support our work, or stay informed, you help strengthen the movement for a Kansas where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for standing with us!
