General Meeting 8-28-25

Our “Why” 

We stand against authoritarianism in any form it may take. We believe in government for the people, by the people, on the local, state, and federal levels. We promote these causes by Educating, Activating (taking action steps towards these goals), and Elevating (elevating the level of civil discourse promoting worthy causes in our local communities).

Procedural

• Leadership position needed – Media and New Member Outreach Chair. See M. Slider or email at contact@kycitizens.org if interested. (WSJ, NY journalist and a Washington State journalist reaching out currently, desperately need the help if you are available.)

• Recognition of the Leadership team members – Our leadership team is AWESOME! 

• KELLY YOUNG IS OUR MVP!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Acknowledgements

1. Cheri Kulik – spoke in Frankfort to the newly created Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board and hosted the first OC CARES Meeting. A new group for parents of children with disabilities. Kudos Cheri!!
2. Kelly wrote the music herself on the Shelbyville No Kings video! Go back and watch this! Way to go Kelly!
3. Bob Thompson – Welcome to our first time new attendee!
4. Jackie Meade – Welcome to our first time new attendee!

Celebrations

1. Back to School Haircut Event ~40 free cuts, 7 stylists volunteered their time
2. ICE/Detention Centers – Grayson county facilities are overcrowded at 130% and deplorable. Reached out to Slider to join in the fight. Mostly led by women and a good ole boy system, let to the Grayson County KCfD!
3. Lifewise – after learning of LifeWise’s “infiltration” into Locust Grove one month ago, KCfD had a petition with 1100 signatures, social media campaign and multiple open records request. We have had groups from OH reach out to us that are against LW, a lawyer from DC reach out to help, and Fordham University reached out to interview.
4. Welcome to the New Activate co-chair, Melanie Milburn

Updates on Major Initiatives

ICE/OC – Grayson County update – can anyone join us at Grayson county on Thursday, Sept 4 7:00 EST, 6:00 Central?

• Legal help possibilities – Trying to use UofL attorney to help with detention center immigration; can we use WKU for Grayson county?

Lifewise – board is waiting for the AG opinion and earliest will be Sept 22 meeting. Have to do a first reading, then a second meeting before the official vote. 

Upcoming September Events

• September 1, 9:30-11:00 AM, Shelby County Workers Over Billionaires March – 6th Street
• September 4, 7:00 PM (6:00 PM Central Time); Grayson County Town Hall (Understanding Grayson County’s Detention Policies and Contracts. Guest Speakers – Kyles Ellison and Michael Slider
• September 6-7, Trimble County Apple Festival, 30 US-42, Bedford, KY
• September 11, 6:30-8:30 PM – Street Protests as a Part of Change training – The Hearth Room at All Peoples UU Congregation
• September 14, 6:00-7:30 PM, Crestwood United Methodist Church Sanctuary. How to Support Our Immigrant Neighbors, Featuring: Mizari Suarez, Director of Neighbors Immigration Clinic In Lexington, KY
• September 16, 5:00-7:00 PM; KCfD Potluck Dinner – St. James Episcopal Church; Pewee Valley; Bring a Friend; sign up on Facebook to bring a dish if you can; activities for kiddos
• September 22, 4:45 PM, OC Board of Education Meeting @ Arvin Center

Financial Report – Treasurer Bridgett Miniard 

Transactions        

Posted Date	Vendor	Location	Type	Amount
07-09-2025	Transfer to Card		Indivisible $500 Match for June	+500
07-14-2025	THE PRINT REFINERY	502-3330162	Printing	-63.6
07-16-2025	AMAZON MKTPL*MT8J905D3	Amzn.Com/Bill, WA	Projector Screen	-67.83

Current Balance: $1048.82

(no new donations since 6/21/2025)

Visit kycitizens.org and click “donate” at the top to donate to our group. Every penny is vital for a grassroots organization like ours!

2. Action steps you can take right now!
   1. We need speakers at the next fiscal court meeting to speak out against the OC Detention Center/ICE relationship – please reach out if interested.
   2. Contact your magistrate and let them know you are opposed to OC Jail being part of ICE detention system
   3. Write a letter to editor of the Oldham Era voicing concern about ICE and treatment of our neighbors
   4. Contact your school board member and ask them to vote no on LifeWise.
   5. Donate to organizations fighting against ICE/Trump illegal and immoral actions: ACLU- Immigrants’ Rights Project and Louisville Coalition for Immigrant Support

Upcoming Events this Fall – Be on the Lookout for more information.

Trunk or Treat Event – We will likely partner with another group to host something in late October, so get your ideas ready! 
Winter Coat Drive – Newcomer Academy in Jefferson County, which primarily focuses on English as a second language for immigrant families. These families are often in need of winter attire so as you are cleaning out your closets this fall, please hold on to your hoodies, coats, scarves, and gloves. They will need mostly adult sizes as these are 6-12th grade students and their parents who are most in need.