Executive Director Updates
| Hello KCfD Community, To say the past month has been an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. From the highs of election night to the mixed emotions accompanying the end of the government shutdown and the steady drip of Epstein files, keeping your emotional footing has seemed nearly impossible. And yet, there is hardly a week that goes by during which you do not hear about American strength, American greatness, American Exceptionalism. These messages are typically championed by those who drape themselves in the American flag and cosplay patriotism. But the 54 days of the government shutdown have proven their claims hollow, empty boasting at best. What is the point of American Exceptionalism, all that wealth and strength, if we do not use it to protect the most vulnerable of our community? That is why groups like ours are so important. Not just because of the work we are doing on the major issue campaigns we are currently engaged in, but because our members care about their community and walk the walk; from the work that Cheri is doing with OC C.A.R.E.S., to Mike and Christine’s pancake breakfast to raise money for the Ayden Finley Altman Welding Dream Scholarship in memory of their grandson – Ayden, to the efforts of Melanie and Amanda alongside other members in stocking local food pantries during the loss of SNAP benefits. We are a community of people with both courage and compassion, and I am proud to count myself among you. I say all that to say, my mission as your Executive Director is to both attract all of the like-minded people in communities across the state to consider working with us and to enable all of you to make your excellent ideas a reality. If we can do that together, then we will truly become an unstoppable force for change in this state. On that note, please spread the word about the work our group is doing and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to check us out. We have a lot of areas people can jump in and help, so please make sure you take the time to fill out the updated Volunteer Google form as you explore the exciting new updates in the rest of the newsletter. Thank you all for all you do and for being true patriots. P.S. If you have ever thought about running for office, or even if it never occurred to you before now, 2026 is definitely the year to do it and the best chance for a newcomer to pull off a surprise. If we want good government, we need good people to run for office. Filing is now open until the first week of January. Please give it some thought, and know KCfD has your back. |
| In Solidarity, Alex LeBlanc Executive Director – Kentucky Citizens for Democracy contact@kycitizens.org |
Let’s Go: KCfD Upcoming Plans for 2026
| In a strategy and planning session held earlier in November, KCfD leadership identified three priority areas for work in 2026: Protecting Our Schools, Project 2025, and Elections. We will also continue to work on the ICE/OC Detention Center situation, as well as contribute to our neighbors in need in the community. The fight ahead is not just at the local level. Rather, it’s in Frankfort. We plan to keep membership in the know about the work planned for each of our priority areas and encourage you to reach out and join a work team. From writing postcards to doing research to monitoring legislation, we need folks to jump in and help. Currently, we are gearing up for the 2026 KY Legislative Session. It’s an even-year session, so it’s a long one. KY legislators will have until April to either help or harm Kentuckians. We expect Senator Tichenor and others to tackle Release Time for Religious Instruction (RTRI) again. As you may remember, KRS 158.200 was changed to allow school districts to partner with groups like LifeWise Academy to pull students during the school day for “moral instruction”, aka Bible classes. The statute currently allows school districts to make the decision. Senator Tichenor and others want that to be changed; that is, they want to mandate that districts must allow LifeWise and others to pull students from school. Unfortunately, we have seen a pattern of this before in other states. States that were “may” states were targeted by LifeWise for intense lobbying, with many folding to that pressure. We know that LifeWise has targeted eleven states and has provided “model” legislation for legislators like Senator Tichenor to use. The push for RTRI changes is one we know will happen. Regarding our other priority areas, we don’t yet have a sense of what’s ahead. Currently, only Interim Committees are meeting, and KCfD is monitoring those. Things gear up in January when the session begins. Because of a change in the law that eliminated the pre-filing of bills, we will not see anything until January. (FYI…Representative David Osborne helped lead that process change.)We will be monitoring bills and committee meetings. Given the nature of the legislative process, we will need to call, email, and write KY legislators. Also, KCfD members’ attendance at legislative meetings will be a must. While things are relatively quiet now, January through April will be fast and furious. As we have stated before, democracy isn’t a spectator sport, and our season begins shortly. |
| Best regards, Anita Davis Associate Director – Kentucky Citizens for Democracy |
 Tell Us How You Want to Support Your CommunityAre you good with tech? Graphic design? Dabble in photography? Known for throwing a heck of a party? Well, we need you! I want to help! |
| Maybe you don’t think of yourself as having a special skill, but you are passionate about one of our main campaigns. Again, we need you!To be successful, we need your support and help now more than ever. Please click the button above and let us know how you want to contribute to your KCfD community! (This form is new and more specific, so please give it a look even if you filled out the previous version). |
| Please help us build community this holiday season by donating your gently used clothing, toys, books, and housewares for KCfD’s “The GiveBack: A Free Community Yard Sale.” Saturday, December 6th, 9-12 PM at Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church. You can bring donations to the Tuesday meetings, or they can be dropped off on Friday, December 5th, from 5:30-8:30 PM at Pewee Valley Presbyterian. There are several other spots accepting donations, KORT and Majestic Oak Advisory in Crestwood, and Goodness Grows in Goshen. Contact Abby Yelton on Discord or Facebook if you know another business that would accept donations on our behalf.We also need volunteers! Check the SignUpGenius here to see how you can help. Take what you need, give what you can. This is about neighbors helping neighbors. |
 Civics In Action: Knowing is Half the BattleThe Educate Committee is excited to announce the launch of their new Substack, where you can find all of the excellent articles you have come to expect from them. Come check it out and consider subscribing so you never miss another contribution. KCfD Substack |
| This week, we have another insightful take on the Constitution from Eric Ruppel and a moving piece by our newest Educate member, Erica Basile.United We Stand, Divided We Fallby Eric RuppelAs Benjamin Franklin exited the Second Constitutional Convention, Elizabeth Willing Powel reportedly approached him to ask what kind of government we would have. His response was “A republic, if you can keep it.” Read MoreTo Remember: Applesauce Pouches, Granola Bars, Social Justiceby Erica BasileMy house is a mess. And Rafah is gone. My tires are low, and I need to mow one more time, and I’m out of garlic salt. And the National Guard is being sent into Blue cities. Against their will. Read More |
| Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 – 8 PM: KCfD General Meeting (In-person) St. James Episcopal Church, PeWee ValleyTuesday, December 2nd, 6:30 – 8 PM: KCfD General Meeting (Virtual)Guest Speaker: Sarah Stalker, KY State Rep, District 34Saturday, December 6th, 9 – 12 PM: The Giveback: A Free Community Yard SalePewee Valley Presbyterian Church Donation drop-off December 5th, 5:30 – 8:30 PMTuesday, December 16th, 6:30 – 8 PM: KCfD General Meeting (In-person)Saint James Episcopal Church, Peewee ValleyTentative Guest Speaker: Kevin Woosely, OC Magistrate, District 3 |
| Thursday, Nov 20th, 5:30 PM: Community Action & Art (weekly except for 12/11)Revolving themes, next week is: Transgender Awareness WeekPeewee Valley Presbyterian Church Parish HouseSaturday, Dec. 6th, 8:30 – 11 AM: Ayden Finley Altman Welding Dream ScholarshipPancake Breakfast at La Grange Community CenterAdults $10, Children $5, Silent Auction: Proceeds support the scholarship fund in remembrance of Mike & Christine Toibin’s grandson, Ayden |
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