It's taken a bit of time, but the new KCE signage is here! In early 2024, 62 communities ordered the new KCE sign - and those signs will be out for delivery soon! If you ordered a sign, you have already been notified that the signs are received and, in upcoming weeks, delivery of those signs will be coordinated. One important piece of information to report - if you are receiving a reflective sign, the colors have been flipped (the purple background is now white, and the lettering is purple). This was due to the vendor supplying the reflective covering not wishing to test KDOT's general reflective sign requirements - and KDOT was fine with that.

As signs are being delivered, our intention is to take pictures along the way - so if you take pictures when the signs are being delivered (or installed), don't hesitate to send them to us or post them to social media - and it would be awesome if you tagged Kansas Community Empowerment, The Kansas Masons, Kansas PRIDE, Inc. representatives (as in those who connect with you to deliver), the Kansas Department of Commerce and K-State Research and Extension, when you do - we want to make sure everyone involved, from purchase of the signs to delivery and presentation gets the opportunity to celebrate with you in this occasion!

On a different note, one ask for communities ordering signage is to be sure to re-enroll for 2024. At the moment our enrollment is only about halfway there (yes, we did have issues with the database early in the year that made things difficult, so that is definitely taken into account). That said, if your community is receiving a sign, and has yet to enroll, please take a moment use the button below to go through the process (depending on how much information you need to change, the process can take less than 3 minutes if nothing has changed). THANK YOU in advance! A list of currently enrolled communities is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Worried that you missed out? Never fear, we were watching out for you! If you didn't order a sign and would still like one, you can work with us to order one of our signs on reserve - but don't wait too long, it's only while supplies last!

As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance! You'll be hearing from us and coordinating with us soon! - Jaime Menon, Co-Coordinator for Kansas Community Empowerment, K-State Research and Extension, jmenon@ksu.edu

It's old news that the KCE Database was taken offline (for protection of privacy for our communities) due to a cyberattack on Kansas State University (where the database is housed and maintained), but what you may not know is that the cyberattack has stymied our reporting of your 2023 efforts. Not only does this hinder the inspirational and networking spirit of the reports searches, it also puts a damper on reporting program effectiveness to our stakeholders, which need the information to help justify program support. We generally do this through social media, the newsletter, annual program reporting, the annual review, and informing/equipping our program partners with statistics needed to promote the program. Those statistics hinge on the database reporting system.

It has also affected enrollment - many communities that enroll annually have had to wait, which pushes back some of the meetings they need to connect with their local government for their resolution of government support. And like with anything else, the note on the calendar to enroll and report gets lost in the demands of everyday life. We completely understand this (being human ourselves).

I am taking some words of advice from a beloved community volunteer that I have worked with for many years. Their words were: "Sometimes you just have to let people know what you need, and why. Make the ask and give those you ask the space to help in what way they can." It makes me feel awkward to ask this of those that already do so very much for their communities...but if/when you have a moment or two, we could really use your help on the program's reporting end.

It not only helps us at the Kansas Community Empowerment Program, it gives great benefits to your community, as well as your fellow communities:

• The database helps tell your story - from struggles to progress, and that work inspires others. You help others not feel alone, which is invaluable. I can't tell you how often I hear from communities that they connected with another community to talk things through and take steps they may not have taken if it hadn't been for this ready network of fellow communities.
• Your numbers help us quantify the value of KCE. When you tell your story, you provide records of long-term impact in Kansas communities – which is awesome!
• Your stories and reports can bring not only networking opportunities, but also funding – our program partners sometimes dive into your reports and find ways to connect with your local organizations. Also, our program partner, Kansas PRIDE, Inc. uses our database to help review award applications to the program.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and especially, for being an inspiration to others! - Jaime Menon, Co-Coordinator for Kansas Community Empowerment, K-State Research and Extension, jmenon@ksu.edu

KCE Program 2024 Awards Reminder

Just a quick note to let you know that the Kansas Community Empowerment Awards deadline for Round 1 of 2024 is May 1.

The awards season is opening a tad late due to the database being taken offline during the K-State cyberattack issue - but better late than never! If you are in good standing (enrolled, resolution submitted, and quarterly reports up to date), feel free to peruse the award opportunities and apply!

For promotional awards, provided through our partner Kansas PRIDE, Inc., such as Project Excellence, Rising Star, and Community of Excellence, CLICK HERE.

For funding opportunities provided through Kansas PRIDE, Inc. and the Kansas Masons, CLICK HERE.

And don't forget your Folios! CLICK HERE to access the folio page!

Best of luck to you all, and don't hesitate to reach out to KSCE@ksu.edu with any questions!

Content for this section comes from emails, quarterly reports, and community website/social media updates. If you'd like to highlight recent activities or promote an upcoming event in a future newsletter, email us at: ksce@ksu.edu.

McFarland PRIDE :



In Quarter 4, McFarland PRIDE curated a series of festive activities to enhance community spirit in McFarland. The standout event was the well-received Christmas parade, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree in the park. A hot chocolate and cookie reception at the Senior Center and two nights of caroling added to the seasonal cheer. Volunteers played a crucial role in transforming the town's key spaces into inviting hubs through dedicated decorating efforts. The Christmas light contest brought out creativity, fostering a friendly competition and community participation. In collaboration with the McFarland Senior Center and For the Love of McFarland, additional Christmas activities added to the overall celebration. These initiatives have notably strengthened community bonds and heightened the Christmas spirit.

Arlington Community PRIDE

Arlington Community PRIDE was busy in the 4th quarter of 2023 as they completed renovations to the community's basketball/tennis/pickleball court at the highway park. Painting, court repair, basketball goals, benches, and fencing were all part of the project, which was partially funded by the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The court is already being utilized, and anyone can check out pickleball equipment from the city office to try their hand at learning the game. There was a large turnout at the Autumn in Arlington event, which was held indoors instead of on Main Street due to the weather, but that didn’t stop community members from enjoying vendors, musicians, and tasty treats! For Halloween, a trick-or-treat table was set up in town for the local youth to trick or treat from. Arlington Community PRIDE also worked to collect names and wrap gifts for the local Christmas Angel Tree project. Finally, to support community health, Arlington Community PRIDE wrote for, and received, a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation for a local flu shot clinic, partnering with KG Medical LLC to administer the shots. A busy, boisterous and healthful season in Arlington! 

Admire

Alton

Anthony

Arlington

Blue Rapids

Delia

Ellis

Erie

Formoso

Glasco

Harper

Herington

Herndon

Highland

Iola

Kinsley

Lakin

Larned

Lecompton

Leonardville

Lincoln

Lucas

McFarland

Olsburg

Overbrook

Ozawkie

Portis

Potwin

Randolph

Riverton

Russell

Savonburg

Vermillion

Wakefield

Yates Center

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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