CKY members discuss the impacts of budget cuts on kids, and learn how to negotiate with people in power

Central Kentucky chapter members had a packed agenda for their February monthly meeting. Before the official meeting started, community member Will Bunge led a discussion about the ways that budget cuts were affecting Kentucky's kids, especially kids in foster care. As a former foster child himself, Will talked about the importance of supporting efforts that would make the foster care system more just, that supported folks receiving kinship care and about the possibility of alternative foster communities. He and his partner Susan are interested in starting a not-for profit alternative foster care community in Frankfort. If you're interested in learning more about their project, you can get in touch with them at (502) 523-1674 or [email protected]

During the chapter meeting, CKY Organizer Beth Howard led a great training on how to negotiate with "power people." She explained the different ways that people in authority might try to get out of making commitments in meetings or change the topic of conversation. She taught chapter members valuable skills on how to recognize these tactics.

Members also celebrated Lexington Loves Mountains Week and discussed their current campaign to get the city council to pass a resolution supporting former felons trying to get their voting rights back. It was a great meeting with a lot of energy!

The next central Kentucky chapter meeting will be on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Mission House on the corner of Fourth St. and Martin Luther King Blvd., right across the street from the Living Arts and Science Center.