KFTC Voter Empowerment Contractor Reflection Essay

Working as a Voter Empowerment Contractor with Kentuckians for The Commonwealth (KFTC) has been an amazing learning experience that enhanced my leadership and collaboration skills. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with community members about energy justice issues, register new voters, and distribute voter guides with information about candidates. I am grateful for the experience.

”It was very interesting to learn about the intersections between issues, community, and elections. I had the opportunity to learn from different community members about the issues that impact them as individuals, and then zoom out and look at the bigger picture, which shows a broader perspective.”

As a door-to-door canvasser, I knocked on doors with colleagues in West Louisville, where we learned about residents’ experiences with environmental and energy justice related issues. We invited residents to community visioning workshops to explore solutions to the problems that residents face. At the workshops, we led group discussions about how funding from the Inflation Reduction Act can address those problems. Additionally, we invited them to a hearing hosted by the Public Service Commission, where constituents voiced their concerns about LG&E and Kentucky Utilities’ plans to build two new natural gas plants.

It was very interesting to learn about the intersections between issues, community, and elections. I had the opportunity to learn from different community members about the issues that impact them as individuals, and then zoom out and look at the bigger picture, which shows a broader perspective. Once I knew what issues people were passionate about, I was able to pitch voting as a solution. The individual vote is small, but the collective is massive, and the mass of voters can lead to social change. I did meet some registered voters who felt apathetic towards elections and the civic process, but those conversations allowed me to practice my elevator pitch to promote voting.

My relationship with KFTC has been great. I registered voters in 2018 and didn’t do much work with them after, but I became reunited with KFTC in 2023, and I am so grateful for it. Since working with KFTC, I have participated in JCKFTC chapter meetings, education policy work team meetings, and community events. I also helped organize an Election Day event on UofL’s campus to help get out the vote! I love my experience with KFTC and can’t wait to watch the relationship grow.

As a VE Contractor, I conversed with voters on issues they care about, explored solutions to those issues, registered new voters, distributed election information, and organized a campus event. It was an amazing experience and I am so thankful for the personal growth and professional development I have experienced here. Thank you, KFTC for a great job and amazing time!!

- Quincy Robinson, JCKFTC Member