New Organizing Academy cohort completes its first training session

KFTC’s initial Organizing Academy cohort had its first in-person training on January 20, giving members the chance to start getting to know one another and dive into the six-month curriculum.

The first session focused on the topics of what is power, community organizing, the history of organizing in Kentucky and KFTC, learning and practicing sharing one’s story, and a bit on caring for oneself and each other in this work.

The cohort is an intergenerational group consisting of a member in the 8th grade up to folks in their late 60s.

The youngest members, Shane Wilcher (17) and Chase Gladson (14), brought on spontaneous applause and some tears after sharing about how important it is to get young folks involved. Wilcher shared about how he would love to have KFTC spaces where students can organize and learn together.

Gladson shared how years of continuing budget cuts have left public schools with little resources. He wants to organize other students to tell legislators that they are stealing their education, and that young people want and deserve better.

There are 21 members of the cohort, with 17 (pictured to the left) able to make the January session.