Northern Kentucky chapter reaching out

The Northern Kentucky chapter of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth returned to two festivals this year to continue to build upon existing relationships with key ally organizations in the region.

The first event was 3^rd Annual Browngrass Festival, a fundraiser benefitting public radio station WNKU in historic Rabbit Hash, Kentucky on July 21st. This event, taking place on the banks of the Ohio in rural Boone county, proved to be a great chance to talk about the concerns around mountaintop removal, discuss voting rights, and talk to Owen Electric members about the need for more owner/member protection in the co-ops, as well as investment in sustainable energy here in Kentucky.

The second event was the 4^th Annual Liberty Row Block Party in Newport, Kentucky. This event, which is put on by a micro-neighborhood inside the Westside Citizen's Coalition, serves as a chance for neighbors in Newport to get to know each other, and to build a sense of community in Newport, Kentucky. The chapter used this opportunity as a chance to build stronger relationships with community members and organization in the urban areas in Campbell County, register voters, and discuss local concerns about payday lending, unsustainable development on the regions hillsides, and the disenfranchisement of over 240,000 Kentuckians.

Between the two events the chapter was able to register 11 voters, recruit a dozen new members, raise over $200, and help inform people about the various work our organization has been doing both locally and across the state.