June 22, 2004

Our "Not-So Fancy" Farm

1st Annual
Change for Kentucky
"Not-So Fancy Farm"

Political Picnic & Candidate Forum

Howard Dean and Democracy for America has asked Change for Kentucky to help select Kentucky candidates that may be included as one of the coveted "Dean Dozen". An endorsement from Gov. Dean could mean a huge difference for forward-thinking KY candidates in tight races.

We've thought long and hard about what we could do help. Here's what we came up with:

Let's throw an old-fashioned Kentucky political picnic, grassroots-style...

So, Change for Kentucky announces the first annual:

"Not-So Fancy" Farm **
Political Picnic & Candidate Forum

July 7, 2004
6-9 p.m.
Kentucky Horse Park (Man-O-War area)
FREE BBQ and beverages provided. CASH BAR.

This is an opportunity for CFK members and supporters, progressive democrats and independents (and anyone else) to meet and interact with candidates running in November. Equally important, this is the candidates' chance to talk to us, to tell us why we should support their candidacy, and why Change for Kentucky and Democracy for America should endorse their campaign.

This is the biggest, most important event Change for Kentucky has ever attempted. It is imperative that we have a large, energetic crowd to meet these candidates.

WE NEED YOU TO BE THERE!

If you can't attend the Not-So Fancy Farm, please HIT THE BAT and contribute to Change for Kentucky. We're almost half-way to our goal of $2004 by July 4.

We continue to grow because of you. Let's keep going.

** CFK has no affiliation or connection with the original and great Fancy Farm.

Posted by Jeremy Horton at 08:47 PM | Comments (13)

June 09, 2004

We're pulling out the BAT for
CHANGE FOR KENTUCKY
Help us raise
$2004 by July 4

Dear Change for Kentucky Supporter:

You have made it happen! Over the past six months, your energy and your committment to real change has helped make Change for Kentucky the most talked about grassroots political organization in Kentucky.

From outreach programs to voter registration to precinct walking, Change For Kentucky has a committed core of enthusiastic volunteers who have made it their mission to bring much-needed change to the political conversation in Kentucky, one doorstep and one neighbor at a time.

We have met in MeetUps, and we have walked for candidates, and we have taken leadership positions in our precincts.  Now we are asking for your financial support as Change for Kentucky moves forward into the political season of 2004.

Your contribution will allow Change for Kentucky to:

  • Provide hands-on Grassroots Training Workshops to progressive political organizations, candidate campaigns, and county parties.  We'll teach precinct organization, canvassing and doorstep polling, internet communication, and the value of "people power".

  • Make available scholarships to Grassroots Training sessions conducted by 21st Century Democrats and Democracy for America.  These scholarship will help to "train our trainers", allowing us to provide low-cost, intimate training sessions across the Bluegrass.

  • Supply grassroots organization and support to candidates endorsed by Change for Kentucky.  We will be the "boots-on-the-ground" for progressive candidates who support the ideals and principles of Change for Kentucky and Democracy for America.  We can make a difference in these elections!

It goes without saying that 2004 may be the most important election year that many of us have ever seen.  The issues raised and the battles joined this November will be long lasting, and not easily recovered if lost.

Change for Kentucky is an organization as well as an idea, both founded upon the simple words that we took as the motto of the Howard Dean campaign:  "You have the power!"

Please HIT THE BAT and contribute to Change for Kentucky.

Thank you for all your support!

Skip Van Hook
Treasurer, Change for Kentucky

Please note: Our donation system is set-up through PayPal Donations, but you do not have to open a PayPal account to contribute. You can also make a donation via check payable to:

Change for Kentucky
PO Box 652
Lexington  KY  40588

Posted by Skip Van Hook at 03:56 PM | Comments (27)

June 03, 2004

CFK Candidate Endorsements

Now that the Kentucky primary election has passed, Change for Kentucky starts the important process of identifying political candidates who support the goals and ideals of Democracy for America.

Change for Kentucky will support and endorse candidates who are dedicated to taking back our country (and our state) from the right-wing political machine that dominates our government.

In this election year, lines will be drawn. Change for Kentucky is looking for candidates who are committed to protecting civil liberties for all citizens, who will build communities, who will encourage economic growth and who will stand up against the "good-ole boy" Kentucky politics of that past. We are looking for brave candidates, those unafraid to say the hard truths about the direction of our world, our country and our state.

For candidates, an endorsement from Change for Kentucky means that YOU ARE SUPPORTED BY THE GRASSROOTS! As demonstrated by the presidential campaign of Gov. Howard Dean, the power of the grassroots supporters to affect races has never been more evident. We are the people who will work. We will write letters and we will walk neighborhoods and we will give money. Grassroots support is the new engine of politics, and Change for Kentucky is looking for candidates who understand and appreciate the power of our constituency.

Over the coming weeks, Change for Kentucky will look at campaigns and candidates across the state for potential CFK endorsement. We will also work closely with Democracy for America in our selection process, ensuring Change for Kentucky candidates reflect the goals and ideals of DFA and the bi-weekly "Dean Dozen".

CFK supporters: if you know of a candidate in ANY race in Kentucky that you feel Change for Kentucky should endorse, please post in the COMMENTS field below.

Campaign Staff: if you would like your candidate to be considered for endorsement by Change for Kentucky, please send an email to: candidatesearch@changeforkentucky.com

Keep watching this space as we announce the Change for Kentucky slate of candidates in July!

Posted by Jeremy Horton at 12:49 PM | Comments (38)

June 02, 2004

The Months Ahead

Change for Kentucky continues to grow.

We grow as an organization, with new membership, new initiatives, new leaders and new CFK chapters forming in key counties across the state.

We grow as an ideal, where the concept that WE can make a difference in Kentucky politics is more than a goal to reach; it is an obligation and a responsibility.

We grow as a organization with values and principles- VOICE for concerned Democrats and Independents who are tired of being shut out of the political conversation in this state; VOTES for candidates who promote the shared values of opportunity, integrity, corporate responsibility, and community; and VICTORY for all of us, as we bring Change for Kentucky.

Over the past two months, Change for Kentucky has grown from the second phase of the Kentucky for Howard Dean campaign into a recognizable and influential factor in the future of Kentucky politics. We will grow our numbers and our influence over the coming months, but it will take your continued energy and dedication.

Please attend your Democracy for America/Change for Kentucky meetup, happening Wednesday, May 5, at 7:00 p.m. Go to the DFA MEETUP site to find the meeting nearest you.

In the coming weeks, the Change for Kentucky website will debut a GUEST BLOGGER feature, where political candidates, community leaders and ordinary citizens are invited to share their thoughts and solutions on how we can change Kentucky. If you have a recommendation for a person you would like to see guest blog, or would like to become a guest blogger yourself, please send an email to guestblog@changeforkentucky.com

Posted by Jeremy Horton & Jane Jensen at 11:51 PM | Comments (48)