Peace, justice, environment, and human rights groups in the Kansas City Metro – 2017/2018
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63RD STREET PATRIOTS
9730 Madison, Kansas City MO 64114
Email: schwartzkatz@sbcglobal.net.
The 63rd Street Patriots have been standing against the unjust policies since February, 2003. We have stood at the corner of 63rd and Ward Parkway every Tuesday during rush hour from 5:00pm to 6:00pm during rain, snow, extreme heat and have been spit on, smoke bombed, yelled at and given the finger, as well as given cookies and cold drinks by supporters and lots of positive honks over the years.
100 BLACK MEN OF GREATER KANSAS CITY, INC
PO Box 300676, Kansas City, MO 64130
Website: www.100blackmenkc.org. Email: jerryrose59@att.net.
Phone: 877-810-8252.
Executive Director: Mr. Herston R. Fails.
The 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is an all-volunteer organization and was formed in 2006 as one of 116 chapters nationally and internationally with over 10,000 members serving 100,000 youth participants. 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is devoted to improving the quality of life for young African American men through several mentoring, educational, and life skills programs led by professional men from various industries and fields, serving as community volunteers: “Real Men Giving Real Time”.
816 BIKE COLLECTIVE
518 E. 31st St. Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: 816bike.org. Email: the816bike@gmail.com.
A collective of individuals from diverse backgrounds working on a volunteer basis to rescue and repair bicycles. We believe in empowerment through education and support the use of bicycles as a healthy and ecological means of transportation. Hours: Saturdays noon-5pm.
ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS AND RECONCILIATION (AIRR)
2215 Parallel Ave. Kansas City, KS 66104
Phone: 913-608-7742.
Contact: Angela Ferguson.
AIRR is a local interfaith advocacy group that is the Kansas Affiliate for Welcoming America. AIRR is working to educate the public in the church pews about the difficulties of our current immigration system. AIRR offers film events and forums for local congregations with discussion leaders and materials. Please call to schedule an event.
AD HOC GROUP AGAINST CRIME
3116 Prospect Ave. Kansas City, MO 64128
Website: www.adhocgroupkc.com. Phone: 816-861-5500
President: Damon Daniel: damon@adhocgac.com.
Ad Hoc works to direct youth and their families away from drugs, crime, violence, and negative involvement with the criminal justice system. Current Services include a Community Hotline – 816-753-1111, resource for individuals to report crimes and other incidences of concern and receive community referrals or Ad Hoc intervention; a Youth Helpline – 816-531-COOL (2665), resource for parents to call and report missing children, and others to give information regarding those missing; Prayer Vigils – community gathering requested by family of murder victim to bring solace and build awareness of crime to possibly generate tips; Radio Appeals & flyers – generated to assist in building awareness of those missing or murdered; Families Victimized by Murder – support group for families of victims and perpetrators of murder to provide them with grief education and assist them with coping skills, as well as leadership for community activism.
ALL SOULS UU SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BOARD
4501 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 6411
Email: office@allsoulskc.org. Phone: 816-531-2131.
Chair: Karen Wells
Social Responsibility Board (SRB) began in 2005 as an effort to coordinate and grow the organized social justice efforts of All Souls. SRB evolved slowly till today the member groups meet bimonthly to coordinate the activities calendar, encourage idea development and project growth, and to guide the use of church space by outside justice organizations. Members recruit others and help to serve Sunday dinner to homeless persons at Restart Center once a month and have taken public stances against homophobia and racism.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW) – KC
PO Box 8831 Kansas City, MO 64114-8831
Website: kansascity-mo.aauw.net.
President: Linda Berube: ljbaauw@hotmail.com, 816-809-0139.
Our mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Founded by prominent Kansas City women in 1893. Among our long-standing projects is the Hundred High School Girls, started in 1931, which recognizes and provides scholarships to senior girls graduating from local Kansas City schools; the Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award, for almost four centuries, awards and recognizes authors in the Kansas City area; the Wagy grants, which has for more than 15 years, awarded grants to local non-profit organizations for their programs for women and girls; and the Reentry Woman of the Year, started in 1987, provides scholarships to women who are returning to college after a five-year absence.
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION KS/W MO
3601 Main, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: aclu-mo.org. Phone: 816-756-3113.
Executive Director: Jeffrey Muttman: jmittman@aclu.mo.org, 816-470-9933.
The mission of the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri is to protect and defend the Constitutional rights and civil liberties of every individual in Kansas and Western Missouri regardless of creed, race, religion or other labeling through education, advocacy and litigation.
ARTS COUNCIL OF METROPOLITAN KANSAS CITY
106 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City MO 64108
Website: www.artskc.org. Phone: 816-221-1777.
CEO/Executive Director: Bruce Davis: Davis@ArtsKC.org.
Advances and supports the arts for the benefit of the Kansas City region. Our vision is a thriving, vibrant community where the arts are valued by and accessible to all.
BENEDICTINES FOR PEACE
4220 Mercier, Kansas City, MO 64111
Contact: Therese Elias, OSB: 816-561-6885
BFP links Benedictine nuns and monks with other peace groups. They join in co-sponsoring other local peace events. The group is based in Atchison, KS.
BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
1709 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: www.bbbskc.org. Phone: 816-561-5269. Fax: 816-561-5273.
CEO: Micheal Lawrence: micheal@bbbskc.org.
Mission is to create and support life-changing friendships for children. Vision is to create positive change within our community through the power of one-to-one mentoring.
BREAKING THE SILENCE
PO Box 4412, Kansas City, KS 66104
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/breakingthesilencesec/2012. Phone: 913-481-9920.
Contact: Richard Mabion: rmabion@sbcglobal.net.
After attending environmental conferences from Berkeley to Boston, with several stops in between, it became quite apparent that while so much was being done and said to show us what was needed for us to save the planet and all of its species, very little was being said or done to address the fact that few if any people of color were involved. Even after several noted persons and highly read publications address the subject, other than including a person of color as part of the agenda itself, the environmental movement in America is still in need of a way to make the lack of people of color an agenda item. It was that factor, along with a need to reach people of color that caused the founder of Building A Sustainable Earth Community, to return to Kansas City, Kansas from a conference in Berkeley, determine to make the people of color issue the reason or theme for a conference.
BRIDGING THE GAP
1427 W 9th St. #201 Kansas City, MO 64141 (DO NOT SEND PAPER)
Website: www.bridgingthegap.org. Phone: 816-561-1087.
Executive Director: KristinRiott: kristin.riott@bridgingthegap.org, 816-561-1061 ext. 106.
Bridging The Gap is your local environmental not-for-profit “connecting environment, economy and community”. We are proud to have been named the 2011 winner of Bank of America Kansas City’s Neighborhood Builders Award.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE EARTH COMMUNITY
PO Box 4412 Kansas City, KS 66104
Contact: Richard Mabion, rmabion@sbcglobal.net, 913-481-9520.
Our mission is to engage our multicultural society in a positive manner. We wish to empower individuals to collaborate and promote ideas and activities which focus on building an accessible sustainable earth community that honors and preserves people and the environment.
BURROUGH’S AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KC
7300 S.W. West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Website: www.burroughs.org. Phone: 816-795-8177.
President: Don Stout. Vice President: Christine Kline: birdsecretary@comcast.net.
The voice of reason for conservation in the natural world. They work to spread awareness through special programs and through monthly meetings, field trips and their library. They offer a bi-monthly newsletter on conservation issues.
CALVARY COMMUNITY OUTREACH NETWORK
2940 Holmes St., Kansas City MO 64109
Website: www.ccon-kc.org.
Founder and CEO: Eric D. Williams.
The mission of the Calvary Community Outreach Network (CCON) is to improve the quality of life by attending to the spiritual, physical, economic and social needs of individuals and families through innovative programs and services. Since its inception as a 501(c)3 in 1994, CCON has promoted wellness throughout the Greater Kansas City area with the following activities:
- Providing health education and awareness to minority communities.
- Providing meaningful youth and family development activities.
- Organizing forums and events to bring about positive change in the African-American community regarding HIV/AIDS.
- Working with the faith community to foster hope and healing.
- Networking with community based organizations to influence change.
CENTER FOR PRACTICAL BIOETHICS
Harzfeld Building, 1111 Main St., Suite 500 Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: www.practicalbioethics.org. Phone: 816-221-1100. Fax: 816-221-2022.
President: John G Carney. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer: Linda Doolin Ward: lward@practicalbioethics.org, 816-979-1362.
The Center for Practical Bioethics is a nonprofit, free-standing and independent organization nationally recognized for its work in practical bioethics. Since 1984, the Center has helped patients and their families, healthcare professionals, policymakers and corporate leaders grapple with ethically complex issues in medicine and research. The Center’s vision and mission requires the Center to be proactive – to call attention to ethical issues and to develop programs, policies and publications that address them. Through its unique methodology, the Center puts “practical bioethics” into action.
CHERITH BROOK COMMUNITY
3308 E 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127
Website: http://cherithbrookcw.blogspot.com.
Email: cherithbrookkcmo@gmail.com. Phone: 816-241-8047.
Cherith Brook is a residential Christian community committed to sharing table fellowship with strangers and all our resources with one another. We are a community that practices hospitality, peacemaking and sustainability. We offer temporary housing, showers, clothes and a warm meal to our friends from the streets.
CHILDREN’S PEACE PAVILION
1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050
Website: www.kidpeace.org. Phone: 816-521-3033.
Contact: Jim Hannah 816-719-5583.
The Children’s Peace Pavilion is a unique nonsectarian “DO TOUCH” children’s museum for ages 5-11 designed to teach the concepts of peace through creative, fun, child-centered learning activities.
CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER
PO Box 32108, Kansas City, MO 64171
3261 Roanoke, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.ChristmasinOctober.org. Phone: 816-531-6443. Fax: 816-531-6444.
Contact: Steve Alley: steveall@christmasinoctober.org.
This group recruits volunteers to repair and rehabilitate homes of elderly, disabled and needy homeowners. This all-volunteer group has no paid members, but publishes a newsletter every other month. Newsletter deadline is the first Friday of the month.
COMMUNITY OF CHRIST PEACE & JUSTICE TEAM
1001 West Walnut, Independence, MO 64050
Website: www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy. Phone: 816-833-1000.
Co-Chairs: Jim and Sharon Hannah: 816-719-5583.
Peace and Justice Ministries is part of the mission of the Community of Christ Church. The Temple at the church’s international headquarters in Independence, MO is dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. It is open to all and inspires congregational based peace and justice ministries in over 50 countries. The headquarters complex houses the Children’s Peace Pavilion, an interactive peace museum that opened in 1995 and has had over 100,000 visitors (call 816-521-3033). An international peace award is given to a prominent peacemaker each year. A Peace Colloquy is held during the church’s triennial world conference and an international peace award is presented to a prominent global peacemaker.
COMMUNITY LINC
PO Box 3697 Kansas City, MO 64171
4012-14 Troost Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: www.kclinc.org/homesharing. Phone: 816-531-3727.
Our mission is to end homelessness, impact poverty, and remove barriers to self-sufficiency for the families served. Community Linc has served over 4,000 families in KC.
COMMUNIVERSITY
Student Union, UMKC, 5100 Cherry, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: www.info.umkc.edu/communiversity. Phone: 816-235-1448.
Director: Rick Mareske: maresker@umkc.edu.
An adult education program sponsored by UMKC’s office of Student Involvement. All classes are taught by volunteer teachers. Class topics range from cooking classes to financial planning seminars, from belly dancing to holistic health.
CONCERNED CLERGY COALITION OF KANSAS CITY
2801 Swope Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129
Website: www.concernedclergykc.org. Phone: 816-497-4886.
Contact: Pastor Eric D. Williams.
The Concerned Clergy Coalition is a group comprised of pastors from Christian denominations, primarily serving Kansas City’s urban core. Our goal is to impact our residents by assisting with issues related to economic development, education, health, banking, and most recently responding to the surge in violent crimes in our area.
CONSOLIDATED SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, INC.
12003 Beacon, Grandview, MO 64030
Website: www.advancingsocialnetworking.ning.com. Phone: 816-965-8137.
Executive Director: Ester Holzendorf: esterbillie61@aol.com.
Consolidated Social Work Services, Inc. (A Change Agent) is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals and families with the necessary tools to make changes in their life that will allow them to become or continue to function as viable productive citizens. C.S.W.S assists those in need of social services to access needed services. The organization is designed to assist the incarcerated upon release from places of incarceration, the elderly, and youth and families.
COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS (CAIR) KS CHAPTER
4405 Tillham Road Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: http://www.cairkansas.org. Phone: 785-318-6323.
Board Chairman: Moussa Elbayoumy.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with regional offices nationwide. Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. CAIR’S Vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. CAIR’S mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CRESCENT PEACE SOCIETY
PO Box 25161 Overland Park, KS
Website: www.crescentpeace.org.
Founded January 1, 1996. A Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim culture through dialogue, discussion and shared experiences.
CROP WALK FOR THE HUNGRY
(KANSAS CITY HEART OF AMERICA)
5812 Brookside Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64113
Website: www.crophungerwalk.org/kansascity/mo. Phone: 816-729-8042.
Coordinator: Tony Hayes: wrt4u@aol.com.
The CROP Walk is an all-faith metro-wide fundraiser for local and international hunger relief. It is one of nearly 2,000 similar walks in the U.S organized by Church World Service, a worldwide hunger relief agency. Church World Service is the service arm of 30 mainline faith groups and development organizations. Programs operate in more than 80 nations around the world responding to disasters, feeding the hungry and doing culturally sensitive development. Peace and justice groups are welcome to gather petition signatures at Crop Walk water stops.
CROSS BORDER NETWORK FOR JUSTICE AND SOLIDARITY
PO Box 45753 Kansas City, MO 64171
Website: www.crossbordernetwork.org. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/crossbordernetwork
President: Judy Ancel. Coordinator: Melissa Stiehler: melissastiehler@gmail.com.
Economic globalization, driven by unaccountable transnational corporations and an ethic of competition, is driving down living standards of workers around the world despoiling communities and weakening institutions which foster democracy and protect human rights. The Cross Border Network for Justice and Solidarity believes that an alternative to this type of globalization must be created by building international bridges of solidarity and mutual aid between workers and communities of working people. We educate and organize for social and economic justice by connecting workers and communities across borders.
CULTIVATE KANSAS CITY
4223 Gibbs Road Kansas City, KS 66106
Website: www.cultivatekc.org. Phone: 913-831-2444.
Executive Director and Co-Founder: Katherine Kelly: katherine.kelly@cultivatekc.org, 913-515-2426.
Cultivate Kansas City believes that urban farming is fundamental to building a healthy, sustainable food system for our city. Through growing food, farms and community, we seek innovative ways to solve the crisis of our food system on a very local level. To us, innovation means finding simple solutions to solve problems within the unique situation of each community. Our programs are designed for staff to work closely with individuals and communities on a one-on- one basis to develop their own most effective and sustainable approach to urban farming and local food access. Through growing good food, new urban farms and healthier communities, we aim to build a stronger, more economically and environmentally sustainable Kansas City. Together, with people like you, we’re growing the change!
CULTURAL CROSSROADS, INC.
3605 Blue Ridge Blvd., Independence, MO 64052
Website: www.culturalcrossroads-kc.org. Email: culturalcrossroads@hotmail.com. Phone: 816-737-5979.
President: Mary McCoy.
Cultural Crossroads, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which conducts interactive cross-cultural and multicultural education for children and families. Most programs are conducted in partnership with schools, libraries and community organizations. Programs are available for public and private events and festivals. Mission statement: To promote understanding and tolerance of diverse cultures through cross cultural education, with a focus on the commonalities and common life experiences of peoples of all cultures.
DIALOGUE INSTITUTE OF KANSAS CITY
4215 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, KS 66106
Website: www.dialoguekc.org. Phone: 913-894-6700.
Kansas Branch of Dialogue Institute of the Southwest aims to promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultures in the Greater Kansas City area, Wichita and Lawrence, by creating opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences. Dialogue Institute grew out of the need to address the question, “How can citizens of the world live in peace and harmony?” The Institute was established in 2002 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Many participants of the Institute’s activities are inspired by the discourse and pioneering dialogue initiatives of the Turkish Muslim scholar, writer and educator Fethullah Gulen.
DISCIPLES PEACE FELLOWSHIP
7600 W 75th St. Overland Park, KS 66204
Website: www.dpfkc.faithweb.com. Phone: 816-468-1868.
Contact: Ron Faust: ronfaust2@netzero.com.
DPF offers a peace conscience to the Disciples of Christ denomination in Kansas City and plans events and strategies for peace by supporting peace education in the church and many of the causes within the peace movement. “We are keeping the Passion for Peace Alive.” The national DPF is the oldest peace denomination since 1935 in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada Homeland Ministries, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Website: www.dpfweb.org.
EL CENTRO
650 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101
Website: www.elcentroinc.com. Phone: 913-677-0100. Fax: 913-362-8513.
President/CEO: Irene Caudillo: icaudillo@elcentroinc.com.
Founded in 1976, the mission of El Centro, Inc., a not-for- profit corporation, is “strengthening communities and improving lives of Latinos and others through educational, social, and economic opportunities.” Programs include The Academy for Children – a dual language Pre-K program, workshops on money management and home ownership, health education and healthy living
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COMMITTEE,
VILLAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, KS 66208
Website: www.villagepres.org.
Contacts: Rev. Tom Are, Jr.: tom@villagepres.org, and Jerry Rees: reesveenstra@aol.com, 913-568-4250.
In October 2002, at the urging of the Justice, Peace & Environment Committee (JPEC), the church’s governing body authorized the formation of the Sustainable Sanctuary Task Force (SSTF), the goal of which was to reduce our church’s environmental impact and to practice, model and teach faithful and responsible stewardship of God’s creation. In the fall of 2007, JPEC and SSTF evolved and coalesced so that all environmental initiatives and activities are now undertaken by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC). Based on an assessment of our church’s ecological footprint, EAC sets goals and commits to making changes to make the church more environmentally aware and sustainable as an institution.
FOOD NOT LAWNS, KC
Website: www.foodnotlawnskc.org.
Contact: Steve Mann: steve@prairietrading.com, 816-352-9213.
Kansas City Food Not Lawns is a group focused on: 1) growing a local, sustainable, secure food system to respond to rising food prices caused by our current reliance upon a fossil fuel-dependent, industrial food system and 2) reducing the impact on the earth’s environment caused by the widespread practice of growing costly, non-productive landscapes. Offer Communiversity classes, workshops and information as well as social events.
FRIENDS of LAKESIDE NATURE CENTER
4701 E. Gregory Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64132
Website: www.lakesidenaturecenter.org. Phone: 816-513-8960.
We are committed to providing volunteer assistance to the Lakeside Nature Center. Volunteers participate in fundraising, assist injured native wildlife and educate the public. Educational efforts range from children’s programs on wildlife to talking one-to-one with individuals who have encountered injured animals and need information. The group has a quarterly newsletter and meets four times a year on the 2nd Tuesdays of March, June, September and December at 6:30pm.
FUTURE IS NOW
123 Armour Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.creativeprocess.net/peace.
Contact: Rae Petersen: rae@creativeprocess.net, 816-756-0099.
The aim of FIN was to focus the attention of, and provide the venue for, the people of Kansas City to participate in the annual simultaneous global Peace Celebration on December 31 at 12 noon Greenwich Mean Time (6:00am CST). FIN organized the World Peace Celebration between 1986 and 2000. Currently the Rime Buddhist Center organizes and hosts the early morning celebration. Two groups which grew out of FIN are the Heart Forest and the Center for Global Community.
GATEWAY LEGAL SERVICES
200 N Broadway, Suite 950 St. Louis, MO 63102
Website: www.gatewaylegal.org. Phone: 314-534-0404; toll free: 1-888-782-8380. Fax: 314-652-8308.
Executive Director: Michael Ferry mferry@gatewaylegal.org.
Gateway Legal Services, Inc., is a not-for-profit, non-government-funded, self-supporting legal aid program. Although our office is in St. Louis, we handle a significant number of cases for clients in the Kansas City area. We focus on helping lower-income people with problems getting or keeping Social Security disability or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. We typically get involved in a case after a client has been turned down on a claim for benefits. Since we are not government funded and have to support ourselves, we charge reduced contingent fees in cases where the client, if successful, will receive a back benefits award. By “reduced”, we mean that we charge less than the maximum percentage allowed by law. By “contingent”, we mean that there is no attorney’s fee unless the client receives an award of back benefits. We handle termination cases and overpayment cases without charge.
GLOBAL AND MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER (G.A.M.E.)
3009 Holmes Kansas City, MO 64109
Website: www.kcglobalconcepts.org. Email: info@kcglobalconcepts.org. Phone: 816-753-2372.
Director: Sara Pedram. President: Paula Coyote-Schaaf.
G.A.M.E. is a non-profit, tax exempt, membership organization with the primary purpose of building grassroots public support in promoting international and intercultural understanding, educating for diversity, global citizenship, human rights, the environment and peace. G.A.M.E. strives to inspire the greater Kansas City community to transform into a global community. We believe education provides the sensitivity and understanding that humankind on planet earth shares the same destiny regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race or religion. Education also creates a positive attitude and a sense of global community.
GREATER KANSAS CITY INTERFAITH COUNCIL
PO Box 9117, Mission, KS 66201
Website: www.kcinterfaith.org.
Contact: Rev. Dr. Kara Hawkins, GKCIC Speakers Bureau Coordinator: karaleehawkins48@gmail.com.
The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council strives to develop deeper understanding of the religions and spiritual traditions in our community and to foster respectful and meaningful interfaith interaction. Through our prayer and dialogue, we are helping our community become more aware of the spiritual values that can inspire us in resolving world issues in the environmental and social and personal realms of our lives. We offer a variety of programs including book clubs, panel discussions and prayer services. Our annual lunch celebrates the growth of the interfaith movement in Kansas City. Representatives from 15 different religions serve on the Council and everyone is welcome to join us for our monthly meetings.
GREATER KANSAS CITY JUSTICE COALITION
7473 East 83rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64138
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GKCJustice. Phone: 816-931-5256.
Contact: Ira Harritt.
The purpose of the GKC Justice Coalition (formerly the KC alliance for Justice) is to connect, collaborate and unify heartland organizations focused on justice, education and advocacy. Vision: A unified heartland community creating justice and integrity.
GREATER KANSAS CITY WOMEN’S POLITICAL CAUCUS
PO Box 10095 Kansas City, MO 64171
Website: www.gkcwpc.org. Email: info@gkcwpc.org. Phone: 816-444-4360.
President: Rebecca Richardson: president@gkcwpc.org.
This organization works to involve more women in elective or appointive office and raise issues that are of importance to women such as gender-barriers in the workplace, health care and reproductive rights. Meets 4th Thursday each month.
GREEN SANCTUARY COMMITTEE OF ALL SOULS
4501 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.allsoulskc.org. Email: office@allsoulskc.org. Phone: 816-531-2131.
The mission of the Green Sanctuary Committee is to educate and encourage action demonstrating Unitarian Universalist’s seventh principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.”
GREEN WORKS IN KANSAS CITY
4334 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.greenworkskc.org. Phone: 816-756-3674.
Contact: Kate Corwin: kate@greenworkskc.org.
Green Works in Kansas City excels at environmental education and workforce development for urban high school students and in creating partnerships that open doors for our students and positively impact their futures. We educate students about the environment and involve them in meaningful service projects. We provide job skill training, financial literacy and paid summer internships, to prepare our students for life after high school. We also involve our students in educational initiatives in their neighborhoods. We are a KCPT American Graduate Champion, the winner of a 2014 Civility Award from Consensus and a MARC Sustainable Success Story for 2014.
GREENS OF KANSAS CITY
PO Box 33106 Kansas City, MO 64114
Website: www.greenskc.com. Phone: 816-523-1813.
Coordinator: Dave Kingsley.
Meetings are held at the Aquarius Book Store, 3936 Broadway, KC, MO 64111.
This group seeks to provide an organizational vehicle through which the often fragmented and isolated efforts of the many existing grassroots citizen movements for peace, justice and ecology can come together. Then, through a democratic process the groups can find a common program and coordinate action to transform their commitment into one that is truly nonviolent, self-governing and ecological. The local group is supportive of certain candidates for election and has an occasional newsletter.
GUADALUPE CENTER
1015 Avenida, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.guadalupecenters.org. Phone: 816-421-1015.
CEO/President: Chris Medina: cmedina@guadalupecenters.org.
Guadalupe Center, Inc., a United Way Agency, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hispanics throughout metropolitan Kansas City and all residents of the west side community, through the development, administration and coordination of comprehensive, educational, social, cultural and recreational service.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KANSAS CITY
1423 E Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64109
Website: www.habitatkc.org. Phone: 816-924-1096. Fax: 816-924-1096.
Volunteer Director: Dana Bass: dbass@habitatkc.org.
Habitat for Humanity Kansas City is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International serving the urban core of Kansas City, MO since 1979. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.
HARVESTERS-THE COMMUNITY FOOD NETWORK
3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129
Website: www.harvesters.org. Email: inforequest@harvesters.org. Phone: 816-929-3000.
Harvesters-The Community Food Network feeds hungry people today and works to end hunger tomorrow. Harvesters is the area’s only food bank and is Feeding America’s 2011 Food Bank of the year. Harvesters provides food and related household products to more than 620 not-for-profit agencies including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes and others. Agencies in Harvesters’ network provide food assistance to as many as 66,000 different people each week. Harvesters, which was founded in 1979, is a certified member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, serving all 50 states.
HEART FOREST
123 W. Armour Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.heartforest.org. Phone: 816-756-0099.
Contact: Rae Petersen: rae@creativeprocess.net.
Heart Forest is located on a 22 acre site southwest of KCI Airport at 104th & Brightwell Rd. It is a living symbol of commitment to environmental, spiritual, and community rejuvenation. The design, which consists of a center grove of eastern red cedars surrounded by concentric bands of flowering pine and shade trees, calls for over 5,000 trees. The cedars are open for adoption to commemorate a special occasion or a loved one. The first planting was in April 1990. Volunteer opportunities are available year round. See also: Future is Now & Center for Global Community.
HEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL
401 S. Claiborne Rd. Ste 302 Olathe, KS 66062
Website: www.hearttoheart.org. Email: info@hearttoheart.org. Phone: 913-764-5200. Fax: 913-764-0809.
Co-founder: Gary Morsch MD M.P.H.. CEO: Jim Mitchell.
A grassroots network enabling citizens to mobilize resources and meet human need in our community and throughout the world. The organization is dedicated to promoting the involvement of individuals in programs and projects that alleviate human suffering and address the needs of the total person – connecting people to people, heart to heart. Heart for Home addresses homelessness in the KC area.
HEARTLAND ALL SPECIES PROJECT
5644 Charlotte Kansas City, MO 64110
Websites: www.allspecies.org; www.organotill.org. Phone: 816-361-1230.
Contact: Marty Kraft: martyk@allspecies.org.
Heartland All Species Project works to develop urban organic and no-till gardens for schools and neighborhoods. Our prime area of exploration is with Niles Home for Children where we are developing a garden and program for the children. We are also involved in the Urban Wilderness, a natural yard and Tracy Garden, a neighborhood demonstration garden. All Species is developing organic, no till gardening methods that sequester carbon. Videos can be seen at organotill.org.
HEARTLAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
1401 Fairfax Trafficway, Suite 323D Kansas City, KS 66115
Website: www.heartlandhabitat.org. Phone: 913-342-3047. Fax: 913-342-4459.
Executive Director: Tom Lally: tom@heartlandhabitat.org.
Our mission is to build simple, decent homes and communities in Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas, and Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri, in partnership with God’s people in need, while following biblical principles.
HEARTLAND HABITAT RESTORE-JOHNSON COUNTY
9850 West 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/restore. Phone: 913-648-6001.
Director: Brian Alferman: brian@restorekc.org.
Restore Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9am-5pm.
The mission of Habitat ReStore is to support the construction of homes by Kansas City Habitat for Humanity through the collection and sale of new and used building materials diverted from the waste stream, keeping them out of our landfills and in circulation where they can benefit Kansas City communities. A discount home improvement center, selling donated building materials, furniture and appliances – new and gently used. All profits from the store help fund the work of Habitat for Humanity KC, providing decent, affordable housing to low income KC families.
HEARTLAND HABITAT RESTORE-WYANDOTTE COUNTY
1270 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, KS 66103
Website: www.heartlandhabitat.org/restore. Phone: 913-648-6001.
President/CEO: Tom Lally: tom@heartlandhabitat.org.
Heartland Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a public retail outlet that sells quality new and used surplus building materials and appliances that are priced at 20% to 80% off retail. All items in the store are donated, including fixtures, furniture, appliances and construction materials. The net income received helps fund the construction of additional Heartland Habitat homes and communities. Heartland Habitat ReStore helps keep the community green by re-channeling and re-using good, functional materials, instead of adding them to landfills- to the tune of more than 2,000 tons annually! Heartland Habitat ReStore is a wonderful place to purchase materials you need for personal tasks at very affordable prices. Plus, you’ll be making a positive impact on the Heartland Habitat mission and our local environment. To take advantage of quality products at discounted prices, check out Heartland Habitat for Humanity Restore.
HEARTLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOCIETY
9844 Georgia Ave., Kansas City, KS
Website: www.heartlandrenewable.org. Email: info@heartlandrenewable.org. Phone: 913-299-4474.
President: Craig Wolf.
The Heartland Renewable Energy Society supports clean and sustainable energy. All of the activities of the Heartland Renewable Energy Society – the Energy Solutions Home Tour, Workshops, Newsletter, Website, Email Lists, Presentations, and Educating, Monitoring and Reporting of Legislative Activities – are performed by volunteers who feel strongly about the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sensible sustainable development.
HOMELESS SERVICES COALITION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
3200 Wayne Suite 209 Kansas City, MO 64109
Website: www.hscgkc.org. Phone: 816-924-7997. Hotline: 816-474-4599.
Executive Director: Vickie L. Riddle: vriddle@hscgkc.org.
Service providers, consumers, community leaders, government agencies and others in the Greater Kansas City metro area have come together, under the central umbrella of the Homeless Services Coalition, to help eradicate homelessness in our community. HSC was formed to address the concerns and interests of the homeless community, service providers, their consumers and supporters. The Homeless Services Coalition of Greater Kansas City (HSC) is committed to community networking and coalition building.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
4101 Kenwood Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: www.hrc.org/kansascity. Phone: 816-645-7747.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC seeks to improve the lives of GLBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education, and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other GLBT organizations.
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE ADVOCACY MOVEMENT
3801 Strong Ave., Kansas City, KS 66106
Website: www.ijamkc.org. Phone: 816-560-4616.
Executive Director: Laurie Anderson: laurieanderson@earthlink.net.
A multi-denominational faith-based community organization seeks justice for immigrants. It is the only interfaith community organization solely focused on immigrant issues in the KC metro area. Our mission is one of mercy and justice for the immigrant community. As people representing a spectrum of faiths, we are united in our affirmation of the innate value of all human beings and the right to be treated fairly and mercifully, regardless of their immigration status. We seek to create systemic change in our broken immigration system by utilizing community organizing principles and developing relationships that are rooted in our faith values.
INTERCULTURAL CENTER, KCKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112
Website: www.kckcc.cc.ks.us.edu. Phone: 913-288-7504.
Director: Barbara Clark-Evans. Coordinator: Katie Jones: 913-288-7375.
The Intercultural Center components are: Inclusiveness- incorporating broad representation of diversity to include race, class, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and national origin; Shared Responsibility – espousing the belief that every unit, organization and member of the campus community has responsibility to make the campus welcoming; Institutionalization – ensuring those diversity efforts are permanently incorporated into the institutional fabric of KCKCC; Accountability – identifying a process for determining and monitoring the responsibility for meeting campus needs; Evaluation – soliciting ongoing feedback about program impact and campus climate.
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK OF JOHNSON COUNTY
11503 S. Strang Line Rd. Suite C, Olathe, KS 66062
Website: www.jocoihn.org. Phone: 913-345-2121.
Executive Director: Vicki Dercher Jocoihn: vicki@sbcglobal.net. Contact: Cheryl Smith: jocoihn-cheryl@sbcglobal.net.
We provide our families compassionate assistance by offering housing, food and social services through our network of interfaith congregations. That assistance includes getting them back on their feet – helping them find stable employment and permanent housing – helping them regain their sense of dignity.
INTERFAITH WORKER JUSTICE OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
2329 Flora Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.iwj.org/locations/missouri. Phone: 816-924-1800.
Chair: Rev. Spencer Barrett: spencerfrancis@aol.com. Contact: Ron Faust: ronfaust2@netzero.com.
The mission of Interfaith Worker Justice is to call upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community and the broader public on issues and campaigns that will improve workers’ economic status, especially low wage workers. We do this work by creating a diverse base of faith, labor and community power and influence to advocate for progressive public policies that improve workers’ wages, working conditions, and benefits. Our current campaigns include several immigration initiatives, developing worker’s centers, union organizing in partnership with local labor unions, and advocating for universal health care and raising the minimum wage.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COUNCIL
106 W. 11th St. Suite 1650, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: www.irckc.org. Phone: 816-221-4206.
Executive Director: Anna Lambertson: irc@irckc.org.
The mission of IRC is to inspire, integrate, educate and represent a community of Kansas Citians engaged in international affairs and the critical global issues of our time. With an office staff of two, they offer frequent lectures and social events, a speaker’s bureau and programs for Kansas City area students. The IRC was founded in 1954 by Dr. Eliot Berkley. The IRC has several annual programs for adults, including WorldQuest (an international trivia competition), an Awards Banquet featuring a distinguished keynote speaker and the Eliot S. Berkley Lecture (a lecture from a leading expert in foreign policy and international affairs). For high school students, IRC annually offers Academic WorldQuest, an international knowledge competition, and the Eliot S. Berkley Award, a scholarship for a high school senior or junior who has proven competency in the area of international affairs. IRC is an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan 501(c)3 educational organization supported by contributions and membership.
JERUSALEM FARM
520 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, MO 64124
Website: www.jerusalemfarm.org. Phone: 816-421-8155.
Contact: Sunny Hamrick.
Located just north of Independence Ave., Jerusalem Farm, a Catholic Intentional Community, is home to five adults and two children who live “in Community”. Their lives follow the four cornerstones of prayer, community, serve and simplicity. The urban farm, home to front yard gardening, chickens and a bicycle driven compost program provides service opportunities for groups and individuals wanting to serve others. Jerusalem farm, founded in 2012, hosts a community night and offers a home repair program for those in need.
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS BUREAU
5801 W 115th St. Suite 203, Overland Park, KS 66211
Email: JCRBAJC@jewishkc.org. Phone: 913-327-8126.
Executive Director: Marvin Sneer: marvins@jewishkc.org.
The Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee’s mission is to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry; to represent the Jewish community in building bridges with government officials, other faith and ethnic groups, business and civic leaders, the media, law enforcement agencies, educators and the minority communities to develop communication and understanding; to be the primary advocate on behalf of Israel in efforts to secure peace and understanding.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
5801 West 115th St. Suite 201, Overland Park, KS 66211
Website: www.jewishkansascity.org. Phone: 913-327-8100.
President/CEO: Todd Stutter: todds@jewishkc.org.
Our Mission: To sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world.
Our Vision: The Jewish Federation inspires generosity, improves lives and strengthens our community, within a framework of Jewish values.
JUSTICE & PEACE COMMITTEE, VILLAGE CHURCH
PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, KS 66208
Website: www.villagepres.org. Phone: 913-671-2333.
Contact: Marianne Weber, Adult Ministry Coordinator: marianne.weber@villagepres.org.
The Justice and Peace Committee of Village Presbyterian Church focuses on educating the congregation and interested community members. Topics include: Hunger, Palestine/Israel issues, Immigration, Interfaith Opportunities, Domestic Violence, the Cost of War, and the Homeless. We also host speaker events, provide opportunities to write elected officials, co-sponsor the 2-day Sabeel Conference and publicize church events and community-wide activities dealing with justice and peace on a large bulletin board that is updated weekly.
KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO 90.1 FM
3901 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.kkfi.org. Phone: 816-931-3122.
Kansas City’s alternative local radio station.
KAIROS COMMITTEE OF GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
11100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210
Website: www.gcpc.org. Phone: 913-345-1256.
KAIROS Team Moderator: Jo Randolph.
KAIROS: the Peace, Justice and Environmental Team of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, an Earth Care Congregation consists of a small passion filled group interested in the intertwined issues of peace, justice, and the environment and God’s calling to care for others and the creation. We meet monthly in order to inform and empower each other in action. Peacemaking: Shortly after Grace Covenant was formed as a congregation, the session signed the commitment to “Peacemakers: The Believers Calling”. Members have worked for years on Peacemaking issues locally, regionally, nationally and worldwide.
KANSAS CITY ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT
4050 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 135, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.kcavp.org. Phone: 816-561-0550.
CEO/Executive Director: Justin Shaw: justin@kcavp.org.
The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) provides dedicated services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth and adults, throughout Missouri and Kansas, who have experienced trauma, violence, harassment or neglect. Through direct advocacy, professional training and community education, we work to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual violence and hate crimes.
KANSAS CITY ARTIST COALITION
201 Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: www.kansascityartistcoalition.org. Phone: 816-421-5222.
MISSION: The Artist Coalition was created to change the lives of artists living in Kansas City, Missouri. Its mission is to promote visual arts awareness in Kansas City and the surrounding region and support the professional growth of artists. The Artist Coalition is an artist-run, artist-centered organization.
GOALS: The initial goal was to create a strong voice for the concerns of artists. In the mid-seventies Kansas City offered few opportunities, local artists were not taken very seriously and the few local galleries showed the art of artists living elsewhere. The Artists Coalition lobbied for professional venues for local artists and mounted exhibitions in empty commercial spaces. The Artists coalition has since expanded goals to foster a climate which encourages innovation and creativity amongst artists, utilize the collective initiative and creativity of artists for their own benefit, provide a forum for contemporary visual arts through its galleries and publications, champion the work of local artists and increase the viability of Kansas City as a place for artists to live and work, spread the word about the vitality of the arts in Kansas City, MO and the Region, encourage artists to go forward with their ambitious and innovative ideas, seek out peers and mentors in the artists communities across the United States and the world, support artists’ work financially, and promote the exchange of ideas.
KANSAS CITY FOOD CIRCLE
PO Box 20181 Kansas City, MO 64195
Email: contact@kcfoodcircle.org. Phone: 816-895-2462.
The Kansas City Food Circle is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization whose origins stretch back to the 1980s in a project of the Kansas City Greens called the Organic Connection. We work to build a community food system in which farmers, eaters, chefs, and grocers know and trust each other, and to promote the benefits of organic and free range foods produced locally by small farmers.
KANSAS CITY GLOBAL
2226 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64106
Website: www.kansascityglobal.com. Email: kansascityglobal@gmail.com. Phone: 913-200-6948.
We provide cultural, business and educational resources to Kansas City residents, visitors, and recent arrivals. Please visit our website and look at our calendar of upcoming events, as well as a directory of around 1000 organizations, businesses and communities in the Greater Kansas City Area.
KANSAS CITY INDIAN CENTER
600 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.kcindiancenter.org. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kcindiancenter.
Email: information@kcindiancenter.org. Phone: 816-421-7608. Fax: 816-421-6493.
Executive Director: Gaylene Crouser.
The mission of the Kansas City Indian Center is to encourage social, educational, and economic advancement of the American Indian Community by promoting traditional and cultural values.
KANSAS CITY ORGANICS & NATURAL MARKET
5725 McGee, Kansas City, MO 64113
Website: www.kansascityorganics.org. Email: kcorganics@yahoo.com. Phone: 816-444-3663.
KC Organics Farmers Market – “The Farmers Market in the Park” – fresh picked organic and locally grown produce, herbs, baked goods, honey, free range meats and eggs, soaps and body care products, coffees, and much, much more. Saturdays, 8:00am-12:30pm, May 2 to October 17. We host a Holiday Market indoors at Notre Dame de Sion High School, second Saturday in December – see website for details.
LATINO COALITION OF KANSAS CITY
PO Box 414107 Kansas City, MO 64141
Website: www.latinocoalitionkc.org.
President: Leo Prieto.
The Latino Coalition of Kansas City (LCKC) (formerly COHO) is a collaborative group of Latino-focused organizations, in Kansas and Missouri, which work together to improve the quality of life for Latinos through education and advocacy. It is a non-profit organization.
LAWRENCE COALITION FOR PEACE & JUSTICE
PO Box 474 Lawrence, KS 66044
Email: lcpjinfo@lcpj.org.
Coordinator: Christine Smith.
The Lawrence Coalition for Peace & Justice is dedicated to the propositions that violence begets more violence, the forms of violence are social and economic as well as physical, and that the human spirit can reach its highest potential only in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and generosity. This group of diverse individuals is actively committed to the promotion of peace and justice in our community and the world. The Peace Monitor is the bimonthly newsletter of the Coalition. The purpose is to educate the public concerning issues of peace and justice, including reduction of nuclear weapons, military budget concerns in relation to human needs, and a healthy and sustainable environment.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF JOHNSON COUNTY KS
PO Box 13491 Shawnee Mission, KS 66282
Website: www.lwvjoco.org. Phone: 913-901-9107.
Co-Presidents: Donna Lauffer & Sandi Sanchez.
The Johnson County branch of the League of Women Voters is an activist organization that promotes voter information by providing non-partisan, in-depth background and reports on many issues. The LWV advocates positions in accord with grassroots member consensus. They offer literature, films and speakers on various issues and publish a monthly bulletin. Monthly meetings are held as well as periodic general meetings.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS KANSAS CITY MO
PO Box 10416 Kansas City, MO 64171
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/LWVKCMO.
Contact: Donna Hoch.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The LWVKVMO is open to men and women and encourages citizens to vote, study issues, reach consensus and work to effect positive changes.
LEGAL AID OF WESTERN MISSOURI
1125 Grand Blvd. #1900, Kansas City, MO 64106
Website: www.lawmo.org. Phone: 816-474-6750.
Executive Director: Gregg Lombardi.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri is a private, not-for-profit law firm with 50 attorneys on staff, serving clients through Western Missouri. Our mission is to improve the lives of those in need through quality legal assistance. Legal Aid gives priority to cases in which the clients’ safety, housing or ability to support themselves, is a risk. Typical, high priority cases include: obtaining protective orders for victims of domestic violence, obtaining Medicaid benefits and SSI for individuals with disabilities, and challenging unlawful evictions and foreclosures. An office is also located at 920 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108.
LIGHT CENTER
1542 Woodson Rd. Baldwin City, KS 66006
Website: www.lightcenter.info. Phone: 785-255-4583.
Robin Goff, Spiritual Leader.
Retreat and workshop center and natural sanctuary. Alternative Unity Ministry under the 501(3) umbrella of the Worldwide Unity Ministries. Growing into a sustainability learning center, growing organic produce, chickens, ducks and goats. Offers a wide variety of holistic programs like Juice Fasting Retreats, Yoga Retreats and Healing Touch trainings. Also provides meditation, massage, energy healing, and community gatherings.
LORETTO NETWORK FOR NONVIOLENCE
336 W 36th St. Apt. 504 Kansas City, MO 64111
Contact: Tamara Severns: 816-753-7642.
The Kansas City Loretto Community networks with other groups on issues of peace, nonviolence, cultural diversity, ecology and justice, particularly (but not exclusively, those focused on youth and women.
MAINSTREAM COALITION AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
5960 Dearborn, Suite 213, Mission, KS 66202
PO Box 861086 Shawnee, KS 66286
Website: www.mainstreamcoalition.com. Phone: 913-649-3326.
Executive Director: Brandi Fisher: admin@mainstreamcoalition.org.
MainStream is a coalition of informed citizens who believe that moderate voices need to be heard in today’s political climate. We stand for mainstream, common sense, responsible and compassionate ideals. We believe that people with different points of view can come together to forge good government that benefits all citizens.
MAISON DE NAISSANCE FOUNDATION
5000 W. 134th Street, Leawood, KS 66209
Website: www.globalbirthinghomefoundation.org. Phone: 913-402-6800.
Executive Director: Heather Ehlert.
The mission of Maison de Naissance is to serve a destitute group of women and children in Haiti with FREE, competent and compassionate health care. The services of a modern maternity center and community health program are offered at no cost from the hospitality of a safe, culturally appropriate, welcoming and friendly home – a home for birth – Maison de Naissance. Breaking the barriers which poverty erects to health will require multiple strategies. We are focusing on three goals: accessibility, affordability and cultural acceptability.
METROPOLITAN ENERGY CENTER
3810 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64109
Website: metroenergy.org. Email: office@metroenergy.org. Phone: 816-531-7283.
Executive Director: Warren Adams-Levitt: warren@metroenergy.org.
This center helps people individually and collectively to manage and control their energy use. This resource consults with others to improve the wise use of energy and is a referral agency for environmental concerns. Grant-based private donations; no membership fees; Newsletter every other month – deadlines 3 weeks in advance. The center will manage a federal grant promoting alternative fuels and vehicles through the Clean Cities Coalition in Kansas City.
MIDWEST CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST EDUCATION
5801 W. 115th St. Suite 106 Overland Park, KS 66211
Website: www.mchekc.org. Phone: 913-327-8192.
Executive Director: Jean Zeldin.
We honor local survivors and their experiences by communicating their stories to every generation. The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education teaches the history of the Holocaust, applying its lessons to counter indifference, intolerance and genocide. We serve people of all faiths and cultures in Kansas, western Missouri and elsewhere in the Midwest. Our programs reach teachers, students (primarily grades 7 through college) and civic and community groups. We partner with other organizations to achieve our goals.
MISSOURI JOBS WITH JUSTICE
4526 Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: www.mojwj.org. Phone: 816-753-0689. Fax: 816-753-6669.
Executive Director: Caitlyn Adams: caitlyn@mmojwj.org.
Missouri Jobs with Justice is a coalition of community, labor, student and religious groups fighting together for economic justice. Each year members and organizations take the Jobs with Justice pledge to be there at least five times for someone else’s fight. That means joining picket lines, attending contract rallies and participating in other actions or demonstrations for economic and social justice. Pledgers are mobilized through mailings and a phone tree. MJWJ also works to build skills by conducting local training sessions.
MISSOURIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY
6320 Brookside Plaza, Ste. 185, Kansas City, MO 64113
Website: www.madpmo.org. Phone: 816-931-4177.
Contact: Staci Pratt: staci@madpmo.org.
A 501(c)3 corporation with a web page supporting families of prisoners and victims and families of those on death row. Vigils are held on the eve of scheduled executions. A bi-monthly newsletter and a film library are available. We are an affiliate of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. For info on meetings, please see our website.
MORE2
3901 Main Street, Ste. 201, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.more2.org. Phone: 816-277-5912.
Executive Director: Lora D. H. McDonald: loramore2@yahoo.com.
Metro Organization for Racial & Economic Equity (“More Squared”) is a faith-based community organizing movement focused on policy change for racial and economic equity in the metropolitan Kansas City region. The group fosters relationships, invests in leaders, works on issues, builds power, acts collectively, operates out of self-interest for our collective mission, and negotiates around self-interest to honor all people as equal and able to act on their own integrity in powerful ways.
MOVEON.ORG – KANSAS CITY
10338 Pflumm Rd. #1018 Lenexa, KS 66215
Website: www.moveon.org.
Executive Director: Ilya Sheyman.
The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.3 million members across America, we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media. The MoveOn family of organizations is made up of a couple of different pieces. MoveOn.org Civic Action, a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization, formerly known just as MoveOn.org, primarily focuses on education and advocacy on important national issues. MoveOn.org Political Action, federal PAC, formerly known as MoveOn PAC, mobilizes people across the country to fight important battles in Congress and help elect candidates who reflect our values. Both organizations are entirely funded by individuals.
MUSLIM AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MISSOURI
9520 James A. Reed Rd. #F Kansas City, MO 64134
Website: www.maskansascity.org. Phone: 816-522-9697; 913-888-5555.
The Muslim American Society (MAS) is a charitable, religious, social, cultural and educational, not-for- profit organization. It is a pioneering Islamic organization, an Islamic revival, and reform movement that uplifts the individual, family and society. Objectives are to present the message of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims and promote understanding between them, to encourage the participation of Muslims in building a virtuous and moral society, to offer a viable Islamic alternative to many of our society’s prevailing problems, to promote family values in accordance with Islamic teaching, to promote the human values that Islam emphasizes: brotherhood, equality, justice, mercy, compassion, peace and to foster unity among Muslims and Muslim and organizations and encourage cooperation and coordination amongst them.
NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD
1627 Main, Suite 900, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.scimlaw.com. Phone: 816-531-2224.
Contact: Fred Slough: fslough@swbell.net.
The National Lawyers Guild provides legal support on economic, social and political justice issues. The local group serves as a resource for the area’s social justice efforts.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN –
JOHNSON/WYANDOTTE COUNTIES NOW CHAPTER
Website: www.ksnow.org. Phone: 913-642-1614.
President: Anne Pritchett: pritchett.anne@gmail.com.
NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society: secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS – DIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY-ST. JOSEPH
20 West 9th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
PO Box 419037 Kansas City, MO 64141
Website: www.diocese-kcsj.org. Phone: 816-756-1858; 1-800-246-1850.
Director: Jude Huntz: huntz@diocesekcsj.org.
The Human Rights Office seeks to educate, advocate and evangelize according to the social teachings of the Church, as articulated by the Holy Father and through the specific instructions of the Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph. In addition to serving as a resource to our parishes, the Human Rights Office works collaboratively with other Catholic agencies and other organizations on anti-poverty efforts both domestic and overseas. Our mission is accomplished through the faithful work of staff members, along with dedicated volunteers who serve on the commission and committees.
ONE STRUGGLE KC
Website: www.onestrugglekc.wordpress.com. Email: onestrugglekc@riseup.net.
One Struggle KC is a coalition of Kansas City activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed Black communities, locally and globally.
OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL
129 W. Lexington Ave. Independence, MO 64050
Website: www.outreach-international.org. Phone: 816-833-0883. Fax: 816-833-0103.
Outreach International is a human development organization headquartered in Independence, MO. For over 25 years, our mission has been to help the poor help themselves. Our purpose is to help people overcome the effects of poverty and to develop the capacity to create a new future for themselves and their communities. Outreach International presently works in 14 countries around the world, using facilitators selected from their area to empower those affected by poverty.
OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB
PO Box 16032 Kansas City, MO 64112
Website: www.owwckc.org. Email: owwckc@gmail.com.
The Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club was organized in Kansas City in 1956. The “canoe club” combines interest in paddle sport with a conservation ethic, having been “organized for the preservation of Ozark streams.”
The Ozarks are a geologically old mountain range in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. The 100+ family Club publishes a monthly newsletter and yearly Ozark and Close to Home schedules of canoe, kayak, backpack, hiking, bicycle, and other outdoor trips primarily in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. Conservation efforts include actively monitoring water quality of Kansas City’s Blue River as Missouri Stream Team #41 and the organized clean-up of an Ozark stream, an annual event since 1960.
PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
4049 Pennsylvania #20, Kansas City, MO 64111; PO Box 8904 KC, MO 64114
Website: www.pfc.org. Phone: 816-531-8996.
CEO: Michael Chesser. Administrative Manager: Laura Lyon Melo: lyonmelo@pfc.org.
Our Belief: Children are the conscience of a community and the care a community expresses for a child becomes the simplest and most meaningful measure of that community’s regard for itself.
Our Vision: Children and youth will be regarded as Missouri’s most valued asset as evidenced by public policy and practice.
Our Mission: To focus Missouri’s energy on enhancing life for children and youth.
How We Fulfill Our Mission: To positively impact life for children and youth. Partnership for Children: Advocates for public policies and practice. Research and analyzes critical issues, identify gaps and ensure they are addressed. Mobilize public support for specific initiatives and interventions.
PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LESBIAN AND GAYS OF KC
PO Box 414101 Kansas City, MO
Website: www.pflagkc.org. Email: pflagkc@pflagkc.org. Helpline: 816-765-9818.
President: Carolyn Finken-Dove: pflagkcpres@yahoo.com.
Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has a mission of support, education and advocacy PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. PFLAG-KC meetings are the second Sunday of every month. Details are listed on our website.
PEACE & JUSTICE COMMITTEE, RAINBOW MENNONITE
1444 Southwest Blvd. Kansas City, KS 66103
Website: www.rainbowmenonite.org. Phone: 913-236-8820.
Chair: Phillips Rhoads: philrhoads@gmail.com.
In conjunction with the mission statement of Rainbow Mennonite Church (“to worship, learn and serve”) and Mennonite Church USA, the Peace and Social Justice Committee plans to educate our congregation about local, national, and international peace and justice issues, with an emphasis on those issues affecting the congregation and Rosedale. We also strive to build relationships with similar peace and justice groups and promote awareness of wider community events. Finally, we will provide opportunities for responding to issues through such means as letter-writing, peace rallies, financial support and other community involvement.
PEACE MATTERS
200 NE Missouri Rd., Suite 234, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Website: www.peacematters.com. Phone: 816-251-4565.
Contact: Rev. Lori Woodley: lori@peacematters.com.
We teach and practice Nonviolent Communication, as well as offer mediation services and much more. Our Mission is to: Assist (and teach) others in transforming conflict; support others being heard the way they want to be heard; teach the language and consciousness of Nonviolent Communication; offer and open-minded environment to explore Self, Spirit & Connection.
PEACEWORKS KANSAS CITY
4509 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.peaceworkskc.org. Email: peaceworkskc@gmail.com. Phone: 816-561-1181.
Chair: Henry Stoever.
Our Vision: A healthy world of justice and peace without war and its weapons.
Our Mission: To embody and empower our core truth – Peace works!
PeaceWorks-KC seeks a world of peace and security for all, both today and for future generations. We continue our fight against war and its weapons (such as nuclear weapons and lethal drones); the struggle for justice (social, economic and racial justice); and the healing of the environment.
PeaceWorks-KC is a not-for profit 501(c)4, all volunteer group with a 10 member board of directors. Our memberships helps support locally: the Urban Rangers Corps; Avila College student awards for peace-related work; and the Learning Club of KC. KS. Nationally, we are one of 13 affiliates of Peace Action, the nation’s largest grassroots peace organization. PeaceWorks-KC work is funded through memberships and the UnPlaza Art Fair held the third weekend in September. For a full summary of our activities, we encourage you to visit our website at PeaceWorksKC.org.
PEERS ORGANIZED TO SUPPORT STUDENT EXCELLENCE (P.O.S.S.E)
PO Box 270439 Kansas City, MO 64130
Website: www.posseyouth. Email: theposseprogram@aol.com. Phone: 816-923-3394.
Founder/Executive Director: Ossco Bolton: osscobolton@aol.com.
POSSE is sponsored by the Community Capacity Development Office and tries to answer the question, “Why Do Kids Join Gangs?” POSSE begins by declaring to the youth that there is an emergency in their community, and that they have to form a posse to become the agents of the changes that are needed. Training sessions on conflict resolution, communication, team building, decision making, life skills and peer mentoring are the necessary components that make the program work. The program also underscores the importance of changing adult attitudes towards youth as well. When a teacher or adult in a youth’s life begins to see the youth in a different, positive light, their attitude toward the young person and their expectations of him or her can change as well. The program is open for students in Kansas City schools.
PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL
World Headquarters, 2405 Grand Boulevard, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.ptpi.org. Phone: 816-531-4701. Fax: 816-561-7502.
CEO: Bill Bland: billbland@ptpi.org.
The purpose of People to People International is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. It will cooperate with any and all other organizations which are of similar nature and purpose.
PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
1865 S Pyle Street Kansas City, KS 66103
Website: www.psr.org/chapters/kansas. Phone: 913-342-0587.
Contact: Ann Suellentrop: annsuellen@gmail.com.
Physicians for Social Responsibility is an all-volunteer organization of health professionals which offers the public and health community education on the medical consequences of nuclear weapons production, testing and war. PSR focuses on environmental issues. Associated with the International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War, which won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize.
PROMO-KANSAS CITY
PO Box 10002 Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: PROMOonline.org. Email: Promo@PROMOonline.org. Phone: 816-931-2300
Contact: Kyle: kyle@PROMOonline.org
PROMO lobbies for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in the Missouri state capitol. PROMO believes that our society is dedicated to individual liberty, pluralism and the experience of diversity. It supports the right of individuals to construct their personal lives free from unreasonable government restrictions and intrusions. PROMO works to ensure personal rights in the following areas: Sexuality, Reproduction and Parenting, AIDS and HIV, Removing Obstacles to Shared Living, Collection of Information, Drug Testing, Equal Rights and Genetic Privacy. PROMO PAC works to elect candidates who support these issues. Headquarters is located in St. Louis with a branch chapter in Kansas City, MO.
RECLAIM DEMOCRACY
PO Box 6824 Leawood, KS 66206
Website: www.reclaimdemocracy.org/KC. Phone: 816-885-9996.
Reclaim Democracy is dedicated to restoring democratic authority over corporations, reviving grassroots democracy, and revoking the power of money and corporations to control government and civic society.
RECONCILIATION SERVICES
3101 Troost Ave. Kansas City, MO 64109
Website: www.rs3101.org. Phone: 816-931-4751. Fax: 816-931-0142.
Executive Director: Fr. Justin Mathews.
Reconciliation Services was formed by an interdenominational, interracial group of people. It began as an outreach to help the physical needs of the neighborhood and gradually emerged into an Eastern Orthodox Christian community, known as St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church. The mission of Reconciliation Services is to promote personal and community healing throughout Kansas City by treating each person as the image of God.
REENERGIZE KC
PO Box 45195 Kansas City, MO 64171
Website: www.ReEnergizeKC.org. Phone: 816-269-2190.
Contact: John Fish-Kurmann: willowjohn@gmail.com.
ReEnergizeKC is educating the people of greater Kansas City area about the challenges and opportunities presented by the inevitable peaking and decline of oil & natural gas production worldwide as well as the ongoing climate crisis. We are working to build the support necessary to begin regional preparations to re-localize out way of life and switch to alternative, renewable energy sources. This site exits primarily as a clearinghouse for information about peak-related activities in KC and to provide links to other sites that contain additional information about the issue.
RESIST HATE KC
Website: www.resisthatekc.org. Email: contact@resisthatekc.org.
Founded in 2016, Resist Hate KC connects KC residents with local organizations to influence the legislative process, defend and advance human rights, and hold our elected officials accountable. Together, we can help KC resist hate.
RISE MOKAN
Website: www.risemokan.org. Email: risemokan@gmail.com.
Our Mission Statement: We want to educate and inform our members to become effective advocates and engaged individuals.
SHALOM HOUSE
2100 North 13th St. Kansas City, KS 66104
Website: catholiccharitiesks.org/where-we-work/shalom-house. Phone: 913-321-2206.
Contact: Dustin Hardison: dhardison@catholiccharitiesks.org, 913-433-2100 ext. 2072.
A peace center since 1972, it now provides a shelter for homeless men, and still maintains a peace and justice focus.
SIERRA CLUB – KANZA GROUP
9844 Georgia Kansas City, KS 66109
Website: www.kansas.sierraclub.org. Email: info@kansas.sierraclub.org.
Phone: 1-888-7-sierra. Fax: 913-299-4474.
Chair: Kerry Herndon: sfaj@gmail.com.
Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club, a non-profit environmental group, which utilizes its members to protect the environment. They advocate population stabilization. Activities heavily involve members, e.g., hiking canoeing, and nature-oriented experiences which motivate them to protect the environment. Legislative issues also are a focus. Newsletter 6 times a year.
SIERRA CLUB – THOMAS HART BENTON GROUP
PO Box 32727 Kansas City, MO 64171
Website: www.missouri.sierraclub.org/thb. Phone: 785-383-7418.
Chair: Zay Thompson: funkytown.zay@gmail.com.
The Thomas Hart Benton Group of the Sierra Club is the Kansas City, MO local unit of Missouri’s statewide Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club. The Group is part of a national nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the exploration, enjoyment, and protection of the wild places on the earth. Activities include hiking, biking, canoeing and nature-oriented experiences in addition to issue related activist opportunities.
SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREW – ST. ANDREW’S GLEANING PROJECT
PO Box 300323 Kansas City, MO 64030
Website: www.endhunger.org/sosawest. Phone: 1-800-333-4597.
Executive Director: Lynette Johnson: lynette@endhunger.org.
The Society of St. Andrew, a nonprofit, volunteer organization, salvages fresh, nutritious produce from local farms – perfectly good food that otherwise would be left to rot – and delivers it to local food pantries and agencies that serve the poor.
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
1216 Brooklyn Kansas City, MO 64127
Website: www.kcsclc.org. Email: sclckc@att.net. Phone: 816-241-8100. Fax: 816-241-1456.
President: Dr. Vernon Percy Howard, Jr.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is a non-violent, direct action, social change organization founded nationally in 1957 by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a group of Southern ministers. The Greater Kansas City Chapter of SCLC was formed and organized in 1972. It is a nonprofit organization. Economic justice is a priority concern, as well as human needs vs. the military budget, plus unemployment and an end to the arms race. Membership is open to lay and clergy.
STAND UP KC
Website: www.standupkc.org.
We are fast food and retail workers from across KC coming together to demand good wages and a voice for low-wage workers.
STOP! VIOLENCE – SYNERGY SERVICES
400 East 6th Street, Parkville, MO 64152
Website: www.synergyservices.org. Phone: 816-587-4100.
Executive Director: Robyn Winner: rwinner@synergyservices.org.
The Stop! Violence Coalition of Kansas City, founded in 1982, is dedicated to the prevention of interpersonal school violence. Its two award-winning programs, Kindness is Contagious…Catch it! and Reaching Out From Within, center on violence prevention through kindness, education, bullying prevention, and inmate rehabilitation. Its programs and activities focus on the roots of the problems of perpetrators, targets and witnesses to violent acts. The coalition offers curricula, a speakers’ bureau, and training for students, parents and communities to bring about awareness of problems and situations, and gives guidelines for alternative behaviors.
SURJ-KC – KANSAS CITY, MO
Website: www.facebook.com/SURJKansasCity. Email: surj_KC@riseup.net.
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) believes in collective liberation – and that none of us can be free until we end white supremacy.
SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARY COALITION
Village Presbyterian Church 6641 Mission Rd. Mission, KS 66201
Website: www.ssckc.org. Email: info@sustainablesanctuary.org. Phone: 816-916-1688.
Executive Director: Carol Meyer: 913-677-8672.
Communications Coordinator: Tom Anderson: toma@sustainablesanctuary.org.
We are a coalition of individuals from Greater Kansas City faith communities. We partner with, encourage and assist faith groups to preach, teach, model, and advocate for sustainable living and ecological justice for all creation.
SUSTAINABLE SKYLINES INITIATIVE
600 Br0adway, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64015
Website: www.marc.org. Phone: 816-474-4240. Fax: 816-421-7758.
Sustainable Skylines is a locally-led, EPA-supported, public-private partnership to reduce air emissions and promote sustainability in urban environments.
TROOST VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
123 W. Armour Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.troostvillage.org. Phone: 816-200-0731.
Contact: Ray Petersen: rae@creativeprocess.net.
Troost Village Community Association AKA, the Troost Folks, is a grassroots group working to build community and a fully self-sustained village in the neighborhoods surrounding 31st and Troost. Regular meetings are held (call or check online for days and times). Decisions are by consensus of the membership – to be considered for membership attendance at four introductory session meetings are required. Troost Folks and the gathering of the village began with the First Troost Festival in 2005. The Festival was out of the pockets and “in kind” donations of the first people who caught the possibilities of shutting down Troost and having a party to erase the racial dividing line that Troost had become over the last forty to fifty years. Check web site for more information.
TRUE BLUE WOMEN
PO Box 8065 Prairie Village, KS 66208
Website: www.truebluewomen.org. Email: news@truebluewomen.org.
Chair: Vivian Gibbens.
True Blue Women gathers progressive women to advocate social change, provide education and promote camaraderie. Founded in 2004 in Johnson County, TBW has a large number of members who share our intention to effect positive change in our local communities and our nation.
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO
Website: www.una-kc.org. Email: willemfvanklinken@gmail.com. Phone: 913-526-8863.
The United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City is the principal advocate for the United Nations and its humanitarian and peacekeeping programs in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. It organizes the annual Kansas City Mayor’s United Nations Day Dinner, a Kansas City tradition since 1972. It also convenes the UN Peace-Keepers Round Table, featuring international military officers with UN peacekeeping experience. The UNA chapter is a staunch supporter of area high school and college Model UNs. The UNA is a not-for- profit voluntary organization and encourages those supporting constructive U.S. engagement in the UN to join us.
UNA WOMEN, UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO
Website: www.una-kc.org. Email: unawomenkc@gmail.com.
UNA Women is a Committee of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas, City. UNA Women has the mission to provide a voice, raise awareness and inspire change for women and girls, locally and globally. The committee works to inform the Greater Kansas City area about the vital work of the UN for women and to bring focus and attention to global and local women’s issues. The committee organizes events, holds networking meetings, and maintains a speaker’s bureau. When we improve conditions for women and girls, we improve a whole community.
UNITY GARDEN (UNITY CHURCH OF OVERLAND PARK)
10300 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66212
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/unitygarden. Phone: 913-649-1750 ext. 3010.
Contact: Kelly Sturgeon: ksturgeon@ucop.org, 913-549-7412.
Unity Garden was founded in 2011. It is an effort started by volunteers from Unity Church of Overland Park, KS. Unity Garden is developed to feed children at risk for hunger in Johnson County. Our garden is grown using the No-Till method and augmented by utilizing BioDynamic practices which show respect for the Earth, working with nature and its inherently balanced systems and rhythms to create a sustainable, soil-building program. Our mission is to work with our partners to help eliminate hunger and assist in educating the undernourished in Johnson County, KS.
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
1710 Paseo Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.ulkc.org. Phone: 816-471-0550.
Organized in 1919, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City is a community based not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to achieve equality and promote socioeconomic opportunity to improve the quality of life of African Americans and others. Our vision: The Urban League of Greater Kansas City will be recognized as the premier race relations organization that sets the agenda to drive change in the areas of education, personal, professional and economic development.
URBAN RANGER CORPS
5908 Swope Pkwy. Kansas City, MO 64130
Website: www.urckc.org. Phone: 816-333-6455.
President: Erik Dickinson.
To provide opportunities for “at-risk” central city youth, to be of service to their neighbors, while preparing to achieve a wholesome and productive future through a program of job training, work experience, community service and career planning leading to post-high school careers pathways.
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 317
3027 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: www.vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-317. Phone: 816-561-8387.
Contacts: Randy Barnett and Kathleen Aylward.
We are dedicated to the precept that no veteran should stand alone. We provide emergency relief to veterans, scholarships to children of veterans, assistance to local charities, food for the homeless, support of Stand Downs and a service representative for dealing with the VA. We stand for veterans’ issues in the community, hold services at the Kansas City Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and conduct other social events throughout the year. (Call for info about meetings)
WATER PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL
920 Main St. Suite 1800 Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: www.waterpartners.org. Phone: 816-877-8400. Fax: 816-421-2086.
Contact: Kendra Ayers: kayers@waterpartners.org.
WaterPartners International is a Kansas City-based non-profit that provides safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Since its inception in 1990, WaterPartners has helped transform the lives of more than 165,000 people in eight countries. By forging partnerships with carefully-screened partner organizations and offering innovative financing methods through its WaterCredit Initiative, WaterPartners empowers local communities to develop and sustain solutions to their own water needs. Learn more about the world water crisis and become a water partner by joining WaterPartners.
WHOLE PERSON, INC
In care of: Jim Keeney 3710 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.thewholeperson.org. Phone: 816-561-0304. Fax: 816-753-8163.
The Whole Person Inc is a public charity in Kansas City, MO. Our mission is to provide a variety of community-based, consumer-driven services to people with disabilities. We want to promote empowerment, self-reliance and integration into the community.
WRITERS PLACE
3607 Pennsylvania Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: www.writersplace.org. Email: info@writersplace.org. Phone: 816-753-1090.
Contact: Elizabeth Fischer: efisher@writersplace.org.
The Writers Place is Kansas City’s largest literary arts nonprofit. We are over 20 years old and sponsor over 100 literary events each year including: readings, workshops and discussions touching on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, drama, blogging, publishing and just about every aspect of the literary arts.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
517 Holmes St. #2 Kansas City, MO 64106
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ypickc. Email: ypickc@gmail.com. Phone: 816-221-1816.
Young Professionals for International Cooperation (YPIC) is a program of the United Nations Association of the USA that seeks to engage young professionals in discussions of international affairs, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and the UN. YPIC members are typically between the ages of 21-40, and are a diverse group of individuals from fields of business, law, government, nonprofit, the arts and philanthropy. The KC chapter provides an opportunity to interact with like minded individuals and gives young professionals a unique forum in which to learn about current international issues and the United Nations. Past events and activities include Darfur Week, World Refugee Day celebrations, film screenings and volunteer work with a community garden project.
YOUTH FRIENDS
1800 Baltimore Ave. #400 Kansas City, MO
Website: www.youthfriends.org. Phone: 913-322-1401.
Mission: Youth Friends connects students, teachers and schools with inspiring mentors and real-world learning experiences to promote success encourage healthy behavior and build stronger communities.
Vision: An engaged community helping young people to succeed.
Guiding Principles: The best youth development efforts strengthen community and encourage all to participate. Schools, as community focal points, are ideal locations to link young people with caring adults. At its core, Youth Friends is about engaging communities to help young people succeed by engaging adults in volunteerism with youth.