NEWS

Kansas Federated Democratic Women hold 68th annual convention

Submitted by Emma Doherty
President Saline Co Democrats

The Kansas Federated Democratic Women's 68th annual convention was Friday, April 30 through May 2 held via Zoom.  The host for the convention was Salina District 1 Director Jo Schwartz from Abilene and Emma Doherty President of the Saline County Democratic Women.

On April 30 the KFDW held their Executive Board meeting followed by a meet-and-greet of the board, and musical zoom entertainment followed for attendees.

May 1 a welcome to the convention was given by Jo Schwartz followed by the presentation of colors by Smoky View 4-Hers Brynna and Marik Anderson from Lindsborg.

Vicki Hiatt Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party welcomed attendees at the convention and thanked everyone for all the positive attributes to the Democratic Party.  Vicki highlighted the American Rescue Plan and its effects on American women, containment of COVID-19, safely opening schools, expand child care assistance, and concern for working families.  She shared there are 130 women serving in the 116th Congress.  Women are twice as likely to have volunteered for a campaign or attended an event; women cast 53% of all ballots in Kansas and are 52% of the registered voters.

Dr. Candace Ayars KFDW President thanked the executive board, committee chairs, and members for their support and continued progress in multiple activities for the past year and for the future a successful and engaged KFDW. 

First Vice President Kansas Young Democrats Allie Utley and a representative on the KFDW Executive board spoke as well.  Allie aided young Democrats to be active and to vote; organize activists in local chapters; and assist young people to be successful in politics.

Guest Speakers:

Usha Reddi of the Kansas National Democratic Committee Women and past Mayor of Manhattan, Kansas, currently serves on the Manhattan City Commission and is also a teacher and active in legislative issues. Usha spoke on voter suppression, value of diversity in our communities, recruit military and veterans to be legislative candidates, promote a culture in Kansas to get things done, and push Kansas forward and be proud to be a Democrat.

Bernadette Verduro from New Mexico serves on the National Federation for Democratic Women, certified professional motivational speaker. Bernadette shared the importance of taking care of families from birth to death,  value of the Affordable Care Act, Equal Rights Amendments, transparency with companies for the Fair Pay Act, paid Family Medical Leave, Black Lives Matter, and climate changes.

Sherri Gagnon past Chair of Leavenworth Co. Democrats & Kris Rogers from Wichita, Ks. presented Enhancing our Leadership; mentoring and building leaders.

Georgia state Rep. Rhonda Burnough of District 77 presented the many challenges in Georgia related to Voting Rights Act and voter suppression, and the value in persistence in presenting factual information and data to make positive changes to legislative issues.

A business meeting followed with speakers including the installation by Emma Doherty of the 21-22 KFDW elected officers: President Dr. Candace Ayars; Vice President Anne Pritchett; Treasurer Becci Peck; Recording Secretary Tanya Shryock; Communications Secretary Hollie Nibblett; Auditor Anthony Marie Johnson; Parliamentarian Phyllis Kelly.

May 2 included a Memorial Service with readings presented from the Districts of members who have passed this last year.  Salina remembrances were Eloise Lynch and Shirley Jacques.

KFDW closing meeting followed by the new Executive Board meeting. This was a very informative and energizing KFDW Convention.