Introduction
Civic engagement is vital for the health and vitality of communities. In Kansas, numerous state programs and initiatives empower residents to actively participate in shaping their communities. This article explores key resources available to Kansans seeking to engage civically.
Kansas Community Empowerment Program
The Kansas Community Empowerment Program, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, supports volunteer-led efforts to revitalize and strengthen communities across the state. The program offers tools, training, and funding to help local leaders implement impactful projects, including downtown beautification, civic engagement, and leadership development.
Contact Information:
- Website: Kansas Community Empowerment
- Address: 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: (785) 296-3481
- Website: Kansas Volunteer Commission
- Address: 900 SW Jackson St, Suite 653, Topeka, KS 66612-1212
- Phone: (785) 368-7436
- Website: Kansas Civic Network
- Address: 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: (785) 296-3481
- Website: Get on Board, Kansas!
- Address: 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: (785) 296-3481
- Website: Foundations in County Government Program
- Address: 300 SW 8th Ave, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603
- Phone: (785) 272-2585
- Website: Voting & Civic Engagement
- Address: 120 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: (785) 296-4561
- Website: Kansas Civic Engagement Table
- Address: 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: (785) 296-3481
- Kansas Community Empowerment Program: Supports volunteer-led efforts to revitalize communities.
- Kansas Volunteer Commission: In 2023, Kansas ranked fifth nationally in formal volunteering, with 902,960 residents contributing approximately $1.6 billion in economic value.
- Kansas Civic Network: A nonpartisan organization dedicated to developing future leaders through civic engagement and rural collaboration.
- Get on Board, Kansas!: A partnership aiming to increase civic participation by promoting Kansans serving on public boards and commissions.
- Foundations in County Government Program: Offered by the Kansas Association of Counties to enhance public service effectiveness.
- Kansas Community Empowerment Program, Kansas Department of Commerce, 2025/07/commerce-launches-new-chapter-of-kansas-community-empowerment-program/
- Kansas Volunteer Commission, Kansas State Department of Education, 2025/kanserve.ksde.gov/
- Kansas Civic Network, 2025/www.kscivicnetwork.org/
- Get on Board, Kansas!, 2025/www.getonboardks.org/
- Foundations in County Government Program, Kansas Association of Counties, 2025/kansascounties.org/page/FoundationsinCountyGovernmentProgram
- Voting & Civic Engagement, Kansas.gov, 2025/portal.kansas.gov/services/voting-civic-engagement/
- Kansas Civic Engagement Table, 2025/www.kansastable.org/
Kansas Volunteer Commission
The Kansas Volunteer Commission fosters volunteerism and civic engagement throughout the state. In 2023, Kansas ranked fifth nationally in formal volunteering, with 902,960 residents contributing approximately $1.6 billion in economic value. The Commission offers various programs to connect volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests and skills.
Contact Information:
Kansas Civic Network
The Kansas Civic Network is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to developing future leaders through civic engagement and rural collaboration. By connecting people, organizations, and ideas, the Network strengthens communities across Kansas.
Contact Information:
Get on Board, Kansas!
“Get on Board, Kansas!” is a partnership between the Kansas Governor’s Office of Appointments and the Kansas Civic Engagement Table. This initiative aims to increase civic participation by promoting and supporting Kansans serving on public boards and commissions. The program hosts workshops and presentations across the state to reduce barriers to public service.
Contact Information:
Foundations in County Government Program
Offered by the Kansas Association of Counties, the Foundations in County Government Program is designed for county employees at all levels. The program introduces essential skills that enhance effectiveness in public service, including communication, collaboration, and personal and professional growth.
Contact Information:
Voting and Civic Engagement Resources
Kansas.gov provides comprehensive resources to encourage civic participation, including information on voter registration, election volunteering, and internships with the Kansas Secretary of State and Legislature.
Contact Information:
Kansas Civic Engagement Table
The Kansas Civic Engagement Table is a statewide nonprofit organization focused on building a representative government by empowering underrepresented communities. The Table strengthens collaboration between nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups to ensure all Kansans have a voice in the democratic process.
Contact Information:
Conclusion
Kansas offers a wealth of resources for residents eager to engage civically. By leveraging these programs and initiatives, individuals can contribute to the growth and development of their communities, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive state.