KFDW NEWSLETTER
2026 JUNE NEWSLETTER
Are you running for office? The deadline to file in Kanas is JUNE 1st at NOON!!
Women belong in office because representation matters, communities deserve to be fully seen, lived experience shapes better policy, leadership should reflect everyone, empathy is powerful, courage belongs in decision-making, voices like yours create change, you already lead in your daily life, waiting hasn’t worked, the future needs you, you don’t need permission to lead, your perspective is necessary, silence never changed anything, bold ideas deserve a platform, you know what your community needs,
leadership is about service, integrity matters, compassion belongs in policy, you’ve earned your seat at the table, your voice matters in every room, you’ve been ready longer than you think, growth happens when you step forward, self-doubt shouldn’t decide leadership, courage is louder than fear, progress needs your voice, you’ve already proven your strength, leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all, communities thrive with diverse leaders, you understand real-life impact, change requires new voices, you don’t have to be perfect to lead, showing up is powerful,
you can open doors for others, leadership should look like us, your story matters, you can turn ideas into action, your community needs you, leadership needs heart, resilience builds great leaders, you already make hard decisions every day, you can change what isn’t working, your presence shifts the room, you deserve to take up space, your voice carries weight, leadership grows with you, you are not alone, support systems make it possible, you can lead differently—and that’s needed, the next generation is watching,
there is space for you—and it’s time to claim it!
The Kansas Federation of Democratic Women wants to SUPPORT YOUR RUN TOO!!
- For those already registered to run: CLICK HERE FOR ENDORSEMENT FORM – you MUST be a member of a Chapter to apply. KFDW Vice President, Kat Hooley-Lickteig can help with membership
- For those still looking at a run: Contact the Kansas Dems at info@ksdems.org or phone at 785-234-0425 – then fill out the Endorsement form, above
- For all the rest: SUPPORT SOMEONE RUNNING – walk, call, text, write, email, visit, make signs, DONATE, DO WHAT YOU CAN!
Women belong in all places where decisions are made.
In solidarity,
#LFG
Cassie Woolworth, President
“Do as much as you can, as long as you can, then pass the baton and rest; We will need you tomorrow too!”
HOW WOMEN WIN IN KANSAS
Life is tough, women are tougher.
👉 Watch the series: https://www.youtube.com/@KFDW
2026 KFDW CD2 Convention – MAY 2nd
A RISING BLUE TIDE LIFTS THE NATION
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME AND JOINED US ON MAY 2ND.
And NEXT YEAR, IN APRIL – plan on joining Johnson County Democratic Women for the 73rd Annual KFDW Convention in Olathe, KS.
RCDW Scholarship
The Reno County Democratic Women Scholarship Committee reported that Lila Self, was selected to be the recipient of our $1000 scholarship. Vice President Tammy Smith attended the Hutchinson High School Awards Assembly on May 6th to present the award certificate. Congratulations Lila!!
< Picture of Lila Self accepting the award from Reno Dem Women VP Tammy Smith.
Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship
The Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship Fund was started in the 1980s in honor of Gov. Robert Docking who served as Kansas Governor from 1967–1975. The scholarship is given to a Democratic woman after high school who is planning to go or is going to a trade school or a post-secondary educational institution to support their education and training.
Sophie McAlister was selected to be the recipient of our Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship!
Sophie McAlister is a senior at Hutchinson High School, where she worked hard to balance academics, activities, work, and service. She has been involved in FCCLA, served as an officer in HOSA & participated in choir, including three years in select honor choir, while maintaining honor rolling principles on a role alongside school.
After graduation, she plans to attend Hutchinson Community College, where she’s been selected as a leadership scholar.
In her own words: “Some of the most important things I’ve learned haven’t come from a classroom, but for showing up for others – at Emmanuel Lutheran Church I serve as an intern and help without reach programs that provide food and clothing to individuals and families. I’m also involved with TEFAP & Senior Commodities, where I’ve seen first town how much small acts of care can matter those moments, helping someone with needed groceries, listening to their story, or simply being present, have shaped how I see my role in the world. They’ve taught me that making a difference doesn’t always have to be big, but it does have to be genuine. My goal is to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of others. “
Leader Sophie McAlister is the winner of our Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship – we’ve got our eyes on you!!
TACOs and TRIVIA with JOCO Young Dems & JCDW
Join Johnson County Democratic Women (JCDW) and the JoCo Young Dems for a fun-filled evening of Tacos & Trivia! Test your knowledge, connect with fellow Democrats, and support local progressive efforts—all while enjoying some delicious tacos.
📅 Date: Monday, June 23rd
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Johnson County Democrats Office
8971 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204
RCDW thanks Lauren Reinhold
Lauren Reinhold who is running for the Kansas First Congressional District was our guest speaker at our RCDW May 12th meeting. Her campaign is centering on economic issues & the belief that Kansans deserve a representative focused on working families, not corporate donors.
Member, Debbie Berndsen talked about the meeting date members can attend to help prepare mailer cards regarding the Aug 4th KS Supreme Court decision.
Judy Langley gave a report on attending the KFDW Convention May 2nd in Topeka, KS at the Topeka Country Club.
We welcomed two visitors from Sedgwick County Democratic Women.
JUNES CALENDAR
Capital Area Democratic Women (CADW)
Our meetings have transitioned to a hybrid meeting style. For those who are interested in joining us in person our next meeting is June 10th at 6pm at the Celtic Fox located at 118 SW 8th Ave, #202, Topeka, KS 66603. We are hosting Patrick Schmidt to talk about his run for Governor and we’ll be doing postcards for the August Vote NO Campaign and we’ll meet the KUIC local field operations manager. Please arrive at 5:30 to order dinner and/or drinks before the meeting starts.
We also broadcast via Facebook live. Find CADW on Facebook
Johnson County Democratic Women (JCDW)
On Thursday, June 4th JCDW will host our Social from 6-8pm at The Bar in Prairie Village. This month we’re talking CANDIDATE CONVERSATIONS – they just finalized the ballot and we’ve got lots to discuss!
Then on Thursday, June 18th – Attention all candidates! Come and practice your 2-minute elevator speech in a room full of friendlies!
On June 18th, elected officials will be available to help you fine tune your stump speeches and nail that doorbell camera. Friendly Democrats will be there to cheer you on, too, with the goal of helping you WIN in November!
Attention ALL Friendly Democrats! Come join us on June 18th to cheer on candidates working on essential public speaking skills. Together, we can lift them up and help them soar.
Reno County Democratic Women
The next meeting of RCDW will be Tuesday June 9th. We meet 2nd Tuesdays at the Airport Steakhouse 1100 Airport Rd., Hutchinson, in the private meeting room on the north end of the restaurant. The meeting starts at noon, join us for lunch, 11:30. Our next guest speaker will be, Lila Self, who was awarded our RCDW $1000 Scholarship.
Sophie McAllister, KFDW’s Robert Docking Scholarship recipient, has also been invited to attend the meeting.
Consider becoming a member of the Reno County Democratic Women for only $20/calendar year! Contact Peggy Hughes for details at peggy@hughes2k.com.
Saline County Democratic Women (SCDW)
Join Saline County Democratic Women on June 20th at 10:45 AM at Martinelli’s , 158 S Santa Fe, Salina, KS for our monthly meeting. We’ll discuss Judges, Candidates and this year elections. Candidates are welcome! Feel free to bring literature to pass out.
Membership
Annual membership dues are $17. You can join or renew by emailing Emma Doherty at doherty2085red@gmail.com
Sedgwick County Democratic Women (SCDW)
On June 11th the Sedgwick County Democratic Women will meet at Felipe’s Restaurant, 3434 W Central, Wichita, KS. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm, but members are encouraged to come as early as 5:00 pm for dinner and conversation.
Sedgwick County Democratic Women brings together local Democratic women to support the party and promote women’s involvement at all levels.
“When women vote, Democrats win,” because Democrats support the social issues so important to families and communities and healthy societies.
Find SCDW on Facebook
Wyandotte Progressives
The WyCo Progressive Women support the WE THE PEOPLE Demonstrations, a weekly gathering focused on civic engagement and protecting democratic values, held every Saturday from noon to 1:30pm at the Legends near Village West Parkway and Prairie Crossing, in partnership with WYCO Indivisible; in addition, throughout April we will host discussions on defending against the election of judges, supporting Wyandotte County candidates, and identifying practical ways individuals can help strengthen democracy, with specific dates and times to be announced soon.
JOIN KFDW’s GROWING TEAMS!
KFDW is currently looking for Program Chair. Join us as Program Chair and assists with the How Women Win in Kansas Campaign as well as our Voter to Voter initiative, prepares opportunities and reaches out to speakers.
Please contact Kat Hooley-Lickteig at kat.hooleylickteig@outlook.com if you are interested.
National Federation of Democratic Women
– Announcements
SEE YOU IN LAS VEGAS on JUNE 3-6th
Join the National Federation of Democratic Women in Las Vegas for our 2026 national convention. National, state, and local leaders will convene to execute NFDW business, network, and fellowship. www.nfdw.com/2026convention
