KFDW NEWSLETTER
2025 KFDW OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
From the Presidents Desk
October marks the last month for Canvassing in 2025. We’ve got School Boards, City Councils, Mayors, Water Board and JCCC Traustees who need your vote THIS YEAR. Please volunteer for your favorite candidate to call, text, drop lit – everything you do for them, they don’t have to do! For more info, contact your local Dems office or contact that campaign.
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!"
SPECIAL EVENTS – KFDW @ DEMOCRACY FEST
KFDW is heading out all over the state to meet Kansas Democrats where they are, build up our local Democratic groups, and prepare for the next elections with the Kansas Democratic Party. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship. All three events are free to attend. https://kansasdems.org/democracyfest/
KFDW had the BEST TIME in Colby, Kansas!
Colby, KS was full of energy this weekend as community members came together to stand up for democracy! The Kansas Democratic Party hosted Democracy Fest, joined by the Kansas Federation of Democratic Women. Over 60 attendees gathered to discuss policies, best practices, and strategies for taking Kansas back.
October 11th next stop: Democracy Fest – Destination Dodge City!
Program Chair Needed
We are currently looking for Program Chair for KFDW’s board. Please contact Kat Hooley-Lickteig at kat.hooleylickteig@outlook.com if you are interested in Program Chair.
IN MEMORIAM
Reminding us all to lead with compassion, help a neighbor, and make sure the squirrels are well fed, Kathleen Allen Duncan said goodbye and began her next journey on September 10, 2025 at the age of 73. Kathy was known for running late – something she herself joked about – but her final goodbye came much too early.
She was a fierce advocate for others, insisting that civility and treating others with respect – regardless of differences – was essential in life. If someone needed a hand, Kathy was there, never asking for anything in return. People always knew they could count on her, and she often made you part of the family in her own way.
Kathy was a longtime board member and enthusiastic champion of Ballet Midwest and dance in Topeka, President of the Capital Area Democratic Women, a committed Democrat, and took her turn running the Pepper Tree Homeowners Association. For two decades she served as a democratic precinct committeewoman, and at one point, she and Tuck held opposite positions, as he was the republican precinct committeeman – a testament to her belief that differences need not stand in the way of working toward shared success.
Kathy Duncan, President of Capital Area Democratic Women, will be sorely missed. ❤❤❤❤
For now, we grieve, we celebrate her life, we remember her for all she was and gave us.
UP COMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Capital Area Democratic Women (CADW)
CADW meets Wednesday, October 8. We will have Evan Gates from Kansas United for Impartial Courts to talk about the constitutional amendment that will be on the August 2026 ballot. We will also have Spencer Duncan, a candidate for Mayor of Topeka and we will discuss how the club plans to honor our President, Kathy Duncan, who passed away earlier this month.
We also broadcast via Facebook live. Find CADW on Facebook
Johnson County Democratic Women (JCDW)
We had an excellent turn-out for our discussion on Constitutional Law with
Mark P. Johnson, Constitutional Law Professor and advisor to Governor Kelly! Mr. Johnson assisted our understanding of both Redistricting, and the ballot amendment around Judges.
A hearty THANK YOU to Mark!!
Thank you to Candidate Anne Parelkarr for droping by JCDW tonight to speak to our group – it was education, informative and OH SO FUN!
Anne is a Kansas attorney and aspiring public servant running for U.S. Senate (AGAINST ROGER MARSHALL). She believes elected officials should answer to the people. Not to party leaders. Not to political donors. Just to the people.
NOTE: All state-wide candidates are invited by KFDW to speak at all our Chapters.
Thursday, October 2nd, join JCDW for our Social at The Bar in Prairie Village from 6-8pm – we’re still talking School Board & City Council races and will have some candidates for you to meet!
Then, join JCDW on Thursday, October 16th when we host Christie Peterson & Christina McKenna from 50501 – we’ll discuss de-escalation, protestor safety, & bystander protocol. 6-8pm, Black Bear Diner Olathe at 119th & Strang Line Road.
Find JCDW on Facebook
Reno County Democratic Women
The RCDW women will meet Tuesday, October 14th at 11:30am at the Airport Steakhouse, 1100 Airport Road, in the private meeting room to the north as you enter the restaurant. Please join us. The speaker will be Donna Davis, Capital Campaign Director for the Reno County Food Bank. Donna is a key figure at the Food Bank and has been involved in the organization’s effort to establish a new facility and secure funding for its renovation. In September she took top prize at the United Way of Reno County’s Spark Tank event. A crowd of more than 200 people packed into the 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds for the inaugural Spark Tank Live!!
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)
On October 18th at Martinellis Little Italy, Saline County Democratic Women will host their monthly meeting. Candidates are welcome! Feel free to bring literature to pass out.
3rd Saturday of every month at 10:45 AM at Martinelli’s located at 158 S Santa Fe, Salina. Next meeting is October 18th. Hope to see you there!
Membership
Annual membership dues are $17. You can join or renew by emailing Emma Doherty at doherty2085red@gmail.com
Sedgwick County Democratic Women (SCDW)
Sedgwick County Democratic Women unites local women of the Democratic Party; to promote the cause of the Democratic Party and to encourage full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party structure. Our priority is to raise money to contribute to the campaign funds of pro-choice women candidates. Some years, contributions also are made to pro-choice male candidates who become associate members of the club. The amounts and parameters vary depending on the number of candidates and the amount available for distribution.
Our next meeting is October 9th (2nd Thursday) at SEIU, 3340 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67203. Doors usually open at 6p, meeting begins at 6:30p.
“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
WE THE PEOPLE Demonstrations: Join us every Saturday from noon to 1:30pm at the Legends. (Village West & Prairie Crossing) . This event is sponsored by WYCO Indivisible.
The Wyandotte County Democratic Party is hosting a celebration of 40 years of Democratic Governors on Sunday, October 19th at the Venue located on 3150 N. 91st Street. Featured special guests are Governor Laura Kelly, former Governor Kathleen Sebelius, former Governor John Carlin and Jill Docking representing the Docking family. Tickets are $75; sponsorships are available. This event is the best Wyandotte fundraiser in decades!
SPOTLIGHT ON CRAWFORD COUNTY YOUNG DEMS
The Crawford County Young Democrats are a small, but growing organization based in Pittsburg Kansas. Our main activity near elections is canvassing for democrat candidates, but we also have planned several protests, including a No Kings protest that drew over 400 attendees, and have held several fundraisers. Also, Jackson Bertoncino and Isaiah Harris, two of our members, are currently running for the Pittsburg City Commission. We aim to continue to support local candidates, and empower young people to be politically engaged.