Kansas Community Empowerment

Kansas Community Empowerment Mission: To promote an enhanced quality of life for citizens of Kansas communities through education, leadership development, and recognition.

The Kansas Community Empowerment Program supports volunteer-led efforts to strengthen and revitalize communities across Kansas through education, leadership, and local engagement. Vision: Vibrant Communities with a Positive Future. The Kansas Community Empowerment Program supports volunteer-led efforts to revitalize, inspire, strengthen, and elevate communities across Kansas. Backed by the Kansas

Department of Commerce, we provide tools, training, and funding to help local leaders turn great ideas into lasting impact. Whether your goals involve downtown beautification, civic engagement, or leadership development, we are here to help your community move from intention to action—and from action to transformation. We want to bring people together, foster local pride, and encourage active participation in the places they call home. We do this to help create happier, healthier, and more thriving communities across Kansas. Founded in 1970 by Governor Robert Docking, the Kansas Community Empowerment Program began as a partnership between K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas PRIDE, Inc. This grassroots initiative is built on the values of self-reliance, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to improving the "quality of place" in communities throughout the state. Every Kansas community is unique, yet they all share a common bond: a proud heritage rooted in resilience and local pride. Community Guidelines: We kindly ask that you be respectful when engaging on our page. We reserve the right to remove any content that is harmful, offensive, or inappropriate.

❗ REMINDER ❗We’d love to feature your community in our next KCE eNewsletter!Whether it’s a ribbon cutting, volunteer pro...
08/19/2026

❗ REMINDER ❗

We’d love to feature your community in our next KCE eNewsletter!

Whether it’s a ribbon cutting, volunteer project, city-wide clean up, or something small that made a big impact — we want to help you share it with the entire KCE network. Upcoming events are welcome too!

To be included in the August edition, please send your story to Matthew Morrison ([email protected]) by 5pm, Wednesday, August 26.

Be sure to include:

Who was involved
What happened
Where it took place
When it occurred
And most importantly—a PHOTO!

Your stories bring this program to life. Every community’s journey looks a little different, and by sharing yours, we can celebrate one another and spark new ideas across Kansas.

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your community in our monthly edition. We can’t wait to feature YOU!

Our KCE communities have been busy this summer! To close out the summer season, we want to highlight some hard-working t...
08/11/2026

Our KCE communities have been busy this summer! To close out the summer season, we want to highlight some hard-working towns!

Picture 1: The Blue Rapids Community Action Team now has a pickleball court! This project was funded by an AARP grant and BRCAT funds.

Picture 2: With the help of youth volunteers, Riverton Community Development's walking trail looks inviting for all ages to WALK!

Picture 3: Empower Norton's Town and Country project has made progress.

Picture 4: Despite summer storms, Envision Eskridge's community event was a success! Cards, snacks, and storms-- nothing sounds more like a Kansas evening than this.

Kansas! Hurry, the deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 enrollment period is approaching. If you have a team of volunteer...
08/10/2026

Kansas! Hurry, the deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 enrollment period is approaching. If you have a team of volunteers helping to improve your community, you might qualify for the Kansas Community Empowerment program!

Join a program that has been a part of Kansas history since the 1970s. Once accepted, you'll become part of communities dedicated to service, economic growth, and pride.

Apply now! https://kansasdepartmentofcommerce.submittable.com/submit/342875/kce-community-enrollment-2026-2027

❗ CALLING ALL KCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS❗At our July Board meeting, the Board approved the creation of a new Community Engage...
08/03/2026

❗ CALLING ALL KCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS❗

At our July Board meeting, the Board approved the creation of a new Community Engagement Committee and is looking for community members who want to help shape the future outreach activities of KCE.

This committee would plan and provide insight to KCE staff on statewide events and pop-up events.

If this sounds like something you would want to be a part of, please send your information to Matthew Morrison ([email protected]).

Be sure to include:
Who you represent
What experience in KCE or event planning you bring
When you would be most available

Your experience and dedication are what make this program come alive. Every community’s journey looks a little different, and by being a part of this committee, you are taking part in looking towards the future.

Board meeting day! 📍Our quarterly in-person board meeting brought us to Lucas today. We didn't manage to get a group pho...
07/24/2026

Board meeting day! 📍

Our quarterly in-person board meeting brought us to Lucas today. We didn't manage to get a group photo before everyone headed home, but we did capture a few smiles along the way.

Thank you to the Lucas Chamber and Lucas KCE Director Connie for welcoming us and sharing an overview of their organization, current projects, and the work they're doing to support the community. We were also grateful to use the beautiful community room connected to the library and Chamber office for our meeting.

On the drive home, we made a quick stop at Wilson Lake to stretch our legs and take in the view. It's easy to see why it's such a special place.

We appreciate the opportunity to spend time in KCE communities and connect with the people working to make them great places to live and visit.

If you missed our Quarterly Training yesterday, you can watch it back on our YouTube. https://gcc02.safelinks.protection...
07/22/2026

If you missed our Quarterly Training yesterday, you can watch it back on our YouTube.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2Fln79w7g4RXQ&data=05%7C02%7CMatthew.Morrison%40ks.gov%7C3b38835af8704a582d0608dee76ffc3f%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C639202665340992836%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Oqd9zLHbRiHMUYMwCxV%2FuTR4sugJCHYfp9VBC2E2EEI%3D&reserved=0

Address

915 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, KS
66612

Telephone

+17855325840

Website

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