Progeny

06/03/2026

🎤 Why Progeny?
Hear directly from one of our youth leaders about why they choose to be part of Progeny and why youth-led advocacy matters.
At Progeny, young people aren't just invited to the conversation—they help lead it. From organizing campaigns to building community and advocating for change, our youth leaders are making their voices heard and creating impact across Kansas.

Interested in joining the movement? We'd love to connect with you. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a youth leader and getting involved.

05/27/2026

Progeny is proud to partner with The Gault Center in the continued push for a stronger youth defense system in Kansas. This work is about making sure young people have access to high-quality legal representation, youth-centered advocacy, and a defense system that truly protects their rights. Take a moment to watch the video and visit The Gault Center’s new Kansas page to learn more about the statewide work, the Defending Futures campaign, and Progeny’s role in elevating youth voices in this movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st9eriSdNqM&t=2s

05/27/2026

Progeny is proud to partner with The Gault Center in the continued push for a stronger youth defense system in Kansas. This work is about making sure young people have access to high-quality legal representation, youth-centered advocacy, and a defense system that truly protects their rights. Take a moment to watch the video and visit The Gault Center’s new Kansas page to learn more about the statewide work, the Defending Futures campaign, and Progeny’s role in elevating youth voices in this movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st9eriSdNqM&t=2s

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05/26/2026

Congratulations to our Progeny member Khavayi Tsimonjela! 🎓
We are so proud of all of your accomplishments as you graduate from Northeast Magnet High School and prepare to continue your journey at North Carolina A&T. Your hard work, leadership, and dedication have been amazing to witness, and we cannot wait to see all of the incredible things you will continue to do in this next chapter. Congratulations, Khavayi! We are cheering you on every step of the way! 💛

05/22/2026

Destination Innovation & I Am Why are hosting a 3-day Art as Activism Workshop June 19–21 for young women ages 17–27.

I Am Why brings young women of color and gender expansive activists together with researchers and other partners to increase young activists’ individual and collective power. By celebrating their strengths and sharing their stories and visions for justice, young people lead the way to policies, practices and programs that work.

Please complete this form if you are interested in participating: https://forms.gle/eKvTK1xcDhNFXPhj6

05/21/2026

You may see us in the community or hear us speaking up in different rooms, but do you know what we stand for? At Progeny, our work is rooted in youth justice and building a future where young people are supported, heard, and protected. Right now, we are advocating for three major youth justice issues in Kansas: closing the last youth prison in Kansas, raising the prosecution age from 10 to 15, and eliminating fines and fees for youth. These campaigns connect directly to the work we do, the conversations we lead, and the rooms we continue to show up in. But this is bigger than a few campaigns. It is a youth-led movement focused on creating real change for young people across Kansas. Visit our website to learn more about what we stand for and how you can support the movement by joining, donating, or advocating with us today.

Our Website:https://www.progenyks.com/about-us

05/12/2026

We’re incredibly proud to see our youth representing Kansas through Youth First Justice Collaborative the No Kids In Prison magazine — using their voices, creativity, and lived experiences to spark important conversations and advocate for change.

This youth-led publication, created through Youth First Justice Collaborative, features original poetry, art, writing, and analysis from young people directly impacted by the justice system. From the editorial process to production and distribution, young leaders were involved every step of the way, building real-world skills while creating something powerful for their communities.

Progeny’s own Marquan Teetz helped lead Kansas distribution efforts, helping create opportunities for connection, organizing, and community impact right here in Wichita. To request a copy, email [email protected] for pickup or delivery options.

05/07/2026

No Kids In Prison is a new, youth-led magazine featuring original art, writing and analysis from young people who've experienced prison firsthand. Kansas is one of five states with on-the-ground teams distributing the magazine to create real, face-to-face opportunities to build community and organize with people who believe that children need care, not cages.

The Wichita distribution team is led by Marquan Teetz of Progeny, who contributed poetry to the magazine. He is one of many young people who led the magazine every step of the way-from inception, planning, curatorial process, production and distribution. Started by Youth First Justice Collaborative , the magazine put creative control in the hands of young people themselves, while giving them opportunities to build real-world skills in editorial processes and publication. It's a work of art and an organizing tool, and we hope you'll pick up a copy today.

You can find the magazine by emailing [email protected]. We can do deliveries or scheduled pickups from our downtown office.

05/02/2026

Sometimes the best ideas really do come from collaboration!
It was powerful to see our youth leaders take the time to connect with other young leaders across the state, sharing ideas, perspectives, and real solutions for the communities they care about.
A big shoutout to them for showing up, investing in the work, and being part of something bigger. An even bigger shoutout to Youth First Justice Collaborative for creating these spaces.

04/26/2026

Our youth leaders are the impact! 📢
khavayi is a true reflection of what it means to lead with purpose. Through her dedication, service, and commitment to community, she continues to show the power of youth voice in action. We are proud to see her recognized as a heart of the community scholarship recipient. this moment is well deserved and only the beginning.