Activate! Advocacy Panel Discussion

Activate!  Advocacy Panel Discussion

Nothing is more badass than standing up for something you strongly believe in. The challenge is knowing what to do to make a real impact and how to take action to advocate for others. In this informative panel discussion, experienced advocates will help you discover how to get involved, stay safe, and resources to guide you.

Panelists:

Tajahnaé Stocker - Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Anti-Hunger Policy Advocate

Tajahnaé works with communities to identify and act on hunger policy issues facing Kansans. As an organizer in the food justice movement in Wichita before joining Kansas Appleseed–including with the ICT Community Fridge–Tajahnaé’s work is rooted in racial and economic justice for all and believes food is a right period.

Lacey Cruise - Sedgwick County Commissioner, Advocate for Women Political Candidates

For years, I used my voice as a singer and a songwriter to captivate audiences and share my passion for motivating and inspiring people across the United States.   As County Commissioner, I’m using my voice to show the path forward to a complete redesign of how our government serves its citizens. When you take care of human behavioral needs, the community will see a rise in economic development and growth. The numbers do not lie.   Economic Development is about business, but it’s mostly about people. Quality of place should be a staple for every neighborhood in this county.

Our criminal justice and behavioral health systems must be outcome-driven and inclusive of different ideas. Until we start spending money to move the needle toward better outcomes, the revolving door will keep citizens trapped, crime rates high, and the government more costly to fund.   My first term as Sedgwick County Commissioner showed me the status quo has never worked for everyone equally. But, my first term also showed me how to improve it, and that’s what I will do when re-elected this November.

Cristel Love - Equality Kansas, Advocate for LGBTQIA+

My career has been as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking, both in the community with high-risk lethality cases, as well as an assistant through the court process.

I graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work (BSW) with minors in Political Science and Sociology in 2017.

I have 18 years of experience working in politics, starting as a legislative intern at the Kansas State Capitol in 2004 and 2005. I have also worked as campaign staff for several political candidates and elected officials.

Additionally, I have served as a leader on numerous boards, including GLSEN Kansas, which works to ensure schools are safe for K-12 students. As a social work practicum student and later as Policy Coordinator of GLSEN Kansas, I helped establish an annual program to take students to the state Capitol, which is an amazing experience to teach and empower students to advocate for themselves in speaking to legislators.

I am also a founding member and leader of the local chapter of Equality Kansas, which works to end discrimination towards LGBTQ Kansans, as well as the Sumner County Democratic Party.

I have been married for 9 years with two young adult step-children who graduated from Belle Plaine. I have lived in the outskirts of Peck for 10 years.

Join us Monday evenings at the PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company at 711 E. Douglas Avenue from 6 to 8 PM for discussion and actions that build community, champion non-profits, and develop our badassery. These events are all open to the public. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks are provided by the PourHouse. Cash bar and food available to order.