Dear Friends,
We are writing because we are at a crossroads. KCADP is transitioning to an all-volunteer organization as of May 6th. as the grant funding that provided the resources for paid staff has ended.
KCADP staff will go on to other challenges. We know they will succeed at those ventures. They are some of the finest people we have had the privilege of working with. That goes for all the Board members, our consultants, our members, Abolition Endorsing Groups and other allies, and our funders as well. KCADP staff have commented how they will never forget their staff colleagues, the members, the exonerees, the legislators and all who have been involved in this effort and will always be grateful for the opportunities and challenges this work has provided. It has been an honor.
The info@ksabolition.org email will still be functional and will be answered by a dedicated abolitionist. To reach someone by phone call 785-235-2237.
For the past 6 years, KCADP has been blessed with the resources for a vigorous abolition campaign. We have grown the abolition community in Kansas to be a truly diverse group that spans the political spectrum, as well as increasing support in our traditional communities. That diversity was evident in our late January press conference.
We have defeated legislation that would have dangerously sped up executions in Kansas. We have brought new legislators into the abolition community. And, many more Kansans now know why abolition is the answer.
The past two years have been frustrating because despite the efforts of many dedicated legislators and KCADP members and supporters we have not been able to advance abolition as far as we’d hoped.
The KCADP board is committed to achieving abolition in Kansas! In the year ahead, KCADP will work to grow the “big tent” that has been built so far. We will work to educate candidates this summer and fall. We will be seeking abolition again next year in a legislature that will undoubtedly have some new members as well as returning ones.
The courageous, energetic and visionary volunteers who have led KCADP for more than 25 years will continue to press for abolition. (The staff have talked about how we, like Moses, have been able to see the promised land, but have not able to go there. It was our fondest wish and we will celebrate when you get there!)
Thank you for all your support for KCADP that you have already shown. KCADP members have shown time and again their passion and commitment to abolition. So we ask now that you continue and increase your support of KCADP. We have no doubt whatsoever that the organization will adapt, grow and prosper in the coming years.
Stay with KCADP as the campaign continues…. “Ad astra per aspera”. It may be difficult, but we will get the death penalty repealed!
Best always,
Mary Sloan, Executive Director
Donna Schneweis, Board Chair