“Change happens when people do something differently.” This was an overarching theme UCS Executive Director Kristy Baughman emphasized throughout the four-session Advocacy Academy hosted by UCS and the Kansas Housing Advocacy Network (KHAN). The Academy, which concluded this week, brought together community leaders, service providers, and advocates from 15 counties across Kansas, including Riley, Harvey, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Wyandotte, and Johnson. The goal was to equip participants with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to affect housing policy and strengthen their communities.
Grounded in the fundamentals of advocacy, participants explored how change often begins with one voice and how effective advocacy requires both issue knowledge and an understanding of decision-makers. They practiced strategic communication—moving audiences from awareness to action—by combining data with compelling personal stories to resonate across divides.
Recognizing that advocacy happens in a divided and often contentious environment, the Academy emphasized the importance of civil discourse. Participants reflected on the ways polarization and assumptions can derail conversations, and then practiced skills to listen with empathy, affirm shared values, and respond in ways that open dialogue rather than close it off.
The final session, held in Topeka, featured a panel discussion with elected officials and local government leaders on housing practice and policy. Panelists included Don Roberts, Mayor of Edgerton; Beth Linn, Edgerton City Administrator; Holly Grummert, Overland Park City Council; and Erin Ollig, Manager of Strategic Planning, City of Overland Park. The panel walked participants through zoning and approval processes, explained the tensions between community concerns and housing needs, and highlighted where advocates can make their voices heard. Their perspectives highlighted the critical role of city leadership in addressing housing challenges and reinforced the value of connecting advocates with decision-makers.
By the close, participants had developed practical strategies to engage elected officials, build partnerships, and support KHAN’s efforts to promote safe, stable housing for all Kansans. These efforts will continue as KHAN and its partners prepare for the 2026 legislative session, ensuring that the voices and strategies developed in the Academy help shape policy solutions across Kansas.
More information will be coming soon about future Advocacy Academy classes!
2025 Kansas Public Policy Forum Coming November 12th!
Join us for the 2025 Kansas Public Policy Forum, Strong Communities, Stable Neighborhoods: Legislative Solutions, on November 12th at the Matt Ross Community Center. LISC will keynote with findings from their report, Buying the Block, which explores the impact of corporate landlords on housing in our region. A bipartisan panel of legislators will follow, outlining housing legislation they plan to advance in the 2026 session. This is a must-attend event for policymakers, service providers, local partners, funders, and advocates working toward safe, affordable, and stable housing for Kansas families.
