We Kan!

The Resource for Grassroots Development

The We Kan! network and membership newsletter is a support group and information flow among rural communities to help develop the unique identity of each town and to attract visitors in a way that will help keep towns alive and thriving.

We Kan! is a group of community leaders, volunteers, and supporters striving to make their communities better. Some are seeking new industry for their town, some tourism, but all are looking for ways to improve the energy in their towns. Whatever the focus, We Kan! members enjoy the camaraderie of each other, the sharing of ideas, and a one-for-all, all-for-one attitude.

We Kan! projects of the Kansas Sampler Foundation support Kansas communities through the following projects:

• The annual Kansas Sampler Festival gives communities a quality environment to provide the public a sample of what they have to see and do, AND provides a quality networking environment.
• The We Kan! rural culture newsletter is sent to members every other month and is packed with information about grassroots efforts, resources, group tour leads and information about Kansas Sampler Foundation projects.
• The Kansas Explorers Club is designed to help educate the public about what there is to see and do in Kansas communities.
• Educational seminars or retreats are organized for current topics and needs in rural communities. We Kan! Conferences have been held in March 2002 and 2006. Another will be held in 2008. Over 160 people attended from towns of every size. Breakout and group sessions are designed to provide information in a manner that will help a community be the best it could be at being itself. The mission has been accomplished in the first two conferences and attendees were more than pleased with the information they received and the feeling of empowerment that they gained.
• Educational programs for the general public, annual banquets, or state conferences include the Go Kansas! game show, Kansas slide shows, and customized talks.
• The Foundation acts as a clearinghouse of information.

Membership in We Kan! is beneficial for anyone interested in helping keep Kansas communities alive and vital. Examples of present members include those involved in local chambers of commerce, economic development, historical societies, and area attractions as well as community volunteers, small business owners and rural advocates in the media and state agencies.

Membership fees, program fees, and private contributions sustain the operation of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

Plans for future We Kan! services include a special e-mail group just for We Kanners! to communicate with each other and to request cumulative lists of information offered in the We Kan! newsletter.