We Kan!

The Resource for Grassroots Efforts

The We Kan! network is a support group and information flow among rural communities. The We Kan! side of the Kansas Sampler Foundation supports rural communities to be the best they can be at being themselves.

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

WE KAN! TIDBITS E-BLASTS: The online e-blast is designed to share grassroots efforts, ideas, contacts, resources, and attitudes to help strengthen rural Kansas, especially in the areas of explorer tourism and community development.

RURAL KANSAS: Come & Get It:  To collectively promote rural Kansas, a website called getruralkansas.org has been created.  Rural communities that take a class are eligible to be part of this effort to share the best of rural with the world. 

POWER UPS:  This movement to connect and empower 21-39 year olds who are rural by choice is just starting.  You'll be hearing more.

EVENTS CALENDAR:  Rural communities, especially those without a website, may use this calendar to promote their events.

WE KAN! CONFERENCE: The conference is planned to be especially relevant for rural communities. The majority of speakers are from rural communities and they present successful efforts.  The next conference will be in March 2013.

WE KAN! AWARDS: Ten recipients are awarded each year for excellent efforts to preserve and sustain rural culture.

KANSAS SAMPLER FESTIVAL, KANSAS EXPLORERS CLUB, and the
8 WONDERS OF KANSAS help the public know what there is to see and do in Kansas communities.  The Kansas Guidebook for Explorers came out in 2005 and is now out of print.  In 2012, we will start going to every incorporated city in Kansas again to research for the next edition. 

PRESENTATIONS: Marci Penner's presentations range from speeches to power point slide shows. The custom-designed presentations generally focus on what there is to see and do in Kansas.  Fee.

CONTRIBUTIONS support We Kan! work.  The network 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. 

We Kan! support, Kansas Explorers Club memberships, program fees, and private contributions sustain the operation of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.