A central truth in public policy is that we approach differently those problems we view as someone else's, compared to those we see as intimately connected to our own well-being. So it is with poverty. Perhaps the one silver lining in the treacherous clouds that have threatened the nation's economic horizons over the past several years is the growing sense that economic insecurity is a common thread in our lives, and the stark reality that even official poverty can happen to anyone. In November 2010, a poll of American voters found that more than 50% have a family member who lives in poverty. This makes poverty, very clearly, our problem, and it points to a framework for economic security as a policy imperative for our collective future.

The Kansas Association of Community Action Programs and the Kansas Community Action Network are proud to announce the dates for the 2012 Kansas Conference on Poverty:

July 25-27th, 2012

Hyatt Regency

Wichita, KS

An exciting agenda is in development now, as we strive to bring you the best possible tools and training to Help Overcome Poverty's Existence. Registration will open:

April 7th, 2012

We are currently seeking Partners, Presenters and Vendors to join us at the most stimulating event of the summer. Download an application today to join us as a:

 Sponsor  (Welcome at ANY Time)
 Presenter (Welcome Until February 29th)
 Vendor (Welcome Until June 1st)

Every year we are so proud to see the Kansas Conference on Poverty grow in both size and scope. The volunteer steering committee for this event knows how hard you work & how truly valuable your time is. We believe that if you're going to take time to be part of an event, it's got to be the best. That's why we're excited to announce a truly STELLAR lineup for this summer's conference. Presenting our 2012 Keynote Speakers: 

Deborah Weinstein, Executive Director for the Coalition on Human Needs

Deborah has over 30 years of advocacy experience on a wide range of issues at both the state and federal level. Prior to joining CHN, Weinstein served for nine years as director of the Family Income division of the Children's Defense Fund. At CDF she worked on policy strategies to lift children and their families out of poverty, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support, jobs and wages, housing, nutrition, unemployment insurance, and equitable tax policy.

Greg Kaufmann, Author of "This Week in Poverty" for The Nation Magazine

Greg is a Nation contributor living in Washington, D.C. His work has also appeared on Common Dreams, AlterNet, Tikkun.org, NPR.org, and CBS News.com. He previously worked as a staffer for the Kerry campaign, a copywriter and speechwriter for various Democrats in national and local politics, and as a screenwriter.

Candy Whirley, Co-Author of "Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Success"

Candy is a past President and former Board Member of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Speakers Association. You may recognize Candy as a former Kansas City Chiefs Chiefette or performer at Starlight Theater in Kansas City. As a professional speaker and humorist, she combines light-hearted training techniques with more than 20 years of experience helping professionals improve their job performance and achieve their personal goals.

Joel Blackwell, Former Editor for the Miami Herald and Author of "Keep on Voting"

Joel was an award-winning editor for 10 years before becoming a grass roots consultant. He is the author of "Keep on Voting After the Election" the manual used across the country for advocacy results. He has worked for associations and corporations in 47 states and Washington DC, helping them get out their message to public, politicians and media.