MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson-Reno County chapter of Women for Kansas is inviting the public to its monthly meeting Monday evening, continuing its mission of civic education and nonpartisan discussion on state and national issues.
The local chapter, formed in 2015, is co-led by Tomi Foust and Betty Taylor. The organization traces its origins to Wichita in 2014, when a group of women sought a new forum to discuss public policy and political issues outside of a partisan framework.
“We felt there was a need for a place where people could come together, learn about the issues, and talk about them respectfully,” Taylor said. “Our focus is education, not party labels.”
The Hutchinson chapter includes roughly 200 people on its email list and welcomes both women and men to attend meetings. Programs typically feature guest speakers, presentations, and discussions on topics ranging from public opinion research to civil rights and the judicial system.
One of the organization’s current priorities involves preserving Kansas’ system for selecting Supreme Court justices. Under the existing process, a nominating commission reviews candidates and forwards three finalists to the governor, who appoints one. Justices then face retention votes in subsequent elections. Members of Women for Kansas say the system helps insulate the court from partisan influence and large political donations.
A vote to make changes to the process is on the August primary ballot.
Monday’s meeting will include a screening of the award-winning documentary She Dared to Dream, which chronicles the life and career of Ayanna Presley the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress for the State of Massachusetts.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Shears Technology Center at Hutchinson Community College. Meetings are typically held on the third Monday of each month, except December, and may be canceled in severe weather.
Looking ahead, the group plans to host Micah Kubic, executive director of the Kansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, at its March meeting. Kubic is scheduled to speak on civil rights and civil liberties in 2026.
In addition to monthly programs, the Hutchinson chapter will have a booth at the Women’s Show on March 7 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, where members will share information about the organization and its activities.
“There are no dues required to attend our programs,” Foust said. “If people are curious, we encourage them to come, listen, and decide for themselves.”
More information about Women for Kansas and local meetings is available through the organization’s public outreach and community events.