A new generation of KFTC members and activists are organizing to make Kentucky a better place, to spread the word about KFTC and all its campaigns, and to mobilize people to respond to Action Alerts and come out to key events.  And they’re doing all of this by using a tool that many of us know nothing about – a networking website called Facebook. 

“For many young people, Facebook is a cultural phenomenon... it's a much more effective way to contact people than e-mail, phone, or snail mail in some communities like on college campuses.  As a result, organization who really know how to utilize it can really see their numbers grow.” Says Joe Gallenstein, a Central KY KFTC member and the creator of KFTC’s Facebook site.

Created by Joe in October of last year, the KFTC Facebook site has steadily gained in popularity and has now soared to over 1,100 members and 24 Coordinators across the state who actively recruit new people, participate in online discussions, and more. 

Participants can use the site to exchange information, talk about KFTC issues, network, learn, and take part in event like call-in days to the legislature.  It’s allowing for a new kind of grassroots organizing that can reach individuals that traditional organizing has so far missed. 

“I think Facebook is a great way to try to get youth involved with KFTC. It allows us to reach a broader base of people. It's also a great way to connect everyone and discuss issues and events that many Kentuckians may not even know about,” said Shanna Brooks, a Rowan County Chapter member. 

"Facebook is a great virtual networking tool to bring together and educate students about issues facing the well-being of our state," added Chuck Clenney, a Central KY Chapter member who came to his first meeting after connecting to KFTC through Facebook. 

“KFTC has recognized that to reach the youth, you have to meet them where they are. Facebook is one of the most popular networking sites and virtually every college student has one, so it only makes sense to try to reach the youth in this way. During a recent member drive, I invited all of my Kentucky friends to the group, and a large number of them joined. I know that a lot of these people had never heard of KFTC before. Now the door has been opened to talk to them about what KFTC does and to get them involved” said Beth Bissmeyer, a Berea College student from Louisville and a KFTC Facebook Coordinator. 

But Facebook organizing doesn’t begin and end online – it’s been successful in getting hundreds of people to contact their legislator in response to KFTC action alerts, dozens of new people out to special events, and in this past Primary Election, nearly 750 people to pledge to vote. 

“I think those number are phenomenal. The response shows what a great tool Facebook can be for reaching out to a part of the community that usually is not very active in elections,” responded Joe Gallenstein. 

Efforts of so many KFTC members and supporters has given KFTC the largest of all Kentucky political Facebook groups – larger even than the ones in support of candidates for major offices, etc – something these activists are very proud of. 

KFTC members organizing through Facebook say that they don’t think that it will ever be a substitute for walking door-to-door, calling members on the phone, or having community events and connecting with people face to face. 

 
How to get involved in KFTC Facebook Organizing

If you have a Facebook account already, look up Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, join our group, invite your friends and join the fun!

If you’d like to sign up to be on Facebook, visit www.Facebook.com, then look us up! 

We still need more Facebook Coordinators, especially in Louisville and Eastern Kentucky, so let us know if you’re interested.