KFTC’s annual “I Love Mountains” day at the state capitol is just around the corner.  This big event, which attracts more than 1,000 Kentuckians each year, calls attention to the scale of destruction created by mountaintop removal coal mining in Kentucky and the need for a clean water and energy future.

This year the day includes a special emphasis and participation from young Kentuckians – including a youth-led delegation to meet with Governor Beshear.

KFTC has requested a meeting with Governor Beshear in the afternoon of “I Love Mountains” day on February 11. Would you like to be part of this youth-led delegation or do you know a young person within the ages of 5 and 25 who would be? 

What it involves:  Each youth would be responsible for attending a planning meeting (hopefully a face-to-face, but maybe on a conference call) with other youth group delegates, as well as the meeting with Governor Beshear on February 11 in Frankfort.  In the event that Governor Beshear is unwilling to meet with us, the youth-group will also discuss and develop an alternative plan for making our voices heard.

How to get involved:  If this sounds like you, please write a short letter telling us about yourself, how old you are, and why you are interested in talking to Governor Beshear about mountaintop removal coal mining. A committee of KFTC members will review the letters and select the delegation. Letters are due by the end of the day on Friday, January 15.  You will be notified of a decision by Friday, January 22.  And the youth group will schedule a meeting sometime between January 25 and February 6.

Spread the word:  Also, please pass this announcement along to anyone you may know who would be a great addition to the youth team! 

Where to apply:  Letters can be emailed to carissa@kftc.org or mailed to KFTC, 435-R Chestnut St, Suite 2, Berea, KY, 40403.  Please call or email Carissa Lenfert (859-893-1147) with any questions.

After warming up from the cold and grabbing a bite to eat, join with youth from all across Kentucky to discuss next steps for youth in the important fight to end mountaintop removal coal mining. We will hear a debrief from the youth delegation that meeting with the governor and formulate different ways for youth to continue to have a strong voice on mining and energy issues for the remainder of the legislative session and beyond. Join us in the Capitol Annex, room 129, at 2 p.m. Please call or email Beth Bissmeyer at (502) 751-2998 and beth@seac.org with any questions or suggestions for agenda items.