Over the last three years, KFTC has experienced explosive growth, tripled grassroots fundraising and expanded campaigns around tax and economic justice, mountaintop removal and the restoration of voting rights for former felons. It would be an understatement to say that as an organization we merely set some fundraising goals and met them. On every occasion, in each year, we exceeded the goals that we set for ourselves. We know that our growth is directly related to our ability to be effective in Frankfort. The movement we’ve felt on all of our bills is unprecedented, but it brings into sharp focus our need to be exponentially larger than we are right now. This is why we are launching the Each One Reach One Campaign. Our goal is to recruit 1,000 KFTC members to recruit just one new member to KFTC.

Why is this an effective way to organize?

Becki Winchel, our Jefferson County steering committee representative, knows that our success takes her volunteer and financial support, “I will be forever grateful for the first time I was invited to join a group of like-minded people in Frankfort. Even when I don’t get to go, I know that my financial contribution allows others to go and my voice to be heard.” One thing we know is that if 1,000 of our members recruited just one member to KFTC we would have new membership spread through the state. We have the potential to reach people that we would never reach otherwise. Right now, people join KFTC because they come to an event, they make it to our website, or someone in the circle of our leadership asks them to join. But what would it look like if 1,000 of our 5,000 members talked to just one person about why they belong to KFTC. Our membership would grow in all corners of Kentucky. We would reach more people in Marion, Floyd and Franklin Counties, the neighborhoods of Lexington and Louisville and congregations of faith from all over this Commonwealth. We know the strength of an organization that is built by it's membership when we stand in a crowd of 1,200 people on I Love Mountains Day. It is essential to each one of our campaigns that our members continue to reach out and bring new people who believe in the work that we are doing.

What does membership in KFTC mean?

Membership in KFTC is open to all people who share our commitment to democracy, equality and non-violent social change. Annual membership dues are suggested at $15-50 per household, but a contribution of any size is welcome. If you recruit a new member, be sure to ask if they want to list anyone else in their household on their membership record. That way KFTC gains two new members for the price of one! KFTC does not share our membership list with other organizations.

When a person joins KFTC, they will receive our newsletter, balancing the scales, and periodic information about upcoming events and ways to get involved. While we welcome people’s active participation, we understand that both time and money are precious. Even if someone is not able to attend meetings or participate in activities, their membership helps strengthen the organization. By joining KFTC, they help us send a signal to legislators and other decision-makers that many Kentuckians support the organization’s vision and goals.

How do I recruit a member?

KFTC membership envelope

The truth is, we can all think of at least one person who should be a member of KFTC. Even if someone can not attend meetings or travel to Frankfort, their membership is important participation in the organization. The majority of our members are part of KFTC in addition to their participation with other organizations, schools, committees and service organizations. Their movement in other circles builds our capacity to have a broader analysis of the interconnections of issues. No one leads a single-issue life, but the strength of our organization comes from bringing people together from a variety of different backgrounds, who see that the problems in our world are often inter-connected.  Becki understands this through her work at the Coalition for the Homeless, volunteer roles at the Fairness Campaign, Braden Center, Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the ACLU, “People appreciate knowing that there is a group where we understand that you have multiple passions.”

How do I sign up?

We’re kicking off the Each One Reach One campaign with 13 commitments by members to recruit another member. We’re looking for your support to meet this goal. Is there someone you know who is in line with the values of KFTC, but not yet a member? If you are interested in participating in this campaign please sign-up here. We'll set you up with the tools you need and walk you through the process.  With your help, we will be able to continue building the strength and influence of KFTC.