State of the Organization Update
from Kentucky Citizen Digest, April, 1999

MEMORANDUM:

TO:        Concerned Families across Western Kentucky

FROM:   Kent Ostrander

RE:        State of the Organization Update

DATE:    April 15, 1999

Nearly a year and a half ago we launched an ambitious effort and placed a policy analyst—Richard Nelson, in western Kentucky on behalf of the family and family values. Because of his placement west we have been able to expand our service to you and accomplish a number of things in your region that otherwise would not have been possible without him.Here are some examples:

In the fall of 1998, The Family Foundation brought in Dr. David Hager, a national expert on sexually transmitted diseases.Dr. Hager shared his“Children at Risk” seminar in six cities — Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Madisonville, Murray, and Paducah.Not only did he stress “abstinence until marriage,” but many parents said they themselves were equipped to talk to their children about the reality of premarital sexual involvement. 

We followed-up Hager’s presentations by bringing in Cameron Mills to challenge high school students to abstain from sexual activity.In a five-day period almost 18,000 students heard his message!

Richard has also helped make other efforts possible. During the election season he coordinated the distribution of 100,000 of our Kentucky Candidate Information Surveys throughout the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts.This gave voters the unbiased information they needed to make an informed decision at the polls.Even more, his writings have shed light on pro-family issues in your region.Without him many would not have known about stealth plans for a Hopkinsville betting parlor or the Paducah citizens’ success regulating strip bars..

In addition, Richard has spoken to nearly 60 churches from Bowling Green to Paducah.He has appeared on many radio talk shows and presented to numerous ministerial associations.It should go without saying that Richard has been a key resource for the pro-family citizens in Western Kentucky.

NEW CHALLENGES:Issues to be debated in the 2000 General Assembly are already surfacing.Expect a strong attempt to expand gambling in Kentucky.On another front, it has already been announced there will be a major effort to elevate special rights for homosexuals.The sponsor of the homosexual legislation has gone on record as intending to open the school system — teachers and students — to homosexual sensitivity education.

Besides the negative issues in the Assembly, there will also be great opportunities.There is the very real possibility of abstinence education being elevated through the school system and there will be a new effort to codify into law the true intentions of the three bills restricting abortion, passed in the 1998 Assembly and then mishandled and watered-down by the current administration.Tax reform is also a “most likely.”Richard’s General Assembly Update gatherings in different communities will most certainly help again as they did last session.

MY REQUEST:These efforts and Richard’s work are not possible without your help.We are at a pivotal moment in our almost ten-year history.As you probably know, we ask for support only twice each year.This month is one of those times.If you value his work, then please consider giving.So you understand what we face, a $10 gift covers our publishing costs, a $25 gift or more secures the support needed for Richard. . .And, if everyone gives a little, we will have enough.Please give if you can.

Yours, very sincerely,

MEMORANDUM:

TO:        Concerned Families across Kentucky

FROM:   Kent Ostrander

RE:        State of the Organization Update

DATE:    April 15, 1999

We, together, have much for which to be thankful. . . and we have much to do.We could not be more  fortunate — great challenges AND tremendous potential!Allow me to explain: 

THE CHALLENGES:  Issues to be debated in the 2000 General Assembly are already coming to the surface, at least in whispers.Expect a strong attempt to open Kentucky to expanded gambling as well as the already announced effort to elevate special homosexual rights.The sponsor of the homosexual legislation has gone on  record as wanting to open the school system— teachers and students— to homosexual sensitivity education.

Besides the negative issues in the Assembly, there will also be great opportunities.There is the very real possibility of abstinence education being elevated in the school system and there will be a new effort to codify into law the true intentions of the three bills relating to abortion, passed in the 1998 Assembly and then mishandled and watered-down by the current administration.Tax reform is also a “most likely.”

In addition, the Lexington strip bar ordinance that bans total nudity must now go through a second (long) judicial process, hopefully achieving the same “vindication” it received the first time.The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they are turning! This will ultimately set a key precedent for Kentucky — it’s worth our effort.

THE POTENTIAL:  We are on the threshold of MAJOR IMPACT.As you know we’ve been trying to  place staff in different areas of the state to provide better coverage of issues, get more citizens informed and involved, and expand the capabilities and scope of our work.We succeeded in Western Kentucky, now we have more GOOD NEWS!!!  We have received a major grant to employ a policy analyst for the region in and around Louisville.  We are currently in the search mode for the right applicant.

EVEN BETTER NEWS!!!  We have been offered a challenge-matching grant of $40,000 to do the same in Northern Kentucky.  Yes, if we receive up to $40,000, that amount will be matched and we will have most of the money needed to open an office in that area.  We have never before experienced this kind of offer!

MY REQUEST:  Please consider giving at this time.  This moment is different from any other in our almost 10-year history.  Even this edition of the Kentucky Citizen reflects the kind of expansion to which we can attain if the staff is enlarged (federal issues and federal influence).  As you know, we ask for support twice each year.  This month is one of those times.  For your consideration, a $10 gift covers our publishing costs.  A $25 gift or more secures the support needed for staff — and this time, it provides double!!!.

Yours, very sincerely,

P.S.  Please pardon the impersonal “memo” nature of this note — I am “maxed” and it’s my best vehicle right now.  As you know, this request is not sensitive to any of your recent giving (Thank you!).  If you cannot give, I fully understand, simply do your part by praying.  Lastly, gift or not, please send us your e-mail address so we can do “emergency notes” as issues arise — tffky@mis.net.   (Send with name and home address — rest assured, it will be used sparingly and not be shared.)
 

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander, Executive Director Martin Cothran, Senior Associate Policy Analyst