Stories of Real Kansans
Your Story Makes a Difference
About Kansas Common Sense Fund
The Kansas Common Sense Fund (KCSF) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to empowering Kansas voices to make our state stronger and more welcoming for all families. We believe that our ability to communicate priorities and amplify shared values is central to our success in making Kansas a better place for all. To meet this goal, the Kansas Common Sense Fund conducts research and develops effective messages to empower citizens, advocates, leaders, and nonprofit organizations.
What is “Stories of Real Kansans”?
The Stories of Real Kansans project is a statewide storytelling initiative led by the KCSF. We’re gathering powerful, personal stories from Kansans whose lives are shaped by their community and policy issues. The goal is to share the diverse experiences of Kansans and highlight the powerful stories of courage, innovation, and community across our state.
These stories will be shared across the state to humanize and personalize policy conversations, educate decision-makers, and inspire civic engagement.
Our goal is to share high-quality stories that reflect shared Kansas values, like community, hard work, faith, and family. For those interested, your story could include visuals, audio, and a civic call to action.
What Happens When You Share Your Story?
We’ll walk with you every step of the way to make sure your story is told with care, respect, and your full consent.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Story Intake: You fill out a short form sharing a bit about yourself and your experience.
Interview: We schedule a conversation (via Zoom, phone, or in person) to record your story.
Photos: We collect a professional portrait or images from your life that add depth to the story.
Story Production: Our team crafts a written blog, edited audio clip, and visual content that brings your experience to life.
Final Approval: You review the story before anything is published and give final consent.
Publication & Impact: Your story is shared on our website and social platforms so policymakers, advocates, and communities across Kansas can learn from and share your experience.
Each story may be used in multiple ways (blogs, newsletters, social media, policy briefs, spoken testimony, digital ads and more) but always with your permission.
Want to Share Your Story?
Whether you’re a parent, farmer, nurse, teacher, student, immigrant, or community leader, your story matters and we want to help you share it!
We will be collecting stories between September 2025 and December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of stories are you looking for?
We’re looking for real-life stories from Kansans whose lives have been affected by big issues like health care (example: Medicaid), paid leave, public schools, abortion access, renewable energy, farming/agriculture or something else. Maybe you’ve struggled to afford a doctor visit, been denied paid time off to care for a new baby, or faced tough decisions because of the cost of living, many Kansans may face similar challenges. Sharing your story can make a difference. No story is too small!
Q: Who can share a story?
Anyone who lives in Kansas. We’re especially focused on lifting up voices that are often left out of policy conversations. Rural Kansans, BIPOC communities, immigrants, working parents, young people, and seniors. You don’t need to be a skilled public speaker or consider yourself an advocate. We’ll guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable sharing your story.
Q: What will happen with my story?
With your permission, your story may be shared on our website in an online magazine style blog, audio clips, social media, mailers, or advocacy campaigns. It might help explain an issue being discussed in a legislative hearing, educate other Kansans, or inspire action online. Every story will include a clear, values-based message and a call to action. You will get to review the story before it’s shared and consent to how it’s used.
Q: Can I stay anonymous?
We believe that stories are most powerful when they’re personal and relatable, and that includes putting a name or face to your experience. Whenever possible, we encourage storytellers to share openly, as it helps others connect with your story and strengthens its impact. That said, your safety, comfort, and consent are our top priorities. You’ll be in constant communication with our team, and we’ll make sure your story is shared with dignity and care. If there are concerns about visibility, we’ll work with you to find the right balance. We can limit the personal identifying information that is shared, for example: Ashley, 44, Lawrence. Nothing will be published without your full approval.
Q: What’s the process like?
We start with a short intake form. Then we’ll reach out to schedule an interview, either by phone, Zoom, or in-person. If your story moves forward, we’ll gather photos (with your permission), edit the content, and share it with you for approval before anything is published. The process typically takes several weeks, but we do the work and keep you informed at every step.
Q: I’m part of a community organization. How can I help?
You can refer individuals to us, and help promote the opportunity in your community. We’re building a statewide resource for advocacy, and partnerships are key. Contact us at aileen@kscommonsense.org if you’d like to collaborate.
Q: What if I have more questions?
Contact Aileen at aileen@kscommonsense.org with any questions or referrals.