Lexington, Kentucky, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A new civic engagement non-profit organization called Kentuckians For Good has officially launched in Lexington, Kentucky, founded by three University of Kentucky graduates. The organization aims to empower the local community by addressing specific issues such as the $35,000 in lunchroom debt affecting students. With a motto of ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall,’ Kentuckians For Good seeks to promote collaboration among diverse voices to drive positive change and enhance local support systems.
Lexington, Kentucky has welcomed a new civic engagement non-profit organization called Kentuckians For Good, launched in the summer of 2025 by three University of Kentucky graduates. The founders—Chelsea Kirk, Will Kennedy, and Anthony Schmidt—come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including engineering, software entrepreneurship, and family caregiving.
Kentuckians For Good aims to empower the local community by focusing on specific issues rather than broad, abstract topics. The organization identifies Kentucky’s greatest asset as its people and is committed to building a supportive environment for families throughout the state.
One of the identified challenges facing Fayette County is the growing debt accumulated in student lunchrooms, totaling approximately $35,000. Many students depend on school lunches, and the organization intends to collaborate with local stakeholders to eliminate this debt, thereby ensuring that families do not have to contend with financial barriers related to their children’s meals.
To facilitate collaboration and increase engagement, Kentuckians For Good plans to gather input from individuals across the political spectrum, promoting a culture of cooperation to overcome the division that currently inhibits progress. The founders emphasize the importance of including diverse voices to foster healthy governance and innovation in their initiatives.
The organization will create “Labs,” which are intensive Town Hall meetings designed to collect input from various community stakeholders about specific issues. For example, a Hunger Lab may involve representations from food bank directors, city council officials, social workers, educators, local farmers, business owners, community leaders, and families experiencing food insecurity. This inclusive approach is aimed at generating practical solutions based on real community needs.
Kentuckians For Good encourages community participation by inviting residents to contribute their ideas and concerns through its website. This open forum allows anyone interested in addressing local challenges to get involved and make a difference.
The organization operates under the guiding motto “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” reflecting its commitment to unity as a catalyst for change. More information about their projects and opportunities for involvement can be accessed on their official website: www.kentuckiansforgood.com.
Background Context
The founders of Kentuckians For Good—Kirk, Kennedy, and Schmidt—have diverse qualifications, including two as lifelong Eagle Scouts and two as Governor’s Scholars. Their different perspectives and experiences allow the organization to approach community issues from various angles, promoting comprehensive and effective solutions.
As Kentucky faces mounting social issues exacerbated by political polarization, Kentuckians For Good seeks to navigate these challenges through focused action and collaboration. By prioritizing specific community needs, the organization hopes to create sustainable change that benefits all residents of Lexington and the wider Kentucky community.
Conclusion
Kentuckians For Good stands as a testament to grassroots civic engagement, showcasing the potential for communities to come together and support one another. By targeting specific issues and working collaboratively, the organization aims to improve families’ lives in Lexington and may serve as a model for similar initiatives across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kentuckians For Good?
Kentuckians For Good is a civic engagement non-profit organization based in Lexington, Kentucky, focusing on addressing local community issues through collaboration and participation.
Who are the founders of the organization?
The founders, Chelsea Kirk, Will Kennedy, and Anthony Schmidt, are graduates of the University of Kentucky with diverse backgrounds that include engineering, software entrepreneurship, and family care.
What specific issue does the organization plan to address first?
The organization aims to tackle the approximately $35,000 in lunchroom debt in Fayette County Public Schools, which affects students unable to afford their lunches.
How can community members get involved?
Community members can participate by providing input and suggestions through the Kentuckians For Good website, where they can share local challenges and solutions.
What is the motto of Kentuckians For Good?
The guiding motto is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” emphasizing the importance of community unity in tackling challenges.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Focus on Specific Issues | Addresses targeted problems like student lunchroom debt rather than broader topics. |
| Community Engagement | Encourages input and participation from local residents through events and its website. |
| Stakeholder Labs | Organizes Town Hall meetings to collaborate with diverse community leaders and affected individuals. |
| Inclusivity | Opens conversations across the political spectrum to promote healthy governance. |
| Guiding Motto | “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” reflecting the organization’s commitment to unity and collaborative approach. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kentucky Humanities Faces Funding Crisis After Federal Cuts
Kentucky Nonprofit Faces Funding Crisis Amid Cuts
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Chamber Fellowship for Civic Leadership
- Kentucky Op-Ed Article
- Fast Company: Civic Engagement in Bowling Green
- Government Technology: AI in Public Engagement
- Wikipedia: Civic Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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