Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are >
      • Campus Affiliates
      • Allies + Networks
      • Mission and Strategy
      • Our History
    • Media >
      • The Young Kentuckian Blog
      • Power to the People Podcast
      • Press >
        • Media Coverage
        • Media Resources and Contacts
        • Media Advisories and Releases
    • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Plug In
    • Campaigns >
      • Stop LG&E's Pipeline
      • Stop Letcher Co Prison
    • Catalyst: Camp 4 Community Organizing
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Campaign Case Study
    • COVID-19 Mutual Aid
  • Donate
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are >
      • Campus Affiliates
      • Allies + Networks
      • Mission and Strategy
      • Our History
    • Media >
      • The Young Kentuckian Blog
      • Power to the People Podcast
      • Press >
        • Media Coverage
        • Media Resources and Contacts
        • Media Advisories and Releases
    • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Plug In
    • Campaigns >
      • Stop LG&E's Pipeline
      • Stop Letcher Co Prison
    • Catalyst: Camp 4 Community Organizing
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Campaign Case Study
    • COVID-19 Mutual Aid
  • Donate

A long history of fighting for a better Kentucky

Picture
Kentucky students at the national Power Shift Convergence in 2007, the year that KSEC was founded.
In 2007, students from Kentucky met at the National Power Shift Convergence in Washington DC and decided to form an organization to improve Kentucky's environmental health and economy through non-violent action and education: the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition. In the years since, KSEC has grown to be the leading voice for Kentucky youth.

Original Mission Statement

KSEC is a coalition of students and youth across KY created to improve KY’s environmental health and economy through non-violent action and education. We influence policy decision by challenging power structures to implement socially just and sustainable solutions.
Original Priorities:
  • Make environmental issues relevant to Kentuckians
  • Work to shift the cultural mindset of consumption
  • Show people connections - between themselves and the land, economics and the environment, etc.
  • Develop off-campus relationships (with other universities and non-collegiate organizations)
  • Challenge voter apathy
  • Lobby to bring green jobs to Kentucky - be the vanguards of the new economy
  • Acknowledge and work to counter segregation within the environmental movement and environmental injustice.

Highlights from Our History

Find our archive and past events here.
2007
  • Kentucky young people meet up in Washington DC for the first national Power Shift conference and realize that there are a lot of young Kentuckians concerned with the environment.
  • First KSEC gathering took place at Western KY University in Bowling Green, KY
  • Start using conference calls to organize and collaborate across the state
  • Focus on I <3 Mountains Day and Summer MTR resistance​
2008
  • Second KSEC gathering took place at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY
  • Registered voters and did youth environmental voter turnout work with the Power Vote Campaign.
  • Kentucky representation on the SEAC National Council
  • KY Power Shift at Western KY University brought together folks from all across the country and had amazing speakers like Larry Gibson in attendance
2009
  • Over 100 Kentuckians head to the 2009 National Power Shift Conference in Washington, D.C.
  • On the bus ride home Transylvania students and Western KY University students decide to shut down their on-campus coal boilers
  • KSEC starts working groups to take on off-campus issues around Food, Conservation, Education, I <3 Mountains, Power Shift planning, and Power Past Coal
  • Appalachian Power Shift happens at Marshall University in West Virginia as a joint effort between West Virginia Youth Action League and KSEC and ends with a large march and rally for Green Jobs
2010
  • First statewide day of action happens at campuses across the state! Students drop banners at multiple universities calling the campuses to move towards more sustainable energy
  • WKU and Transylvania University students win commitments to shut down their campus coal boilers
  • Other campuses start working on renewable energy and green fee campaigns including Murray Environmental Student Society at Murray State University
2012
  • Students from several campuses connected at Sierra Club Activist Weekend and committed to rebuilding the state network
  • Campuses took on new campaigns aimed around banning plastic bottles on campus and University of Kentucky’s Greenthumb organization launched a campaign to shut down their on-campus coal boiler
2013
  • First annual spring summit to introduce new members to KSEC and train them in anti-oppression and organizing skills
  • KSEC mobilizes 100+ young Kentuckians to attend the Power Shift environmental youth conference in Pittsburg
2014
  • KSEC launches the Political Working Group (PWG) to build political power by increasing participation in elections and facilitating the passage of progressive energy legislation in Kentucky through organizing direct actions, educating our peers, and sharing our stories and visions for a more democratic and community-based political system
  • PWG launches Power to the People campaign to support renewable energy policies in Kentucky
  • First annual Fall Summit​ to introduce new members to KSEC and train them in anti-oppression and organizing skills
  • KSEC contributes to a successful a grassroots movement to stop the Bluegrass Pipeline from being built across the state to carry natural gas liquids from the shale fields in the north east to the refineries and ports on the gulf coast, namely being the first to develop and publish resistance resources on our website and drawing attention to and shutting down the pipeline's proposed route through the Kentucky State University Research Farm ​
2015
  • Centre students win a Green Revolving Fund and gets $5,000 yearly allocated to the newly established fund
  • duPont Manual High School students win campaign for local food in their cafeterias
  • EKU Green Crew is successful in their campaign to get the university to sign onto the President’s Climate Commitment
  • KSU Green Society wins campaign for campus-wide recycling
  • PWG hosts Sen. Reggie Thomas for its first Clean Energy Tour in Murray to show how renewables are already working in Kentucky
  • PWG secures state senators Reggie Thomas and Julian Carroll as the first senate sponsors for the Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance backed Clean Energy Opportunity Act
  • KSEC launches its annual summer program, Catalyst, a youth-focused, anti-oppressive, inclusive, week-long training for folks interested in becoming activists and who want to make a difference on environmental and social justice issues.
2016
  • UK Greenthumb claims a victory in their campaign for a climate action plan when President Capilouto signs a commitment to reduce carbon emissions 25% below 2010 levels by 2020 and credits student leadership
  • KSEC Just Transition Working Group launches the Solutions Tour to elevate young voices in the discussion of Appalachia post-coal economy and inspire
  • At the request of the PWG, Representative Mary Lou Marzian and Senator Reggie Thomas file resolutions for LRC studies into renewable energy and energy efficiency legislation in other states with the goal of identifying policies that would be beneficial and applicable to Kentucky
  • PWG hosts its second clean energy tour in Frankfort with a teach-in on hydropower from Shaker Landing Hydro Associates and a visit to see and learn about the solar installation at Boone National Guard Center
2017
  • Created our first ever ​KSEC Strategic Plan​ to meet a statewide objective of "We will unite and uplift our voices to resist all new threats to our communities and our environment. We will no longer be ignored"
  • ​​KSEC Political Working Group participates in an emergency action coalition to successfully halt SB 214 which would have ended net metering in Kentucky and harmed the state’s burgeoning renewable energy sector
  • ​KSEC members hosted a total of 30 actions and events across the state
  • KSEC Just Transition Working Group hosts its first Solutions Summit to talk about what young Appalachians want for their region and participate in the region's just economic transition away from extractive industries. 
  • We developed 31 new leaders
  • Members met with 10 decision makers 
  • We earned 25 media hits, including articles in New Southerner Magazine and Yes Magazine​
See more details in our 2017 End of Year Report

Past Events

Picture

State Network Calls, November 2019

KSEC is hosting 3 State Network Calls in November 2019! These calls are open to all KSEC members, allies, and alum. The calls are: Wednesday, November 20 from 4-5:30 PM Eastern Standard Time Thursday, November 21 from 7-8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time Sunday, November 24 from 5-6:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

These calls are a time to: Learn about what KSEC is doing and what we have planned Dip your toes in to getting involved Hear from other young Kentuckians Share you plans, needs, questions, and concerns (about KSEC, about organizing, about your campus, about current events) Collaborate on plans and ideas with folks across the state Let us know how can support you and your community Brainstorm about statewide campaigns and issues Build community in a youth-led organizing space​

CKY Book Club First Meeting


Our Central Kentucky Book Club is having it's first meeting Sunday, November 24, 1 - 3 PM  EST.  We'll be meeting in the Lexington Public Library, Central Library, Room B. This meeting is free and open to everyone - no RSVP required. Come as you are. Light snacks will be provided.

If you are interesting the book club, even if you aren't sure about your availability, feel free to drop in. You don't have to read anything or make any commitments. We'll talk about the kinds of things we want to read together, pick our first book, and plan our next meeting.
Picture
Picture


​Political Education Campus Series
​
Western KY Community and Technical College
     April 4th and April 18th 11am-12:30pm
​Hazard Community and Technical College​
​    
March 29th and TBA 2-3:30pm


Join us for this two-part workshop series to learn how to engage in the political system, get our voices heard, and work together to show that when it comes to our future we’re not apathetic. Together, we’ll de-mystify politics, learn new skills to talk about the issues that are important to us and stand together to make sure our elected officials and candidates know what we want them to do. Stay tuned for more details!

​



Picture
KSEC 6th Annual Spring Summit
April 6th-8th 2018
Paducah, KY


This weekend will be a time to come together with other passionate youth activists from across the state to learn about the environmental issues in Kentucky, how we can build grassroots power to create meaningful change, and to plan on how we can support each other across the state.

The summit offers variety of workshops and trainings to make you a better equipped organizer and activist on your campus and in your community. This is a great opportunity for you to vent and brainstorm with others who are passionate about environmental and social justice issues!

If you have been meaning to get more involved with KSEC or activism in general? Well here's your chance! Register to attend.


Picture

Appalachian Potluck Homecoming

March 22nd 2018 16-9pm EST
The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
​Berea, KY​


Are you from the Appalachian region? Did you move away for school or work? Do you miss home? We do, too! Join us for an evening of good mountain food and good mountain people, hosted by KSEC - Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition's Just Transition Working Group. We hope you'll connect with folks who can make it a little easier to be away from home.

We encourage you to bring food and friends. If you can't bring food, that's fine too. There will be plenty to go around! Come as you are - everyone with Appalachian roots is welcome here. If you need help paying for gas or setting up a carpool, we are happy to help. (Note: No alcohol.)

Can't make it to Berea? Keep your eyes open for another potluck in Lexington or Louisville this Spring.

​RSVP on Facebook for up-to-date information



Picture
Gas + Pipelines Resistance Meet-Up
March 11th 2018 1-5pm EST
The Plantory
​Lexington, KY​


Join KSEC's GAP working group to learn more about how to educate your campus about the controversial Tennessee Pipeline and stand with other young Kentuckians in resisting new fossil fuel and gas infrastructure!

​We are especially interested in connecting with students and members in Rowan, Bath, Madison, and Boyle Counties where the pipeline route crosses.

​Please register to attend and keep up-to-date by following our Facebook event page
​



Picture
Rise Up Kentucky Rally + Lobby Day
February 12th 2018 3pm EST
Kentucky State Capitol
​Frankfort, KY​


Join the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition in our Rise Up Kentucky Rally!  Fight the narrative of youth apathy and tell our legislators that we will no longer be ignored!
​






Picture
Solutions Summit
November 3-5th 2017
Benham Schoolhouse Inn
​Benham, KY​

Have you wondered what comes next for Kentucky’s struggling economy? Are you a young person questioning if you can stay in your home region? Do you have ideas for improving Kentucky’s economy that you’d like to share? 

Join the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition for our Solutions Summit, an exciting weekend-long event packed with engaging workshops and guest speakers. Learn about the growing movement to create an equitable and sustainable economy in Eastern Kentucky and find ways that you can get involved to make a difference in your community! The summit is free to attend and travel scholarships are available. 

Picture
Annual KSEC Fall Summit
October 6-8th 2017
​
Fall Summit is a great place to connect with the KSEC community from across the state, make new friends, learn about the issues that impact us here in Kentucky and get plugged into our upcoming actions and events. 

​Our 2017 Fall Summit was at Centre College in Danville, KY. We learned about our new strategic plan to uplift our voices, unite and no longer be ignored. We also hosted a witness tour of the EW Brown Power Plant and learned about the water pollution issues associated with the unlined coal ash containment facility.
​​

Picture
Statewide Week of Action:
We Need Bold Leaders

September 25-29th

​All week we will be collecting petitions to show that young voters want candidates and elected officials who take bold stances on the issues that are important to us. We'll also be collecting surveys to learn more about which issues are most important to young Kentuckians and hear what you want to see in an inspiring candidate!

Picture
Political Education Campus Series
Once a month this semester on FOUR campuses!
Prestonsburg, KY
​Hopkinsville, KY

​Lexington, KY


​Tired of feeling like shit about the world and ready to do something about it? This workshop series brought to you by the KY Student Environmental Coalition will help you learn how! Participants will learn how to talk about the issues that are important to them, how to navigate the political system and get plugged into a movement to get our voices heard!
​

Picture
Youth Assembly on Economic Transition
September 9th, 2017 
Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
​Berea, KY
Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition's Just Transition Working Group hosted our final Youth Assembly on Economic Transition in Berea. We had a great turnout and great conversations about what we want to see next for our economy. 

Picture
Catalyst Summer Training
July 15th-22nd 
EKU Maywoods
​Crab Orchard, KY

Catalyst is a transformative week-long training for folks interested in becoming activists and who want to make a difference on environmental and social justice issues.
We strive to create a youth-focused, anti-oppressive and inclusive space where we can build power and connections to create the kind of Kentucky where we want to live.

Picture
Solution Spotlight: Renewable Energy Industry
June 10th @1pm EST
Benham Schoolhouse Inn
​Benham, KY


​The economic transition is not just something people are talking about, it is already happening all across the Eastern region of Kentucky. Join us as KSEC'S Just Transition Working Group shines a light on the burgeoning Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries and the role they can play in building strong, local economies.

We will meet with Bluegrass Solar's owner Tre' to learn what it is like to work in the renewable energy industry and see the beginnings of their solar project on top of the KY Coal Mining Museum AND meet Chris from the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development to learn about Energy Efficiency and the awesome Benham $aves Program!​

Register to attend: http://bit.ly/2n4XKJ6

Picture
Strategic Planning Meeting
May 14th 11-4pm EST
Lexington, KY

​Want to help shape the direction of the youth environmental movement in Kentucky? Interesting strategic planning and discussing exciting ways to engage more people than ever before in resisting the environmental and community threats coming our way? Join us for a full day making plans for the next two years!

RSVP to Cara for more details


Picture
Facilitating GOOD Meetings Webinar
May 10th @7pm EST
on your phone!

​Join KSEC for an introduction to how to facilitate productive, engaging and inclusive conversations and meetings. Sure to be full of easy tips to make your meetings SO MUCH BETTER!

Call in with this number + following along with the slideshow
712-832-8320
pin 7826395#
Slideshow http://bit.ly/2r28oSx


Picture
2017 People's Climate March
​​April 28-30th
​Washington, DC


​KSEC members joined 200,000 folks from across the climate and environmental justice movement in DC and at hundreds of sister-marches across the country; to show the urgency of acting now to protect frontline communities. It was an amazing and powerful event. Check out our photos on Facebook!

​You can see more pictures from the march and learn about the People's Climate Movement here. ​https://peoplesclimate.org/


Picture
3rd Youth Assembly on Just Economic Solutions
April 15th
Appalachian Center Berea College

This is the 3rd Youth Assembly in a series of events to engage young people in the conversation around economic transition in the Appalachian Region. Read more about Solutions Tour that these Youth Assemblies are a part of in the Young Kentuckian.
​


Picture
Just Transition Solution Spotlight
​​April 1st     1pm
​Boone Youth Drop-In Center
​Whitesburg, KY


KSEC's first Solutions Spotlight highlighted the Emerging Tech Industry as a part of our just economic Solutions Tour. Participants met folks from Mountain Tech Media + Appalshop's new Mines to Minds program and discussed ways to build skills to work in the technology industry.

Read more on this Solution Spotlight in the Young Kentuckian


Picture
Rise Up Kentucky March and Rally! 
​​Feb 27th     11am
​Back Terrace @ the State Capitol

​Frankfort, KY
​
​
We are calling on those in charge to give us strong, bold, progressive leaders. It's time for young people to tell Kentucky's establishment that we aren't apathetic—we are just uninspired by the status quo.


Picture
5th Annual Spring Summit!
​​​Feb. 24-26th
​Kentucky State University Research Farm

​Frankfort, KY​​

​Back by popular demand, KSEC hosted our 5th annual spring summit. This event was a time to come together with other passionate youth activists from across the state to learn about the environmental issues in Kentucky and how we can build grassroots power to create meaningful change.

The summit offers variety of workshops and trainings to make you a better equipped organizer and activist on your campus and in your community. This is a great opportunity for you to vent and brainstorm with others who are passionate about environmental and social justice issues!

Picture
2nd Youth Assembly on Just Economic Transition 
​​​Feb 19th     11am-4pm
​University of Pikeville Chapel

​Pikeville, KY​​

On February 19th Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition and the Stay Together Appalachian Youth (STAY) Project at the University of Pikeville hosted our 2nd Youth Assembly to learn about the growing movement toward a fair and sustainable economy in Eastern KY. This assembly will offer an opportunity to learn about successful models of transition, possibilities for the future, and ways you can make a difference in your community.



Picture
Fall Summit
​​​Oct 21-23rd
​Louisville, KY
​
​
Our 3rd Annual Fall Summit is upon us! Come hang out with folks from all across the state for a weekend of learning, networking and fun! We'll explore the current issues that are most relevant in Kentucky and discuss ways that we can support the efforts to build a brighter, safer future in our Commonwealth. We'll have speakers and panels, an environmental justice tour of Rubbertown to hear from community members who are directly impacted by chemical pollution and learn strategies being used to grow new opportunities for the region.



Picture
Local Lobby Day
​​​Oct 5th
​Frankfort, KY
​
​Our Political Working Group had an awesome day engaging elected officials about the importance of energy transition for our environment and economy and making sure they know about the opportunities we are missing out on when we don't act on renewables! We also had successful strategy meetings with Renewable energy sponsors and are so excited about the plan for the rest of 2016


Picture
KSEC Goes to Empower KY Conference
​​​Sep 30th-Oct 1st
​Louisville, KY​
​

​The Summit starts 7 to 10 pm on September 30 and continues from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 1. You may register by making a donation of any size. Seating is limited and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. (If you register by September 7th, you may request lodging in Louisville on Friday night.) 

The Empower Kentucky Summit will bring together people from diverse communities and backgrounds to explore promising ways for Kentucky to make a just transition to a clean energy economy.

Picture
Clean Energy Teach-in and Tour
​​​Sep 12th 10:30-2:30pm EST
​Kentucky State University- Cooperative Extension Building Room 238
​
​Join our Political Working Group for an awesome educational event at KY State University. We'll learn about the opportunities for renewable energy from local experts in energy efficiency, hydroelectric power generation and solar. After lunch we'll take a field trip to see a local solar installation at the KY National Guard and learn about how much energy (and MONEY) they've been saving since they started investing in renewables!

Picture
Launching the Semester Right Webinar
Aug 25th 4pmCST/5pmEST
​Your phone
​
KSEC and young leaders from across the state to learn and share best practices for launching your organization this Fall and successfully recruiting, retaining and mobilizing your members.

Picture
KSEC Goes to Midwest Power Shift
August 13-14th
Detroit, MI
Power Shift brings young climate leaders together as a movement—building the organizing skills, shared excitement, and strong relationships needed for a long-term commitment to the grassroots work that will help us realize a just, clean energy-powered future.
Now, ahead of a critical election year in the United States, Power Shift is hitting the road in 2016, with four regional convergences from coast to coast.In a critical year for our democracy and our climate, Power Shift 2016 will be a space to train young leaders in the fight for climate justice, help amplify the voice and power of our local communities, and leverage that power to help the climate justice movement win at the national level.

​Register to attend before the prices go up on June 23rd! http://powershift2016.org/

Let us know if you are interested in staying in the loop! email  [email protected]
​

Picture
Summer Catalyst
July 16th-23rd
Crab Orchard, KY


​Catalyst is a transformative week-long training for folks interested in becoming activists and who want to make a difference on environmental and social justice issues. We strive to create a youth-focused, anti-oppressive and inclusive space where we can build power and connections to create the kind of Kentucky where we want to live.

​Deadline to apply is June 12th!

Learn more and APPLY here!
​

Picture
Fair Coal Severance Campaign Planning Meeting
May 29th
​12:00pm-5:30pm
Louisville, KY


​Members of the Just Transition steering committee and working group met for a full day of campaign planning for our Fair Coal Severance campaign to ensure community engagement in the allocation of coal severance money and mandate that 100% of coal severance money makes it make to impacted coal communities.

​

Picture
Power to the People Campaign Planning Meeting
May 22nd
​4:00pm-8:00pm
Lexington, KY


​Members of the political working group gathered to do summer planning and goal setting for our renewable energy legislation campaign.
​

Picture
Food Working Group
Campaign Meet-Up


​April 3rd   11:00-4:00pm
​The Plantory- Lexington

​
Folks from across the state interested in using University Purchasing power to fuel our local food economy met and learned important campaign planning skills to launch new campaigns at four campuses across the state this Fall. Stay Tuned!

Picture
Just Transition Lobby day
March 23rd
​State Capitol, Frankfort


​Members of our Just Transition Steering committee met with key legislators to start building relationships and strategizing for our new fair coal severance campaign! Stay tuned for more information as this campaign develops over the next few months.

Picture
Clean Energy Lobby Day + Youth Forum

March 9th
9:00am-2:00 pm EST
State Capitol, Frankfort


We had a super successful clean energy lobby day this year, meeting with half a dozen legislators who were on the fence about renewables and securing at least one new senate sponsor! We also had a great turn out for our youth forum after the lobby day where we took over the capitol rotunda and discussed the issues that are important to us as young Kentuckians!

Picture
4th Annual Spring Summit
March 4th-6th
Location: KY Wesleyan College, Owensboro



​We had an amazing time hanging out together, learning new skills and meeting community members who are actively fighting factory farming in their neighborhoods. All and all another successful Spring Summit!



Picture
Clean Energy Campus Tour
February 22-26th
​Across Kentucky


​
We hit five campuses in five days to build momentum for our renewable energy legislation campaign. We engaged over 35 volunteers and collected over 800 signatures in just one week, showing that young people in KY are ready for green jobs and clean energy. Find out more about the campaign by checking out the Political Working Group ​

Picture
Just Transition 2016 Planning Meeting

February 20th
12:00-5:00pm EST
Richmond, KY

Join the Just Transition Working Group as we launch into the new year and plan for an action packed 2016! Things on the horizon include; continuing our Just Transition Speaking Tour, planning witness tours, and building support for our new Fair Coal Severance Fund Campaign. Learn more about the Just Transition Working Group here.

Picture
Pinwheel Planting+ Clean Energy Hearing

January 28th
8:00-10:00am EST
Back Capitol Lawn, Frankfort


We planted 200 hundred of pinwheels on the back capitol lawn to greet our legislators returning to Frankfort for the 2016 legislative session. Each pin wheel will represented 100 signatures for our Power 2 the People campaign for renewable energy legislation. Then we headed into the capitol building and heard powerful testimony in favor of clean energy in the House Economic Development Committee. 

Picture
Political Working Group Holiday Pin Wheel Party
December 20th, 2015  

We had so much fun socializing and making over 200 pinwheels for the Political Working Group's 2016 Legislator Welcome event!


Picture
KSEC Regional Fall Summits
Nov. 14th, 2015

We had three amazing summits across the state where folks got a chance to learn about some of the issues we work on in Kentucky and got to know other like-minded folks from their region. We also got the opportunity to weigh in on KFTC's new Empower Kentucky campaign to create a plan for KY's energy future! Join us for our next summit in the Spring time!
     




Picture
KSEC Goes to the Pipelines, Fracking and KY's Future Beyond Fossil Fuels Conference
November 7th, 2015
Locust Trace AgriScience Center


KSEC joined over 100 people at the 2nd Annual Pipelines, Fracking, and Kentucky's Future Beyond Fossil Fuels Conference. It was a day full of learning from experts and people on the ground fighting (and winning!) the fight against pipelines and fracking in their communities. There was also an awesome musical interlude before lunch with some amazing actors and musicians from Clear Creek Collective. 
Learn more about the anti-pipeline and fracking movement in Kentucky at frackfreefoothills.net


Picture
Just Transition Speaking Tour w/MACED
October 28th-30th, 2015

EKU and Centre College

Our Just Transition Working Group hosted another round of our "Start Building Our Future; Speaking Tour" with our friend Ivy Brashear from the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED). Interested in learning more about the Just Transition Movement in Kentucky or want to bring this speaking tour to your campus? Let us know!


Picture
KSEC Goes to the KY Sierra Club Annual Meeting
October 23rd-25th, 2015
Rough River Dam State Resort Park


The weekend kicked off with socializing, reconnecting, country music and comedy with Grandpa Jones, and some Basic First Aid Training for anyone who wants to be a Sierra Club Outing Leader. Saturday offered a variety of workshops and speakers, outing opportunities, a talk by national Sierra Club President Aaron Mair, a bon-fire by the lake, issue skits, live music and more. Sunday we had some student-led workshops (READ KSEC-led), and found ways to put ideas into action.


Clean Energy Legislation Hearing
October 15th, 2015


The hearing for the Clean Energy Opportunity Act was rescheduled for October 15th, crammed onto the agenda with a hearing about the need for looser bourbon regulations (?). We had an amazing turn out of supporters, but the Co-Chair of the Interim Committee for Tourism and Economic Development, Rep. Short was openly hostile, and urged us to hurry up so he could eat lunch. Guess we'll try again next year!

Picture
Stop Blocking Our Future Day of Action
October 14th, 2015


KSEC turned out over 100 young Kentuckians to stand in solidarity with the National People's Climate Movement Day of Action. Together we shared stories about why protecting our environment and stopping Climate Change is important to us and asked our legislators to stand with us in uplifting important strategies that limit carbon pollution and to "stop blocking our future". Over 200 actions took place across the country (including a total of 3 in Kentucky!).


Picture
Benefit Concert w/ Jeri Katherine Howell and Grace Rodgers
Oct. 10th
Coffeetree Café, Frankfort


The house was packed for this benefit show put on by amazing Kentucky musicians (and KSEC members!) Jeri Katherine Howell and Grace Rogers. If you aren't familiar with them you should check out their facebook pages and buy their music! It is always so uplifting to see people show up to support KSEC and the work that we are doing.
Jeri Katherine Howell
Grace Rogers Music


Picture
KSEC Media Webinar Series
Sep. 10th- Oct. 1st
Learn how to effectively use media to how build membership and create campaign momentum. This four-part webinar series will cover messaging and framing, earning media coverage, creating your own media and using social media.


ALL the webinars can be found on our youtube channel!



Picture
Power to the People Campaign Planning Party!
Sep 17th 2015
Frankfort

Our Political Working Group was planning a campaign planning party for after a hearing of the Clean Energy Opportunity Act in an interim hearing of Senators and Representatives, HOWEVER, the hearing got dropped from the agenda. SO we had the planning party anyway!


Picture
Stream Protection Hearing
Sep 3rd, 2015
Lexington Civic Center


KSEC joined around 70 other concerned citizens to voice the need for stronger water protection for mining communities as well as many folks who were concerned with the financial and employment impacts of more regulation at the Office of Surface Mining's Stream Protection hearing in Lexington. This hearing is part of a 6 location tour to gather input on their new Stream Protection Rule. We also heled folks across the state submit written comments as well. 


Picture
KSEC Goes to the KFTC Annual Meeting
Aug 21st-23rd, 2015
General Butler State Park
Several KSEC members went to the Kentuckians for the Commonwealth's Annual Membership Meeting. KFTC has a powerful vision for change in Kentucky. We had an awesome time meeting KFTC members and helping envision a future for Kentucky that is "All-In". Find out more about KFTC on their website.


Picture
It's Good 2 Be Young in the Mountains
Aug 13th-16th


KSEC's Just Transition Working Group  sent a contingent of KSECers to the first It's Good 2 Be Young In The Mountains conference. It's Good 2 Be Young In The Mountains was an amaing four day event in Harlan, Kentucky.  IG2BYITM was a conference that felt like a festival and included range of conversations, artists, musicians and young people from across Appalachia and the nation. 


Picture
Catalyst Summer Training
July 26-Aug 2nd
Life Adventure Center, Versailles, KY





We had an unbelievably awesome time at our first annual Catalyst Summer training meeting new people, learning new grassroots organizing skills, exploring anti-oppression and envisioning a better future for Kentucky. Read more on our Catalyst page!


Picture

Public Comment at Oil & Gas Development Public Listening Sessions
July 23, 2015 - Center for Rural Development, Somerset, KY
KSEC members gave spoken comments against fracking in Kentucky at this important hearing hosted by the Oil and Gas Cabinet. We must keep fracking from devastating our foothills and mountains the way that it has in other extraction communities. Learn more from our friends at Frack Free Foothills.


Picture
KSEC Goes to Whippoorwill!
July 9th-12th, 2015


KSEC members had an amazing time once again at this badass skill-share festival in the gorgeous foothills of the Homegrown Hideaway.

Over 70 earth skill workshops including community organizing workshops hosted by KSEC. Every night there was music and entertainment as well as awesome vendors and community organizations.

Learn more http://www.whippoorwillfest.com/



Picture
KSEC Camping Trip
June 27, 2015 - Koomer Ridge, Red River Gorge, KY

Had a blast camping and hiking at the RRG. Hope to see you there next time!




Picture
KSEC Goes to Bonnaroo!
June 11th-15th, 2015

KSEC leaders have a blast raising awareness and taking action at Bonnaroo Music Festival


Picture
Energy Future Tour
May 21, 2015 - Murray, KY

Leaders in the Political Working Group hosted state senator, Reginald Thomas, in a tour to learn about how renewable energy and energy efficiency can work for the state of Kentucky!  At the first stop, a representative from the Tennessee Valley Authority presented at Murray State University about how people are already benefiting from renewable energy incentives in the state.  Todd Powell and Paul from Sunway Energy Solutions then took everyone to view some of their large solar projects at Toyota and a small business!

A local homeowner showed Sen. Thomas her solar installation and told us she hasn't paid an electricity bill since the installation two years ago! Wow!  Pella Manufacturing also helped us show Sen. Thomas the economics of energy efficiency.

Picture
Picture

Picture
KSEC Tabling at Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn Concert
April 24th, 2015
Louisville, KY


World renowned musicians Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn are extremely charitable folks and choose a local organization to donate their merchandise sales to for every concert. When they came to Louisville they picked KSEC! We got to go to the concert, sit up front near the stage and educate the concert-goers before and after the show. A truly amazing experience.


Picture
Earth Day Celebrations!
All throughout April
All across Kentucky


KSEC participated in over a dozen Earth Day events and celebrations across Kentucky throughout April, including events at Somerset Community and Technical College, Kentucky State University, Georgetown College, Morehead State University, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Our Earth Now in Louisville, Boyle County Earth Day, Northern KY University, Eastern KY University, University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Centre College, DuPont Manual High School, and MORE! 




Picture
KSEC 3rd Annual Spring Summit
April 10-12th  Lexington, KY

Students from University of Kentucky, Berea College, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, Alice Lloyd College, and others met to hear guest speakers, participate in panels, learn skills in workshops, and share ideas to build a Kentucky future we can be proud of! 






Picture
Clean Energy Lobby Meeting
March 24th, 2015


As an ongoing part of our Power 2 the People campaign our Political Working Group met with Senator Reggie Thomas to build support for renewable energy legislation in Kentucky. As a result we set up a renewable energy tour for Senator Thomas in May!


Picture
Rubbertown Witness Tour
February 27th, 2015

KSEC leaders toured Rubbertown with a community leader from REACT (Rubbertown Environmental Action Team) to learn first hand what it is like to live next dozens of chemical manufacturing plants and to discuss the intersections of environmental and economic injustice. It was an eye-opening experience.  



Picture
KSEC Goes to I <3 Mountains Day
February 12th, 2015

KSEC joined thousands of other concerned Kentuckians for the 10th annual I <3 Mountains hosted by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. As usual, we had a lot of fun meeting with legislators and marching for clean water and just transition away from Mountaintop Removal


Picture
KSEC Loves Mountains Week of Action!
Feb 9-13th, 2015 All across Kentucky!
KSEC stood in solidarity with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and coal-impacted communities across Kentucky this week to educate our peers about Mountaintop Removal Coal mining and push for sustainable solutions that create good, green jobs and protect our environment and communities. Actions included educational tabling, chalking on campus sidewalks, documentary screenings, making valentines for our legislators, call-in days to support renewable energy and protect our streams, a sustainability panel, marching to the capitol and meeting with legislators in person. 




Years 2013-2015


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.