Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 22:05:36 -0500 (CDT) From: Kevyn D Jacobs >From Doug Glaze I just got my copy of the Sept. issue of the "Kansas Citizen", a newsletter of the Kansas Family Research Institute in Wichita, an affiliate of Focus on the Family. Enclosed is the text of an article describing who they are and what they do; even without "reading between the lines" you can see how scary they are. They are particularly well-funded and have many prominent conservative lawyers working for them, some of them active in active in anti-Gay activities in Wichita before, like the Kahrs brothers, who worked for years to de-fund campus Lesbian and Gay student groups. Please distribute to the EKS list if you feel it is appropriate under FYI: KNOW THE ENEMY. Thanks, Doug ********** Who We Are and What We Do. Over the last couple of years, Kansas Family Research Institute has had the opportunity to share with the readers of Kansas Citizen a little about who we are and what we do. However, we've never shared with you the "big picture" of what Kansas Family Research Institute is all about. In this issue of Kansas Citizen, we have provided a broad overview of many of the activities that we are involved in throughout the course of a year. It is our hope that this list will give you a better idea of how we seek to promote biblical values in our state, and how we can be of service to you. Kansas Citizen: Kansas Citizen is our four page monthly insert in Focus on the Family's national Citizen magazine. Kansas Citizen follows statewide current events and gives readers ideas on how they can make a difference in their communities. Citizen memberships are available through Focus on the Family and/or Kansas Family Research Institute for a suggested donation of $20. Weekly Memos: The weekly memo, by Kansas Family Research Institute's Executive Director, David Payne, provides up to date "behind the scenes" information regarding timely issues and events ranging from activities of the Kansas Legislature and Kansas politics to "inside information" regarding Kansas Family Research Institute. (Please inquire about a subscription.) Research Reports: By distributing quality research reports and other data on issues ranging from teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (see Teens in Jeopardy report), education reform (see forthcoming report in Citizen's November edition), health care, school curricula, and homosexuality, we are to impact decision makers in our sate in find workable solutions that are friendly to Kansas families. Voter's Guides: During the campaign season, Kansas Family Research Institute conducts nonpartisan surveys on candidates running for federal and statewide offices as well as those running for state legislature and state board of education. We publish the results of these surveys in the October edition of Citizen magazine and supply thousands of copies to churches and community organizations. If you are interested in assisting us in the distribution of our 1994 Voter's Guide or would like a copy, please call 316.722.3444. (KFRI has boasted in the past that it will distribute this guide to over 250,000 Kansas homes in October. Doug) Seminars and Campaigns: Kansas Family Research Institute hosts and conducts various seminars and educational campaigns throughout the state. Earlier this year we sponsored a one day seminar in Wichita for dads called "Father's Day Every Day." This coming November please look for our statewide "Fatherhood Campaign," in commemoration of Kansas Family Day. In addition, we have hosted two Focus on the Family Community Impact Seminars and have one more scheduled for the fall in Kansas City. We are also working with other profamily groups in conducting a special workshop for freshman lawmakers in the Kansas legislature. Media Interviews: Issues that affect Kansas families have brought national and statewide media attention to Kansas Family Research Institute. Focus on the Family's Family News in Focus daily radio program, and many Kansas media outlets have interviewed Kansas Family Research Institute's Executive Director David Payne. By providing professionally researched information through news releases, radio talk shows, and other interviews, Kansas Family Research Institute provides a distinctly profamily perspective on issues of importance to Kansans. Community Impact Committees: Working in conjunction with Focus on the Family, we are helping laymen in churches establish committees to educate and motivate church members regarding the issues of our day. Kansas Family Research Institute has established a statewide Community Impact Network encompassing these committees in an effort to help disseminate information and establish communication links between CIC's across Kansas. These committees receive regular mailings with help on how to set up an effective CIC as well as information on current issues. The committee then sets about the task of keeping the congregation informed on these current issues and motivated to act. Speaking Engagements: Kansas Family Research Institute staff conducts several speaking engagements each quarter. These include presentations to churches, civic groups, and special events across the state. If you are interested in having a representative from Kansas Family Research Institute speak before a group or at a special event please contact our offices. Government Relations: During sessions of the Kansas legislature we monitor various bills to determine the legislation's potential impact on the family. We connect them with profamily experts who can assist them with committee testimony, drafting of legislation, and advice on the impact of legislation. Most importantly, we help provide model legislation designed to promote and strengthen the family. Tracking Issues and Activating People: Kansas Family Research Institute is a clearinghouse for information on fastbreaking issues. We learn about state and federal legislation, changes in public policies, and threats to traditional values. Dissemination of this information through our Legislative Alerts prompts immediate action. Advisory Councils: Kansas Family Research Institute has formed Advisory Councils to assist in supporting statewide profamily initiatives. Our Education and Legal Advisory Councils have assisted in conducting and critiquing research, giving expert testimony before legislative committees, and speaking to community organizations. We anticipate creating a Physicians Advisory Council later this year. "Friends of the Family" Annual Event: Every fall Kansas Family Research Institute hosts its annual Friends of the Family Event by inviting to Wichita a nationally known figure to speak. The annual fundraising event gives Kansas Family Research Institute an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. Gary Bauer will be speaking at this year's annual event in Wichita on Oct. 6 at the Olive Tree Restaurant. Consultation and Information: An ever expanding variety of problems and concerns come to us from people all over Kansas and even other parts of the nation. Some individuals simply do not know who else to call. Our staff offers advice and information for all inquiries made to our office. We are able to help most people directly, and sometimes refer individuals to other organizations in Kansas or outside the state. Our staff is on call to help every weekday. If you have questions or need more information about Kansas Family Research Institute, please contact us either by phone, fax or correspondence. Our phone number in Wichita is 316.722.3444 and our fax is 316.722.3944. Send correspondence to: Kansas Family Research Institute, 2250 N. Rock Road Suite 118224, Wichita, KS 67226.