City nonprofits create Civic Action Passport to empower and challenge Wichitans to build community
A new Civic Action Passport offers simple ways to take part in community life across Wichita.
Wichita, Kan. – The Wichita Public Library, City of Wichita, Lead Wichita and Kansas Leadership Center are launching the Civic Action Passport, a collaboration designed to empower Wichitans to participate in community life through simple, meaningful actions to create a real difference.
As the country celebrates 250 years, this initiative gives Wichitans an opportunity to practice some of the vital values that bind us together: community, democracy, civic engagement and volunteerism.
“The idea behind the Civic Action Passport originated at the Library when we started to think about how to empower the community to get involved and engage civically in new ways. For many, that traditionally looks like voting — which is a meaningful civic action — but there are also so many other ways to create positive change. It’s just that many don’t know how to get started,” said Savannah Ball, literacy services manager at the Wichita Public Library. “As information experts, our focus became how to best organize resources for Wichitans to easily access and start taking action themselves.”
Broken up into seven categories centered on a different aspect of civic engagement, the Civic Action Passport challenges Wichitans to complete seven activities for each category by April 30, 2027, to win a free prize, which can be claimed at any Wichita Public Library when the completed passport is turned in.
“The Kansas Leadership Center equips people – regardless of title or role – to lead and engage others in building a collaborative, courageous and connected civic culture. This initiative directly aligns with our mission, and we are proud to partner in this work,” said Shaun Rojas, senior director of civic engagement at the Kansas Leadership Center.
The passports will be introduced at an author event hosted by the Wichita Public Library and Friends of the Wichita Public Library during National Library Week. Author Pete Davis, whose book Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing, sparked a national conversation about commitment, participation and community, will visit for a conversation with Former City Council Member Brandon Johnson and Danielle Johnson, executive director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity, about what commitment looks like in practice. Together, they will explore how long-term dedication strengthens organizations, builds trust and helps communities thrive. The event is 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 23 at the Advanced Learning Library. There is no fee to attend but registration is required at wichitalibrary.org/events.
The Civic Action Passport is free. Beginning April 23, print copies will be available at all Wichita Public Library locations and more opportunities to participate will be posted online at wichitalibrary.org/action and visitwichita.com/wichita250.
About the Wichita Public Library
The Wichita Public Library is a service of the City of Wichita, offering free access to large print and digital collections, public technology and WiFi, enriching programs and activities, seven branches across Wichita, and more. As a civic institution, the Wichita Public Library advances equity in our community through library services and resources that empowers all residents to connect, discover, learn, and thrive. Visit wichitalibrary.org to learn more.
MEDIA CONTACT for the Wichita Public Library:
David Garcia
316-261-8524
dgarcia@wichita.gov
About the Kansas Leadership Center
The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit educational organization with a civic mission, national reputation and global reach. Founded in 2007 with core funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, KLC’s mission is to inspire and equip people, together, to do difficult things for the common good. KLC partners with other nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, philanthropies, and communities to build cultures that are mobilized to make progress on their toughest challenges and thrive. Its publications include leadership books available from Bard Press, Third Floor Research, an applied research center with the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and The Journal, a nationally recognized, award-winning civic issues magazine.
Over the past 18 years, KLC has built a strong and respected institution in Kansas designed to deliver leadership development and culture change at unparalleled scale. Now, organizations across the country and around the world look to us to provide resources and consultation to support their own aspirations for mission-driven leadership education. Learn more at kansasleadershipcenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACT for the Kansas Leadership Center:
Carrie Lindeman
316-393-1076
carrie@lindemancollective.com
