Civic Life and Policy

Overview

At KHF, we believe it’s important to talk about aspects of civic life and policy separately. Through the work we’re doing, we believe both are inherently crucial for a well-functioning, informed society. Without this type of society and culture, issues of health and wellness are naturally pushed aside, which will prevent Kansas from someday leading the nation in health.

Civic Life

For us, it’s pretty simple. Civic life is all about participation. Participating by voting in elections. Participating by attending civic meetings. Participating by volunteering in your community or for your favorite nonprofit. When only a select few or small number participate, a natural outcome is very few voices are represented when decisions are made, even though they impact many.

Be watching for more information on the work KHF is doing in Civic Life!

Policy

Just as we had a simple definition for civic life, we also have one for policy. Policy is about position. It’s about the actual outcome of elected officials determining a law, resolution or next action to take. It’s about saying we’re doing “this” or we’re doing “that.” It brings into account formal structures of representation and power.

Many organizations will put together a formal policy platform and say, “These are the issues we care about.” Given the wide, vast range of potential policies that will impact health, we’ve chosen not to do that. Instead, we work closely with–and provide funding for–a small group of partners who serve as our eyes and ears for all things policy at the local, state and federal levels. This helps to inform us of the policies that could have the greatest impact on health, and that helps us allocate time and resources appropriately.

Initiatives

Major Health Challenges

Community Impact