Via a press release from CAVE
With all eyes on Kentucky in this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, something incredible is happening. We’ve seen growing movements centered around equity and justice become political forces to reckon with, with the entire nation taking notice of the deep levels of grassroots enthusiasm for Charles Booker’s inspiring campaign. We’ve seen grassroots groups across Kentucky adapt to a global pandemic to engage more voters than ever before, while career politicians continue to hold up relief for struggling Kentuckians. We’re looking at unprecedented levels of enthusiasm for our upcoming election. Kentuckians are eager to vote, and to be heard.
Understanding that we can reach new heights when we work together, grassroots leaders and organizations across the Commonwealth have formed an alliance to empower more Kentuckians who share our common values. Commonwealth Alliance Voter Engagement (CAVE) is a 501(c)4 established to support and coordinate the voter engagement efforts of like-minded allies across Kentucky. At its heart, CAVE is a coalition of various Kentucky organizations that share values of social, economic, and environmental justice, and that are committed to building a healthier democracy by engaging and empowering more Kentuckians to join the civic conversation in our Commonwealth.
CAVE aspires to ensure that all Kentuckians have a voice in their government and the future of their own communities. CAVE is proud to work with labor organizations like United Food and Commercial Workers Local 227 and IUE-CWA fighting for the well-being of front-line workers and their families. CAVE stands with Black-led organizations like the People’s Campaign and their effort to engage more voters in underrepresented precincts across the state, and statewide champion Charles Booker’s new effort to empower underrepresented Kentuckians from The Hood To The Holler.
To accomplish this mission, CAVE supports allied organizations with coordination, grants, training, tools, and various other resources. Grassroots organizations such as Showing Up For Racial Justice and Kentuckians For The Commonwealth can register more voters who have recently gotten their rights restored thanks to resources that CAVE can provide. CAVE helps to connect local groups such as Bluegrass Activist Alliance with more Kentuckians who share their values, and works with national partners such as Working America to avoid duplications of effort in the field.
Beyond supporting other organizations, CAVE is also proud to partner with the Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky (BLACK). BLACK is an emerging and inclusive network of Black organizers and activists across the commonwealth working together to build Black political power and a Black legislative agenda grounded in a shared vision and shared values.
In recognition of the tremendous work that many Kentucky organizations and grassroots leaders have done to champion a healthy democracy in this pivotal moment, and in support of their continued collaboration, Christy Brown is proud to announce a sustaining gift of $200,000 per year to Commonwealth Alliance Voter Engagement (CAVE), through 2022. Christy encourages other partners to join her in supporting Kentucky’s grassroots ecosystem. The true voice of our entire Commonwealth will never be heard until enough voters are empowered to elect leaders that can reflect the needs and priorities of everyday Kentuckians by making decisions through the lens of Health. Christy believes that each of us must work to be a part of the solution for a new vision of Health in Kentucky – she is inspired to make this sustained commitment directly to Kentucky voters and to the organizing communities that support them, and she encourages other partners to join her in supporting this critical collaborative work.
CAVE Leadership
- Co-Director Alicia Hurle has spent years working as one the finest organizers across the Bluegrass as senior staff at Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. In addition to her powerful work in Louisville and across the state, Alicia has been instrumental in forming Kentucky’s delegation to the Black National Convention and as a founder of the Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky.
- Co-Director Sellus Wilder has served as a Congressional campaign manager, US Senate candidate, and Mayor-Pro Tem of Frankfort Kentucky, and has been a champion of grassroots efforts for many years. Sellus has been recognized nationally for his environmental protection advocacy.
- Data Manager Adrienne Adams works with organizations across Kentucky to make sure they have the organizing tools and data resources they need to do their best work.
- Reverend Clark Williams serves as CAVE President and Chairman of the Board. As the founder of The People’s Campaign, Reverend Williams is dedicated to empowering Kentuckians to continue Reverend King’s quest for social, racial and economic equality.
Visit www.kycave.com to contact CAVE staff or to make a contribution towards a healthy and representative democracy in Kentucky.
–30–