Strength Through Diversity

Emphasis on Experiences

Purpose

 Voter education through Zoom Public Servant Webinars.
Know your public servant not just on issues
but their connection, empathy and character. 

What Makes This Webinar Different

Unlike traditional candidate forums, this webinar will not include direct questions to the public servant candidate. Instead, voters will be encouraged to share their opinions and experiences using “I” statements — for example, “I believe…”, “I’m concerned about…”, or “In my experience…”.

VOTERS MUST REGISTER FOR EACH PUBLIC SERVANT WEBINAR

“I” messages will be submitted in writing using the Zoom Webinar Q&A feature (icon on bottom bar). All voters will be able to view these “I” messages. Voters may “upvote” any “I” messages they agree with or support. This is done by clicking/tapping on the “thumbs up” icon.  Those receiving the highest number of upvotes will be seriously considered for the public servant candidate’s response.

Public service candidates will then respond thoughtfully to these “I” messages, not just policy questions. This format allows voters to get to know the public servant candidate on a more personal level — how they listen, how they relate, and how they respond to real-life concerns from real people.

All “I” messages submitted through the Zoom Webinar Q&A will be saved and shared with the public servant candidate. The public servant candidate may choose how to respond to or use these “I” messages. Additionally, all “I” messages will be made available to voters. Voters may also choose to express themselves through alternative formats.

A Zoom registration link will be available at scheduled events. All public servant webinars will be live streamed and saved to our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@publicservantwebinars

It’s not just about issues. It’s about connection, empathy, and character.

Plan for Zoom Webinars for November 4, 2025 local elections

1. Public servant candidates may request a webinar now for a date and time.  Emails to public service candidates will be sent latter part of August.
2. No money is available for publicity.
3. Public servant candidates will set the date and time during September and October.

1.  Apply for Tax-Exempt Status

• File for 501(c)(3) status (done) — IRS approved public charity 501(c)(3)

• Register with the State of Kansas (Secretary of State’s office).(Done)

2. Meet with churches and civic groups asking for support. (Started)

3. Ask Salina-Area Groups to Support the Purpose (Continues)

4. Meet with Representatives of Interested Groups (Continues)

• Schedule initial roundtable discussions (virtual or in person).

• Focus on shared interests: transparency, civic education, fairness.

• Discuss how each group can participate without biasing the process.

5. Prepare a Draft Budget (will be done after November 4, 2025 local elections.

• Include:

  • Zoom Webinar license or upgrade cost

  • Website and hosting fees

  • Publicity (flyers, newspaper ads, digital ads)

  • Postage for public servant letters

  • Equipment for moderators

  • Volunteer stipends or tech support

  • Nonprofit fees

7. Seek Donations

• Add donation option to website.

• Share a compelling appeal across email lists, social media, community events.

• Consider GoFundMe or PayPal Giving Fund.

8. Establish Moderators (continues)

• Choose respected, moderators (educators, retired journalists, clergy, etc.).

• Provide guidelines on neutrality.

• Use upvote system to prioritize “I Messages” submitted by the public.

9. Host at Least One Practice Zoom Webinar (done)

• Do a dry run with volunteers acting as “public servants” and “audience”.

• Test screen sharing, question upvoting, moderator flow, recording setup.

10. Write Letters/Emails to Public Servants (Scheduled to be done last part of August 2025 for local elections.) (continues)

• Include:

  • Description of the series and format

  • Audience size and publicity reach

  • Instructions for submitting their best date/time

  • Deadline to respond

• Be respectful, nonpartisan, and offer flexibility.

11. Record and Publish Each Webinar (continues)

• Research how to copyright

• Post to YouTube, Facebook, and your website.

• Share with local media and email lists.

• Add captions for accessibility if possible.