Social Justice

Partnering with the Manheim Park + Garden Conservancy

Kol Ami has been invited by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, to help tend the Manheim Park Community Garden at 42nd and Forest. We’re working with the Historic Manheim Park Association and Kansas City Community Gardens to repair the garden and distribute the produce. Tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans have been planted, and volunteer gardeners are needed. For information, contact the Manheim Park + Garden Conservancy, at info@manheimgardens.org, or  Steve Sackin.

Social Justice at Kol Ami: Involving Everyone
in Something

Our members often say they join Kol Ami because of its commitment to social-justice issues. Our rabbi has been the voice of Kol Ami in his work to increase equity and to reduce the effects of racism. His presence and his efforts have shone a positive spotlight on our congregation. We have thought about how we can stand with our rabbi to do social-justice work.  
 
We have selected four groups for congregational involvement, and they are listed below. If you have any questions about the organizations, email office@kolamikc.org.

1. The Migrant Farmworkers Assistance Fund (MFAF), based in Kansas City, Missouri, assists migrant workers — those who travel and those who settle in the area year-round — with material needs, health and medical services, education assistance and advocacy. Kol Ami has begun collecting paper grocery bags for MFAF's weekly food distribution to farmworkers.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, of Kansas City Public Schools, serves the Manheim Neighborhood. Kol Ami has had a relationship with MLK for the last several years and has provided school supplies annually at this time of year. MLK is considered a Title 1 school, and at least 90 percent of the students qualify for free and/or reduced-cost lunch.

3. MORE2 — This community-organizing group, which Kol Ami has a long history with, is involved with many equity and access initiatives, including community policing, fair wages, health-care access, and immigration, just to name a few.

4. Manheim Park + Garden Conservancy — Thanks to the work of several Kol Ami members and other sponsors, the garden has become the property of the Conservancy and will continue to be a positive force in the Manheim Neighborhood. Kol Ami members can work on and enjoy the outdoor space, gardens and orchard.