Network Events
Join trainings, gatherings, and actions shaping Kansas’s food future.
Foundations of AI (1/3 of AI Series)
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how organizations communicate, analyze information, and make decisions in food systems work. At the same time, many community leaders are asking: What is AI? How does it actually work? Can it help our organization? What are the risks? And how do we use it responsibly (if we choose to use it at all)?
The Kansas Food Action Network invites you to join a 3-part webinar series exploring the real-world opportunities, challenges, and limitations of AI in food systems change work. Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute - internationally recognized leaders in AI and community engagement - this series will provide practical, fact-based information to help food systems leaders better understand AI and make informed decisions about whether, when, and how these tools fit into their work.
Workshop 1: Foundations of AI
This introductory session breaks down the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and why it matters for food systems work. Learn about AI opportunities and risks, including ethics, bias, data privacy, and environmental impacts. We will also explore practical AI use cases, prompt-writing tips, and ways communities can use AI responsibly and effectively.
June 9 | 1–3pm
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/papjoKjiSjez1qk8FNMkkw
Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute.
Applied AI: Prompt Engineering, Use Cases and Practical Tools for Everyday Work (2/3 AI Series)
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how organizations communicate, analyze information, and make decisions in food systems work. At the same time, many community leaders are asking: What is AI? How does it actually work? Can it help our organization? What are the risks? And how do we use it responsibly (if we choose to use it at all)?
The Kansas Food Action Network invites you to join a 3-part webinar series exploring the real-world opportunities, challenges, and limitations of AI in food systems change work. Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute - internationally recognized leaders in AI and community engagement - this series will provide practical, fact-based information to help food systems leaders better understand AI and make informed decisions about whether, when, and how these tools fit into their work.
Workshop 2: Applied AI: Prompt Engineering, Use Cases and Practical Tools for Everyday Work
Ready to go beyond the basics of AI? Whether you’re part of a coalition, council, nonprofit, or community organization, this session is designed to give you hands-on ideas you can actually use. You’ll learn strategies to strengthen prompt-writing and explore practical ways AI can support everyday organizational work, from grant writing and content creation to summarizing reports, organizing information, creating presentations and videos, and even developing a simple chatbot. We’ll also introduce low-cost AI tools that can help save time and improve efficiency.
June 16 | 1–3 pm
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EZ6ihgIIQwe7Q_klTS4-SA
Facilitated by Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute and Kansas Health Institute.
AI Governance in Practice: Building Policies and Guidelines for Responsible Use (3/3 AI Series)
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how organizations communicate, analyze information, and make decisions in food systems work. At the same time, many community leaders are asking: What is AI? How does it actually work? Can it help our organization? What are the risks? And how do we use it responsibly (if we choose to use it at all)?
The Kansas Food Action Network invites you to join a 3-part webinar series exploring the real-world opportunities, challenges, and limitations of AI in food systems change work. Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute - internationally recognized leaders in AI and community engagement - this series will provide practical, fact-based information to help food systems leaders better understand AI and make informed decisions about whether, when, and how these tools fit into their work.
Workshop 3: AI Governance in Practice: Building Policies and Guidelines for Responsible Use
Responsible AI use starts with clear guidelines. Join us for our final workshop on the series, AI Governance in Practice: Building Policies and Guidelines for Responsible Use to learn how to create practical AI policies that work for your organization or coalition..
June 24 | 1–3 pm
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AwI-bvDhQ-alGu0YUYQCaw
Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute.
Taste of SE Kansas Food Festival- Iola, KS
Enjoy a day on the Square in Iola, KS and try some of the best food in SE Kansas. Join in the judging, check out displays, and maybe get some fresh produce too. FREE ADMISSION!
Check out Allen County GROW Food & Farm Council soicals for further information: @allencountygrow
Birding Assessment
You are invited to John Graber's farm north of Hesston on Saturday morning, April 11 at 8 am for the purpose of visiting with like minded people, being part of the birding assessment for establishing a baseline of birds attracted, and participating in a tour of John's Silvo Pasture Method and orchard.
RSVPs are appreciated. Contact Constance Gehring, Food Secure Coordinator Harvey Food and Farm Council. constance@peaceconnections.org (316) 288-2040
Reno County Wellness Block Party
The Reno County Community Wellness Coalition is hosting a free, family-friendly Wellness Block Party to celebrate its launch and connect with the community. Taking place on Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at DCI Park (2nd and Main), the event is designed to bring people together around health, fun, and local resources. Attendees can enjoy games and activities for all ages, food trucks, giveaways, and a “touch-a-truck” experience, while also learning about community programs and ways to get involved. Overall, the event is an opportunity to build connections and highlight efforts to create a healthier, stronger Reno County.
KFAN Advocacy Day
Kansas Food Action Network Advocacy Day brings community members, farmers, and food system advocates to the Kansas State Capitol to learn about food policy priorities and meet with legislators. Together, participants share local stories and advocate for equitable, community-driven food systems across Kansas.