Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) is launching a new program for millennials. Associate Director Samantha Kohman, Allen, has announced the first Next Generation program will be this summer.
RTK and Jim and Cathy Hoy are partnering on this new program, which will involve the next generation of conservation supporters learning about conservation easements and the history and purpose of RTK.
The Next Generation program will consist of a daylong seminar where young farmers, ranchers and conservationists will meet and hear stories from landowners, Kansas natives, board members and staff. They will have access to volunteer opportunities, make connections with future employers, build resumes and receive invitations to RTK’s special events.
“Jim and Cathy Hoy have kindly invited us to their ranch near Cassoday, Kansas, for the first seminar scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2015,” said Kohman.
Participants will have the opportunity to view a tract of land where RTK holds a conservation easement with the Hoy family.
Jim Hoy said, “We think conservation easements are an excellent means of protecting the grasslands of Kansas for future generations.”
RTK is targeting millennials that have strong connections to ranch land, ranching heritage, conservation and the cattle industry.
“We welcome individuals who represent this generation because we feel these young people possess the knowledge, leadership skills and energy we are looking for to become future advocates and leaders for RTK,” Kohman said.
After this short orientation phase of the program, the goal for this group is to become well-trained advocates for RTK and land conservation in Kansas.
“As a millennial myself, it is my hope that implementing the Next Generation program at RTK will spark more interest towards the importance of land conservation in people my age. If we can inform a group of millennials each year about the importance of our work, we will have a strong group of ambassadors and future supporters,” Kohman said.
Participants will have the opportunity to create RTK’s first Next Generation committee. The possibilities are endless! They will help plan events that support RTK’s mission and have the chance to make connections that will last a lifetime.
“This program provides hands-on activities and volunteer opportunities and gives them the power to help our organization grow and for this, we will be forever grateful.” she said, “I believe they can help us as much as we can help them, and we are really looking forward to this great opportunity that will benefit all involved,” Kohman said.
If you are interested in the Next Generation program, please contact Samantha Kohman at 785-273-5115 or samantha@kla.org.
