Where she’s from
Amanda Glass grew up in Emporia, Kansas, and she lived and studied for several years in Lawrence, where she received her PhD in Chemistry from KU. Her career as a chemistry professor took her to the University of Nebraska Kearney and to Olathe, where she now teaches Chemistry at Johnson County Community College.
About her family
Amanda and her husband Andy have two children—Alexander who is in 2nd grade and Annalee, age six, who is in Kindergarten.
Why she joined the League
Amanda’s membership in the League was a gift from LWVJoCo League member Andrea Vieux in. Although she had always voted and been interested in local politics, membership in the League allowed her to combine action with her interests. Through the League she works on her areas of particular concern including, LGBTQ+ issues and DEI.
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What she thinks the League does well
In her estimation, the League’s strength is in the variety and content of programs designed to educate members, thus enabling them to organize for and participate in action. She notes that “programs are designed to meet people where they’re at”-- whether it’s participating in a postcard campaign, running for office, or donating to a candidate or cause.
Where she would like to see the League focus in the future
Amanda feels that LWVJoCo should continue and expand its efforts in DEI. Exploring different program formats and developing alliances with a variety of groups will enhance LWVJoCo efforts in this area.
What she does to strengthen our democracy
As a chemistry professor Amanda teaches her students how to view community issues through the lens of chemistry. This approach enables students to experience “Aha Moments” when science and civic engagement meet. An example is the 2018 Flint, Michigan water crisis which was remedied through years of citizen action and advocacy. iewing the problem through a chemistry lens integrated with policy illustrates to students how citizens can act to solve a community problem.