Sunflower Community Action organized a statewide mobilization to the capital March 18 as part of the Kansas Campaign for Community Values. Hundreds of Kansans, including approximately 50 that departed early in the morning from Garden City and Liberal, offered a reminder to state officials of the values of unity, dignity, and prosperity.

"As our state and nation face huge changes, we must be certain that these values guide and drive that change," said Armando Minjarez of Sunflower Community Action.

"We had a total turn out of about 400 people in the rally," he said. Beside students from Garden City and Seward County community colleges, the group also included business owners and workers from meat packing plants.

"They were able to visit with key legislators about the economic impact of the proposed anti-immigrant legislations. It was a very powerful day for our southwest Kansas community leaders."