Jana's Campaign

News

Jana’s Campaign Provides Chinese Translation

	Xiuhua Wan and Luo Zhai, Jana’s Campaign advocates from Jiangsu, China, provided Chinese translations of 16 Days of Activism materials for the Center for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
(November 25 – December 10) is an international movement that brings awareness to issues of violence against women worldwide. Luo (Jessie) Zhai serves on Jana’s Campaign Board of Directors. (Nov.11)

Curt Brungardt to Provide Keynote Address on "Engaging Men"

Curt Brungardt, President of Jana’s Campaign, will be the featured speaker on October 26th at the "Engaging Men to Stop Violence Against Women" town meeting/workshop in Kansas City. This event is hosted by the US Department of Education, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Kansas City event includes representatives from Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa. more (Oct. 11)

Jana's Campaign Co-sponsors DV Summit

Jana's Campaign will join Options, the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, and others in sponsoring the first ever Northwest Kansas Domestic Violence Summit. Held October 18-19 on the Fort Hays State Campus, the summit will provide educational workshops for advocates, educators and criminal justice personnel. Flyer (Oct. 11)

Brungardts to Speak at Doane College

Curt and Christie Brungardt will be keynote speakers at Doane College (Nebraska) on October 3, 2011. The Brungardts will talk about Jana's legacy and encourage the students to answer their own personal call for service and civic leadership. more (Sept. 11)

New Kansas Domestic Violence Law Goes Into Effect

Topeka, KS – This month the most comprehensive domestic violence legislation ever passed in Kansas goes into effect. Originally passed by the 2010 legislature, House Bill 2517 was signed into law by former Governor Mark Parkinson in April 2010. more |
Q & A Guide (July 11)

Brungardts' Work is Recognized with Award

	On April 28th, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt recognized Christie and Curt Brungardt, Jana’s parents, for their state-wide work in reducing violence
against women. At the annual Kansas Victim Rights Conference in Wichita, Christie and Curt received the 2011 State Champion Award from the Attorney General. more \| News (April 11)

National Board Announced

Jana’s Campaign, a new non-profit advocacy organization developed to reduce domestic violence, has announced its national Board of Directors. Board members include both family members of Jana Mackey, as well as experts in the field of domestic violence. more (March 11)

Encouraging words from New York

Jana’s Campaign supporters from New York State, celebrated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, 2010, by learning about Jana’s life and legacy. See below comments they shared with Curt and Christie Brungardt. more (Feb. 11)

Jana's Campaign contributes to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

	Luo Zhai(Jessie) of Jana's Campaign has contributed to Rutgers Universities 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence. Jessie translated material into Chinese for
this international campaign. Announcement \| Transcription (Nov. 10)

Anne Munch to Speak at Jana Mackey Lecture Series

	Anne Munch is an attorney from Colorado with twenty two years of experience as a career prosecutor and advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. As a subject matter expert for the
United States Air Force, the United States Army and the United States Navy, Anne has worked extensively on the development of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs in the military. more \| Flyer (Oct. 10)

Luo Zhai Joins Jana's Campaign Staff

	Jana's Campaign is happy to announce that Luo Zhai (Jessie) has joined our staff and is committed to helping reduce violence against women worldwide. Originally from Jiangsu, China, Jessie is working with Fort Hays State University's Women's Leadership Project
and the Kansas Attorney General's office on several important research projects. (Aug. 10)

Brungardts meet with Denise Brown

	They have been thrust into the spotlight by the violent deaths of family members more than a decade apart. Now Denise Brown and Curt and Christie Brungardt will meet in Wichita for events intended to raise
awareness about the prevalence and dangers of domestic violence. Brown became a national speaker about domestic violence in the years since her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, was found murdered in Los Angeles in 1994. more (April. 10)

Kansas Legislature passes DV bill

	It is official. The Kansas Legislature has passed the DV Designation Bill HB2517. On March 30, the Kansas House passed the Senate version 119-0. This is the most
comprehensive domestic violence legislation ever passed in Kansas. All that remains is the Governor's signature to turn this bill into law. The Brungardts are overwhelmed by this news and thank you all for your support. News (Mar. 10)

Kansas House passes DV bill

Jana's Campaign is happy to announce that the Kansas House of Representatives passed the Domestic Violence Bill "Substitution for HB2517". With a unanimous vote, legislators supported the bill and moved it to the Senate. Five Representatives spoke on behalf of the bill & each mentioned Jana Mackey's legacy and our campaign. News 1 | News 2 | News 3 | News 4 | Blog 1 | Blog 2

Kansas Senate to discuss DV bill

TOPEKA, Kan. – On Monday, March 15th at 9:30 p.m. (State Capitol Rm 548-S) members of the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony about proposed legislation that will assist the criminal justice system in documenting crimes associated with domestic violence and track repeated offenders. more (Mar. 10)

Brungardts' write article for Kansas newspapers

On July 3, 2008, we received news that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our 25-year old daughter Jana Mackey, a KU law student, had been killed by her ex-boyfriend in Lawrence. What we have learned since that time is that our tragedy is not that uncommon. more (Mar. 10)

Congress Considers IVAWA

Jana's Campaign applauds Congress for introducing the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA). This bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate this past week. We recommend that you contact your Representatives and Senators and ask them to support IVAWA. See link. (Feb. 10)

Former AG Stephan calls on Kansas lawmakers to act

Respect for women is not measured only by the often referred to “glass ceiling,” but measured by laws and compassion that protect them from domestic violence. The following is a column by Robert T. Stephan, Chair of Governor Mark Parkinson’s’ Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board: more (Jan. 10)

Hospital decides to provide sexual assault exams

Jana's Campaign is happy to announce that the Hays Medical Center of Hays, Kansas has reversed its decade-long practice of not providing certified nurses to care for sexual

assault victims. According to a news report from the Lawrence Journal-World, Jodi Schmidt, VP and Chief Development Officer of the Hays Medical Center said that since the community-wide forum (on this issue), the hospital has "decided to change course". She said, "the Hays Medical Center hopes to have specially trained nurses in place within the next two or three months." See Press Release | news (Jan. 10)

Community forum discusses response to sexual assault

	Jana’s Campaign advocates joined with students from Fort Hays State University in a community forum that
discussed sexual assault response in Hays, Kansas (Jana’s hometown). “In our own community of Hays, rape victims who are willing to press charges must be transported 90 miles one way to be examined by a certifiednurse,” Christie Brungardt said. “For a community that houses a regional hospital and a four-year regents university, this is totally unacceptable.” See Photos (Dec. 09)

Stuewe joins Jana's Campaign

For the 2010 legislative session, Liz Stuewe has been appointed Kansas State Coordinator for Jana's Campaign. (Oct. 09)

Artist records song about Jana

Award-winning singer and songwriter Lance Stafford has written and recorded a song in honor of Jana and her legacy. (Sept. 09)

"Jana's Light Will Shine"

Click here to listen

Brungardts' appointed to lead advisory committee

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six has appointed Curt and Christie Brungardt as co-chairs of the Kansas Domestic Violence Batterers Intervention Program Advisory Board. (Sept. 09)

March, vigil part of Take Back the Night

Take Back the Night, an annual international event that raises awareness about sexual assault and abuse. The event will included children’s activities, live music, speakers, a march on Massachusetts Street and a candlelight vigil at Watson Park, Sixth and Kentucky streets. more (Sept. 09)

Jana Mackey Day & International Women’s Day

In the coming days Kansas lawmakers will be joining Governor Kathleen Sebelius in recognizing International Women’s Day on March 8th by honoring a recent victim and fatality of domestic violence. more (Feb. 09)

Curt and Christie Brungardt Appointed to Lead Advisory Committee

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six has appointed Curt and Christie Brungardt as co-chairs of the Kansas Domestic Violence Batterers Intervention Program Advisory Board. (Feb. 09)

People Carry On the Messages of Those Silenced

Finding the positive amidst tragedy is a difficult feat. When the tragedy is the murder of someone loved and admired, this difficulty often becomes insurmountable. Defense mechanisms call for retreat and denial, fear and helplessness consume. All of the good, all of the light that once was, is extinguished and darkness remains. more (July 09)

Take Up The Song

	In my January Below the Belt column called "Maddening Reminder," I wrote about the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the countless forms of violence against women internationally - from acid and bride burning, to genital mutilation,
to sexual slavery, murder and more. Most recently, a painful reminder has me looking closer to home. more (July 08)

"Why Are the Weeds Always Mixed in With the Wheat?" ~A sermon given by Rev. Peter A. Luckey

Have you ever wished that in life you could surround yourself, your family and your loved ones with a protective bubble? more (July 08)

Friends and family remember slain law student

Friends, classmates and family members of Jana Mackey, a law student who was murdered last July, fought tears and shared laughs last night at a memorial service. more (Sept. 08)

Parents of slain KU student speak at Take Back the Night gathering

It's been a hard, painful journey for Christie and Curt Brungardt.

When their daughter, Kansas University law student Jana Mackey, was killed by her former boyfriend in July, they were victims. After the initial shock of Jana's death, they became survivors. And Friday night, during the Take Back the Night event in South Park, they became advocates. more (Sept. 08)

National Release of "Jana’s Story" Video Set For December 6th

On December 6, 2011, Jana's Campaign will release its long anticipated video "Jana’s Story". This powerful video brings to light the dramatic impact of domestic violence. The story of Jana’s life and death are illustrated in the hopes of encouraging others to take action. more (Nov. 11)

Tony Porter to speak at the KU Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series

	On Monday evening, October 24th, Tony Porter will be this year's speaker at the KU Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series. Mr. Porter's presentation "Real Men, Real Talk" is designed to promote a new way of thinking about masculinity.His presentation is for both men and women. We
encourage all followers to attend this informative talk. more (Oct. 11)

Father of Victim Works With Domestic Violence Offenders

Over the last six months, Curt Brungardt, stepfather of the late Jana Mackey, has been meeting and working directly with dozens of convicted domestic violence abusers. more (Sept. 11)

Jana's legacy - by Patrick Lowry Hays Daily News Editor

	Having to bury one's own child is a burden nobody desires or deserves. Sadly, it happens far too often. Age matters not; it's simply not the natural order. For one Hays couple, losing a child dramatically altered the course of their lives in a most
unexpected fashion. continue (May 11)

Progress Being Made on Jana’s Book

	Darrell Hamlin, in collaboration with Christie and Curt Brungardt, has made steady progress on a manuscript that shares the story of Jana Mackey’s legacy. Under the working title: Carrying the Torch: Moving from Private Grief to Public Action, the authors explore the unfortunate twist of fate that a woman who fought to
protect women herself, became a victim of violence. more (March 11)

Jana's Day is March 6th

On March 6, Hays will once again be honoring the life of a former resident, Jana Mackey, with a day of service. From 1-4 p.m. at Chucks Place in Wiest Hall at FHSU, students and staff will help wrap shoe boxes filled with birthday party supplies. more | news 1 | news 2 (March 11)

Stalking often precedes an attack

While most Kansans know stalking is a crime, many underestimate its level of danger, according to the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. more (Dec. 10)

December 8, 2010 is "It's Time to Talk" Day

	It's Time to Talk!! This year December 8, 2010 has been designated as "IT'S TIME TO TALK" day. Take a moment - or more- to talk openly about an issue that
affects nearly one in three women at some point in their lifetime. more (Dec. 10)

Keynote Address at Texas Conference

	On November 5, 2010, Christie and Curt Brungardt will deliver the morning keynote address at the Texas Women’s University Cultural
Connections Leadership Conference in Denton, TX. The Brungardts' presentation will challenge university students to pick up Jana’s torch and participate in civic leadership and social change. Link (Nov. 10)

Kansas Governor signs DV bill

Keeping hope

	Curt and Christie Brungardt described their daughter Jana as a typical 25-year-old.
She was a young activist who saw no difference in anyone. She believed in equality for all people and standing up for her own beliefs. more (Oct. 10)

Hamlin writing book about Jana's legacy

Darrell Hamlin is collaborating with Christie and Curt Brungardt to write a manuscript about Jana’s life and her legacy. Share your stories about Jana or how her legacy has moved you. For more information see link. (Mar. 10)

Jana’s Campaign Applauds Kansas Lawmakers and Governor for New Domestic Violence Law

TOPEKA, Kan. – Curt and Christie Brungardt, parents of the late Jana Mackey, applaud Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson for signing a new domestic violence law today in Topeka. Mackey was a 25 year-old law student who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Lawrence in 2008. more (April 10)

Kansas Senate passes DV bill

On Monday March 22, 2010 the Kansas Senate passed the DV bill HB2517 by a vote of 40-0. Now the process moves to a conference committee because the bill that was passed by the Senate was slightly different than the House version. More information to come later. (Mar. 10)

Brungardts' speak in favor of new DV law

	On February 1st, Curt and Christie Brungardt spoke in favor of a new domestic violence law-Kansas HB2517. Their testimony was presented to the House Committee on Corrections and
Juvenile Justice. Testimony \| Photos \| News 1 \| News 2 \| News 3 \| News 4 \| News 5 \| News 6 \| Blog (Feb. 10)

Jana's Campaign offically kicks off

	On Thursday December 10th, Curt and Chrisite Brungardt officially announced the creation of Jana's Campaign to Stop Domestic Violence. At a press conference in Topeka, Kansas, the Brungardts
talked about the development of this new advocacy group. See press release \| Photos \| News 1 \| News 2 \| News 3 \| News 4 \| News 5 \| See Video (Dec. 09)

Jana’s Campaign joins UN efforts to reduce gender violence

	Jana’s Campaign has joined the United Nations Development Fund for Women and calls on all supporters to take part in UNIFEM’s Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women. Please sign our petition
through the Jana’s Campaign page at the United Nations. See link (Feb. 10)

Kansas DV tag hearing set for Feb. 1

TOPEKA, Kan. – On Monday, February 1st at 1:30 p.m.(State Capitol Rm S-144) members of the House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice will hear testimony about proposed legislation that will assist the criminal justice system in documenting crimes associated with domestic violence and track repeated offenders. more (Jan. 10)

Brungardts' introduce the DV tag bill

On January 12, Curt and Christie Brungardt introduced the DV Tag Bill to the Kansas House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice. The Bill will get a full hearing on the afternoon of February 1. More information to come later. (Jan. 10)

Congressman Jerry Moran gives speech about Jana

For the second time, Kansas Congressman Jerry Moran has gone to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to talk about Jana and Domestic Violence.
- SEE VIDEO 10/2/08
- SEE VIDEO 10/20/09
(Nov. 09)

Brungardts' speak out

Curt and Christie Brungardt (Jana's parents) are speaking throughout the state calling on Kansans to support new legislation.

April 17, 2010 - Great Bend, KS
April 10, 2010 - Hutchinson, KS
February 13, 2010 - Hutchinson, KS
January 30, 2010 - Hays, KS
December 10, 2009 - Topeka, KS
November 20, 2009 - Salina, KS
November 4, 2009 - Lawrence, KS
October 21, 2009 - Topeka, KS
October 20, 2009 - Hays, KS
October 5, 2009 - Lindsburg, KS
October 3, 2009 - Wichita, KS
September 17, 2009 - Lawrence, KS (Oct. 09)

'We are driven by one goal,' victim's mother says

	In July 2008, Curt and Christie Brungardt received a life-shattering phone call. Their 25-year-old daughter, Jana Mackey, a first-year University of Kansas law student, had been slain by her ex-boyfriend and found in his home. The perpetrator was arrested two days later in New Jersey and
committed suicide in jail, authorities said. more (Oct. 09)

AG Six Recognizes New Domestic Violence Group

Six took the opportunity to recognize the co-chairs for the board, Curt and Christie Brungardt. The Brungardts are the parents of Jana Mackey, a 25-year old law student at KU and advocate for women's rights. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend last July. more (April 09)

Governor, Lawmakers Recognize Domestic Violence Victim

Kansas lawmakers will be joining Governor Kathleen Sebelius next week in recognizing International Women's Day by honoring a recent victim and fatality of domestic violence. more (Feb. 09)

In Tribute To Jana Mackey: One Year Later

This week marks an anniversary for me that I would much rather not be celebrating. One year ago, the activist community, the feminist community, and, most importantly to me on a selfish level, my personal community lost one of their best and brightest. I've written before about the fact that my friend, Jana Mackey, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in a horrific incident of domestic violence. That was one year ago this week. more (July 09)

Benefit honors slain KU student

Amid the people running around The Granada on Thursday night trying to put things in place, Steph Mott, Lawrence, knew Jana Mackey would be proud. more (Nov. 08)

"Kansas Clothes Drive for Women Helps those in Need"

Hays, KS – In honor of two young women who lost their lives this past year, last week’s Kansas Women’s Leadership Conference held the first ever Kansas Clothes Drive for Women. more (April 09)

"Former Law Student's Life Lives on After Her Death"

Three-point-five miles northwest of Council Grove, Kansas, there is a lake. For Curt and Christie Brungardt, it's a place of solace, reflection, old and new memories with friends and family. For their daughter Jana Mackey, it was "Jana's Kingdom." more (Jan. 09)

Honoring Jana's Memory

For the last three months family and friends of KU Law Student Jana Mackey who was killed during the Independence Day holiday by her former boyfriend, have been working toward the perfect way to honor her memory. more (Sept. 08)

Killing shows that 'nobody's immune to this'

	Sometime in the afternoon of July 2, Jana Mackey ceased being an advocate for women. Instead, she became another statistic in a cause she spent years fighting. Mackey, 25, a
University of Kansas law student, had lobbied state legislators for gay and lesbian, and women’s groups. She assisted victims of rape and domestic violence. more (Sept. 08)