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Written by Gabrielle Wallace
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The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy would like to thank all how who attended our “Eggs & Issues” Legislative Forum, which took place in Ardmore on Friday, Jan. 27. We had a great turnout of dedicated child advocates and legislators. Their attendance and comments showed where their priorities are in regards to children, and they also heard about where our legislative priorities are for this 2012 legislative session.
Senator Simpson discusses local solutions for Oklahoma at OICA's "Eggs & Issues" Legislative Forum.
Our executive director, Linda Terrell presented the cold hard facts about the issues our state’s children are facing. Amber England who heads up our policy and advocacy work and is director of our statewide Fit Kids Coalition discussed our legislative agenda. Then we heard from Representative Tommy Hardin, Senator Frank Simpson and Representative Pat Ownbey. Those present also had an opportunity to ask any questions about what was discussed and all enjoyed a great breakfast and coffee.
This legislative forum was made possible by a few generous organizations:
- The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce
- Foundation Management, Inc. – Frank Merrick, President
- The “Y” of Ardmore – The Ardmore Family YMCA
- Main Street Coffee
The legislators reminded those present that they are willing to hear our requests and concerns.
Rep. Ownbey put it best when he said, “As legislators…we want to do what we need to do to get things done.”
It’s up to us to contact our legislators and give Oklahoma children a voice. Please join OICA in our efforts to make sure Oklahoma children are Safe, Healthy and Heard.
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Written by Gabrielle Wallace
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Join us for our Eggs & Issues Legislative Forum
The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, the only statewide advocacy group for children’s issues, will be conducting its first “Eggs and Issues” legislative forum at the Ardmore Convention Center Friday, January 27, from 7-9 a.m.
The Oklahoma Legislature is slated to convene for session at noon on Monday, February 6, and this will be an opportunity for child and family advocates and professionals to get a preview of the issues that will affect Oklahoma families--particularly Oklahoma’s children.
A light breakfast will be served beginning at 7 a.m. OICA’s Executive Director, Linda Terrell is expected to begin the forum at promptly 7:30 a.m. with a snapshot of Oklahoma--a candid look at some statistics concerning Oklahoma’s children and families.
Amber England who heads up OICA’s policy work at the state capitol as a lobbyist and is the Director of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition--our statewide initiative to end the childhood obesity epidemic, will lead the group in sharing tips on how to connect with local legislators and ensure your voice is heard in the legislative process. She also will give a brief overview of the issues OICA will be working on this session and introduce any local elected officials who have been invited to attend.
Legislative officials present will be given the opportunity to address the group; Senator Frank Simpson (R- Ardmore) is one of several invited who has made plans to attend. The forum will wrap up with an important listening session. The listening session will be a chance for OICA to hear from local child and family advocates about issues specific to the local community. |
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We, at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, extend our most sincere appreciation to all who participated in the 2011 Fall Legislative Forum held Tuesday, Oct. 11! Great ideas and strategies were developed to “Create Wins for Oklahoma’s Children” during the conference, and we are working diligently to analyze the suggested policy changes from our breakout sessions and improve the quality of life for Oklahoma's children. If you missed out, you can still follow our progress by reading here on our website, our Facebook pages or our Twitter feed for updates of information throughout the process.
View this Flickr slideshow of the day's events!
Click Here to read the recommendations our Fall Forum participants announced from each of the five areas of focus.
Thanks to our keynote speaker, Michelle Aguilar, the 2008 winner of the Biggest Loser competition. Her powerful story motivated child advocates to make their own voices heard on behalf of Oklahoma's children and make positive changes.
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