Your Vote Does Not Count if You Do Not Vote

Each summer, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) holds its annual Heroes Ball to celebrate the state’s “Champions for Children.” Among the awards presented are two chosen by the people: The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy. The award is named in honor of Anne Roberts, OICA’s longest serving CEO; it recognizes outstanding service to Oklahoma’s children by an individual and an organization, as nominated and voted on by Oklahomans. The process began with nominations, which were open to the public. Following the nomination period, the OICA Board of Directors narrowed the list to a select few to put forward for an online public vote by Oklahomans. The finalists for this year’s Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy in the Organization category are: · Bethesda, Inc. · Hearts for Hearing · New World Comics Superhero School · Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocates · Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement · Parent Promise · Urban Bridge In the Individual category, the finalists are: · Lou Carmichael of Variety Care · Michele DeBerry, Ed.D. of the Oklahoma Autism Network · Meghan Hollingsworth of Pioneer Library System · Trisha Koelsch of Calm Waters · Maci Shoemaker of Cordell Memorial Hospital · Julie Sisler, Ph.D., of Bethesda, Inc. Online voting is underway and is available through OICA’s website at https://oica.org or by going directly to https://tinyurl.com/26ARPCAVote . Winners will be announced at OICA’s Heroes Ball, to be held this year at the historic Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market. “This award is fully in the hands of those interested in child advocacy in the state of Oklahoma,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “The list of previous winners reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Oklahoma Child Advocates.” Previous winners of the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Organizational Award are: · 2017 – Whiz Kids Oklahoma. · 2018 – Peppers Ranch. · 2019 – Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care. · 2020 – Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma. · 2021 – SoonerStart. · 2022 – Fostering Connections. · 2023 – Sara’s Project. · 2024 – The Anna’s House Foundation. · 2025 – M&R Doyle Holdings, Inc. Those individuals who have won the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Individual Award are: · 2017 – Brenda Lene’. · 2018 – Cody Inman. · 2019 – Judy Payne. · 2020 – Ryan Abernathy. · 2021 – Melissa Ahlgrim. · 2022 – Amber Cuyler. · 2023 – Alethea Satterwhite. · 2024 – Mary Beth Talley. · 2025 – Sarah Soell Tickets to the Heroes Ball are available and selling fast. They can be purchased at https://www.oica.org/events .

I had the pleasure of being the commencement speaker for Bray-Doyle High School. It was wonderful to share the evening with graduates and their families, and especially my cousin, Jud, who walked across the stage that night. For this week’s “For the Children” column, I thought it would be appropriate to share a bit of my speech, with congratulations to all this year’s graduates: Congratulations, graduates! Being with you reminds me of my own graduation back in 1989 and how old that makes me feel! Probably like you, I sat there wondering what the future might hold for me. My graduation speaker talked about the desire to get rich based upon a popular song back then, not just in finances, but also in your overall life. Marriage, health, finances – each of those will have some impact on your life, but you need to remember that there is one determining factor in what each of your next steps will be: you and the path you choose. With my classmates, some went to college or trade school, others joined the military, and some entered the workforce immediately. A few got married quickly, while some of us still haven’t taken that plunge yet. My point is that each one of you will now have significant decisions to make on what your future holds for you, and not all of it will be under your control, but you can improve your options. I am big on furthering one’s education. It’s expensive but consider this: those with bachelor’s degrees in Oklahoma earn a median income of about $59,712. Individuals with only a high school education have a median income of roughly $38,789. The good news for you is that those with less than a high school diploma earns $31,492; so, congratulations on your expected $7,000 income bump by making it here. For those looking at CareerTech, that option offers a much faster, debt-free return on investment, but less than college over life expectancy. Your choice for furthering your education will dictate your opportunities. Now, I am asking you to make a promise to yourself. Do not let this graduation be considered your greatest achievement; instead, let it be your latest achievement. Nothing worth doing is going to be handed to you. Remember, you should keep your expectations realistic, but do not sell yourself short. Just because you come from a small town does not mean you cannot dream big and accomplish great things. Many of you will remain here like I did for many years in Rush Springs, so do your part to give back to your community. Join a civic organization, run for city council, school board, or another office if you have something to contribute to helping the community. Build up the next generation so when you are delivering a graduation speech to a future class, you can encourage them to leave the woodpile of life just a little bit higher than they found it. For our lives to be truly rich, we must always work on ourselves, continuing to grow, and to be there for friends and family when possible. Find a career which pays the bills and provides that reward to you, either with the paycheck or the satisfaction of making the world a better place. Better yet, seek both, as I was lucky enough to achieve. Also, have someone who can be your “battle buddy” for when things get rough – someone who will listen and encourage you. It is good to have a friend who will be there during the rough times. It won’t be easy, but from one small town kid to many others, I believe in you. To all of you in the Class of 2026, congratulations on making it here. Go forth from tonight and make this world a better place with the good each of you is set to accomplish, and to earn the riches in store for you. 

Advocacy Boot Camp (ABC) Classes I & II participate in a variety of activities over their year-long course learning the lessons of how to make a difference in their communities and their state. The application period for ABC Class III closes on June 1; to apply to be a member of the class, go to https://www.oica.org/abc . (Courtesy Photo) Registration for Class III of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) Advocacy Boot Camp (ABC) will close on Mon., June 1 at 5 p.m. CDT. The year-long program focuses on making those interested in being a voice for children even more effective, said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. The inaugural class completed its work a year ago, and Class II is nearing completion. “Oklahoma’s children need for adults to be their collective voice when it comes to both advocating and leading,” he said. “Participants in both our ABC classes have improved their skills as advocates and become even more productive in their communities.” The Advocacy Boot Camp is an update of a program operated by OICA from 1995 to 2010 called the “Kids Count Leadership Program.” Re-started two years ago, ABC has proven to be a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about the resources available in Oklahoma to improve the quality of life for its children and its citizens. “The foundation of any community, any state, is caring people willing to learn and then put that knowledge to work,” Dorman said. “Advocacy’s primary purpose is to raise awareness, influence decision-makers, and bring about positive social, legal or systemic change – ABC provides participants with the tools to be even more effective in that effort.” According to Licia Walters, OICA’s program director, the eight-session program provides coursework on how participants can be stronger advocates on key issues relating to children. “This will be the primary goal of the ABC,” she said. “Knowledge is power in advocacy, and ABC is designed to make sure participants have the knowledge they need to make a difference.” The sessions will be held in several state locations, covering both urban and rural areas of the state including Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, Tahlequah, and Ada. The final session will overlap with the incoming Class IV for the next year. “Our first two classes are proving to be the next generation of policy leaders for our state,” Dorman said. “Trained advocates are a renewing natural resource that have the skills to lead organizations in communities across the state, working at the grassroots level to make Oklahoma a better place for its youngest residents, and possibly even run for an elective office.” The cost to apply for the program is $50, and for those accepted that money goes towards your registration fee of $500. These events will be multi-day events with food included for the entirety of the sessions. Dorman concluded by noting that limited spaces are available and those who are interested should apply now. To apply for OICA’s Advocacy Boot Camp Class III, go to https://www.oica.org/abc . For more information, contact OICA Program Director Licia Walters at lwalters@oica.org or (405) 236-KIDS (5437), extension 5; or CEO Joe Dorman at jdorman@oica.org or (405) 236-KIDS (5437) extension 4. 

Voters will decide State Question 832, the minimum wage increase, on June 16. If passed, the state question would boost the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 in 2027, to $13.50 in 2028, and to $15 in 2029, with further increases tied to the cost of living. The Oklahoma minimum wage matches the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage, and is the same as 19 other states, according to Oklahoma Watch. Unchanged since 2009, this is the longest period without a federal minimum wage increase since it was created in 1938 during The Great Depression. Oklahoma politicians, regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans have been in charge, have never raised the minimum wage above the federal rate. Some contend the proposal is unwise and suggest policymakers instead expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). While I certainly can agree with this and other tax credits associated with supporting families (child tax credits and childcare tax credits), the Oklahoma Legislature refused to enact an EITC enhancement this year. Many proclaim minimum wage increases boost prices for consumers, but one could argue consumer prices on gas and food have risen without wage increases. The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research assessed prices increased roughly 0.36% for every 10% hike in wages, but the margin is widely debated by economists. The Economic Policy Institute reports that 19 states (not including Oklahoma) increased their minimum wages on January 1, boosting earnings for more than 8.3 million workers by a total of $5 billion. In addition, 47 cities and counties raised their minimum wages, adding to the number of workers likely to get larger paychecks. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80.3 million American workers age 16 and older were paid hourly rates in 2024, representing 55.6 percent of all wage and salary workers. Among those paid by the hour, about 82,000 workers earned the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage, roughly 1% of workers; 760,000 workers earned less than the federal minimum (such as those whose pay is supplemented with tips). The Brookings Institution reported 53 million Americans ages 18 to 64 – 44% of all workers – earn a median hourly wage of $10.22, and for those working full time year-round, that is equal to annual earnings of $21,258. Data from 2022 shows that 89% of workers earning a sub-$15 wage are age 20 or older. Nationally, more than half of working single parents, an estimated 11.2 million, also fall into this category. In Oklahoma, approximately 200,000 workers earn at or near $7.25, which is about 5% of the population. While these make the legal minimum, a much larger unspecified percent of the population earns above $7.25 but below $10–$15 per hour, contributing to Oklahoma having the nation’s eighth highest poverty rate. This contributes to Oklahoma ranking among the worst states for utility shutoffs. Despite Oklahoma’s modest population, it had the third highest number of electricity disconnections in the country – not by percentage of the population, the raw number of cutoffs – according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. We are the 28th most populous state and had more utility cutoffs than the largest state, California. Those of us working to improve child wellbeing are watching this issue because parents’ low wages have a negative impact on children, making nutritious food, safe housing, childcare and necessary transportation harder to access. The Economic Policy Institute reports 200,000 Oklahoma children have parents who would get raises should the state question pass, taking many off state-subsidized programs, therefore reducing reliance on government aid. A minimum wage of $10 or greater also improves birth outcomes and children’s health and development, reduces child maltreatment, and has minimal negative impacts on employment. I encourage you to study all factors – the impact on families, the impact on businesses, the impact on the economy – before casting your vote to determine whether a minimum wage increase is the best policy for you and for our state. This is a decision which could have a major impact on many in our state, so do not just trust the commercials. 

The deadline for Oklahomans to register to vote in this year’s primary election is this Friday, May 22. The Oklahoman Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is encouraging young Oklahomans who will turn 18 before the primary and who are not yet registered to “pre-register” by the deadline. “If a young person is going to turn 18 between the May 22 deadline and the primary election on June 16 and they want to vote, they need to register now,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “You don’t have to be 18 to register to vote; you just have to turn 18 on or by the election day.” As such, Dorman explained, if a young Oklahoman who turns 18 between May 22 and June 16 waits until his or her birthday to register, registration will be closed until after the primary, and they will not be able to vote despite having reached the legal age to do so under the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This is also the case in the 25 days leading up to the primary run-off election on Aug. 26 where the registration deadline is July 31, and in the general election on Nov. 3, where the registration deadline is Oct. 9. Individuals who will turn 18 on or prior to election day are allowed to pre-register to vote, despite not yet having reached the legal age to vote. This quirk in the registration deadlines and election days affects more Oklahomans than one might imagine, Dorman said. “Census figures tell us that an average of about 135 Oklahomans turn 18 every day,” he explained. “Registration closes 25 days before each election. Using that fact, combined with the number of Oklahomans who will turn 18 during the period registration is closed, means that 3,375 young Oklahomans turning 18 could be denied their right to vote unless they register before their birthday.” Dorman noted there have been statewide elections that have been decided by fewer votes than that. “We at OICA want to make sure that every eligible Oklahoman is registered to vote and are ready to cast their ballots on election day,” he said. “That is especially true of young Oklahomans who need to develop the lifelong habit of making their voice heard at the ballot box.” Oklahoma’s turnout rate for the Nov. 5 election in 2024 was 53%, the lowest in the nation, according to a report from the University of Florida. “A few highly motivated and engaged voters can make a difference in many local and state races,” pointed out Dorman. Oklahomans can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. To register using the Online Voter Registration System, the applicant must have a current and valid Oklahoma Driver License or State ID on file with Service Oklahoma and the address on the ID must match the address the applicant intends to use for voter registration. Individuals can register to vote at their county election board or with their local motor license agent. A directory of county election boards can be found on the State Election Board website at https://elections.ok.gov . Voter registration applications are available at county election boards, most tag agencies, post offices, and public libraries. Voters can also download a Voter Registration Application from the State Election Board website. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than May 22 for voting in the Oklahoma Primary Elections. All voters are encouraged to confirm their registration using the OK Voter Portal prior to the voter registration deadline. Voter registration changes regarding address or name change due to situations like marriage must be submitted no later than May 22, in order for those changes to be applied in time for the June 16 Election. The deadline to change political parties was on March 31 for the Primary Elections and any necessary runoff elections, which will be held on Tuesday, August 25. “Free and fair elections are the key to our freedom,” Dorman concluded. “We at OICA strongly encourage every eligible Oklahoman, including those who will turn 18 on or before election day, to make their voices heard.”

Recently, we lost four Oklahomans who made tremendous impacts for good on those around them. Two former lawmakers who I had the opportunity to first work for, then serve with, passed recently. Rep. Don Ross, D-Tulsa and Rep. Billy Mitchell, D- Lindsay, each had a profoundly positive effect on not only their legislative districts, but also the state. Representative Ross was a tireless advocate for civil rights and was one of the main proponents to elevate the conversation about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I remember vividly his debate regarding the need to form a commission in the late 1990s to ensure history would not be forgotten and that the story surrounding this tragedy would be taught. Unfortunately, this event is not listed in law as a requirement for teaching, but schools around the state have done a very good job of including this in the curriculum. The event rose to prominence in many circles, partly thanks to HBO depicting the event in one of their shows, Watchmen. Without Don’s determination, that probably never would have happened. Don was awarded the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s (OICA) Laura Boyd Public Servant Award in 2021 for his work. I first became acquainted with Billy Mitchell when he served as my state representative when I was a child in Rush Springs; that was my first early experience with someone campaigning and sharing their vision for what public service should be. Later, as a legislative staff member, I had the opportunity to work with him, including his service as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. His leadership as A&B Chair was clear during the 2003 budget crisis as all 101 representatives served on the committee and he helped craft a budget agreement with Democrats and Republicans. He was a barber by trade, and there were several other trades he could claim, Chairman Mitchell was one who worked his way into positions which allowed him to do good for the working class of our state. Following his legislative career, he continued his service as a local official for his hometown of Lindsay, where he took great pride in helping keep his local hospital open. A dear friend of mine who dedicated her life to education passed recently, leaving behind her husband, young son, and many students she impacted during her career. Jennifer Owens Hill was an acquaintance through several friends until we served together through the YMCA Youth in Government Program. Jennifer was the longtime media director for the journalism component for the Conference on National Affairs, a gathering of YMCA students from across the nation where each develop a proposal to improve the nation. The media division students served as reporters to cover the events of the conference held in North Carolina. Jennifer also oversaw the same component for the state Youth and Government program. Jennifer was a beloved teacher at Putnam City West High School. The tributes which have been shared by former students and colleagues have each been heartfelt and indicate what a mark she left on so many. Finally, the OICA family lost one of our own with the death of Miller Hines. He was the young son of one of our former employees, Miranda Griffith. Miller was diagnosed with leukemia and fought a long and courageous battle against the disease. He never lost his upbeat attitude and was a hero for others under his nickname and hashtag #MightyMiller with the positive stories shared about his accomplishments. Miller even started an effort to gather comfortable blankets for children in hospitals so they would have something that was not so scratchy and that they could take home with them when they left the facility. Miller had members of the OU Football Team serve as honorary pallbearers at his service and the church was filled with his family, friends, and those touched by his kindness. Knowing these four Oklahomans was a blessing, for me and all those whose lives they touched. We at OICA extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends.

Time is running out to nominate individuals and organizations for the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Award for Child Advocacy. Nominations will close at 5 p.m., CDT on Friday, May 15. “The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards are given annually to an Oklahoma individual and an organization the public feels deserve special acknowledgment,” said Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA). “The process begins with nominations made by the Oklahomans and culminates with voting for the winners.” The Anne Roberts Awards are the only child advocacy awards that are initiated by public input and then determined by public votes. The awards will be presented at OICA’s annual Heroes Ball on Saturday, July 25. The first step in the award process, nominations for both the individual and organizational awards, is now open at https://qrco.de/26ARPCAHB . (NOTE: A QR Code to the address is attached to this press release.) A link to the nomination page is also available on OICA’s website at https://www.oica.org . The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards are used to select an individual or organization with its sole mission directed at serving youth through their work, paid or volunteer. We would like to see nominations come in for people or programs that have demonstrated excellence in improving the lives of Oklahoma’s youth. “From the nominations, the finalists are narrowed down by a committee of OICA board members,” Dorman said. “Then, the people will be able to vote to choose the winners in both the individual and organization categories.” Once finalists are selected, these nominees are asked to submit videos and biographical information that will be available for interested individuals to view on the OICA website and the organization’s social media before they cast their votes, which also will occur online and with a final ballot issued at the gala for attendees to also cast a vote. People may vote for a finalist in each category. Previous winners in the individual category include: 2017 – Brenda Lene’; 2018 – Cody Inman; 2019 – Judy Payne; 2020 – Ryan Abernathy; 2021 – Melissa Ahlgrim; 2022 – Amber Cuyler; 2023 - Alethea Satterwhite; 2024 - Mary Beth Talley; and in 2025 - Sarah Soell. Past organizational award winners include: 2017 – Whiz Kids Oklahoma; 2018 – Peppers Ranch; 2019 – Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care; 2020 – Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma; 2021 – SoonerStart; 2022 – Fostering Connections; 2023 – Sara’s Project; 2024 - The Anna\’s House Foundation; and 2025 - M&R Doyle Holdings, Inc. The Heroes Ball is an annual gala to recognize the state’s champions for children and raise funds for OICA’s ongoing mission of child advocacy. Heroes Ball sponsorships, tickets, and tables are on sale now at https://tinyurl.com/Hero26Tix . 

UPDATE - THE GOVERNOR ALLOWED THE BILL TO BECOME LAW WITHOUT HIS SIGNATURE. CHILD MARRIAGE WILL BE ILLEGAL IN OKLAHOMA WHEN THE BILL TAKES EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1, 2026.

Each summer, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) holds its annual Heroes Ball to celebrate champions for children. The gala event – set for Saturday, July 25 at Oklahoma City’s Farmers Public Market – is also the nonprofit organization’s most important fundraiser. The theme for this year’s Heroes Ball is to honor America’s 250th Birthday while celebrating individuals and groups who have made profoundly positive impacts on Oklahoma’s children, according to Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “There are so many Oklahomans who work and struggle every day to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s children,” he said. “The Heroes Ball honors these champions who, in some cases, literally change the world.” This year’s Kate Barnard Lifetime Achievement Award winners fall into that category. OICA will honor Clara Luper posthumously and the Katz Drug Store sit-in youth. The Katz Drug Store sit in took place in August 1958, when a group of Black youth and their teacher, Clara Luper, held peaceful sit-ins at the drug store to protest segregation. That event began a chain of non-violent sit-ins across six years until Oklahoma City was no longer segregated. Several of those brave individuals who as teens conducted the sit-in will participate in a panel discussion that will serve as the Heroes Ball’s keynote. Kate Barnard, for whom the award is named, was Oklahoma’s first female statewide elected official, serving as the Commissioner of Charities and Corrections. She is regarded as the foremost child advocate of her time, working to protect young Oklahomans from corrupt systems which abused and took advantage of them. The Jay Scott Brown Individual Advocate Award will go to Carmelita Skeeter, the CEO of Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa. The award’s namesake, Jay Scott Brown, was a previous OICA Board Chairman who passed in 2022 following a career of service to the organization and other youth programs, including the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. The Organization Advocate Award will go to Pivot, A Turning Point for Youth for their work on behalf of children who are homeless, disconnected or otherwise at risk. The Henry Bellmon Public Servant Award will go to Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn. Commissioner Osborn previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for 10 years, reaching the position of chair of the powerful Appropriations and Budget Committee. As Labor Commissioner, she worked to protect child labor laws in Oklahoma and elevated social issues important to youth. The Laura Boyd Public Servant Award will be presented to former Oklahoma U.S. Senator, the late Fred Harris. Senator Harris had a distinguished career in the state Senate, served in the U.S. Senate, and ran for President of the United States in both 1972 and 1976. A strong leader in the civil rights movement, Harris publicly supported busing desegregation and the rights of Indigenous Americans, most notably the residents of Taos Pueblo and the Comanche Nation. Harris served as a board member for New Mexico Voices for Children, a counterpart organization to OICA, up until his death in 2024. The organization will also present two awards determined by public nomination and vote, The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy to an individual and an organization. The awards are named in honor of Anne Roberts, OICA’s longest serving CEO; it recognizes outstanding service to Oklahoma’s children by an individual and an organization, as nominated and voted on by the public. Nominations are currently open until 5 p.m., Friday, May 15 at https://qrco.de/26ARPCAHB . In addition, OICA staff and Board members are seeking donations for silent auction items. For more information on how you can contribute, contact OICA Program Director Licia Walters at lwalters@oica.org or at (405) 236-KIDS (5437), extension 5. Dorman concluded by noting that the Heroes Ball Committee and members of the OICA Board of Directors and staff are already hard at work to make this year’s event a huge success. “We encourage everyone to get their tickets early and when you join us, you are welcome to dress as your favorite superhero,” Dorman said. “The night is great fun for a great cause, and we cannot wait to see you there!” Sponsorships, tickets, and table sponsorships are available. They can be purchased at https://qrco.de/OICAHB26 .