Recent News Releases

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is launching a fundraiser capturing the spirit and intensity around one of college football’s greatest rivalries to benefit its Kid Governor® program. OICA is selling a limited-edition T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Arch Nemesis” on the front, a nod to the fact the University of Oklahoma Sooners are the “arch nemesis” of the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback, Arch Manning.  The shirts are available for $25 at Bush League Sports Tavern, located in the Shoppes at Northpark at 12252 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City. They will also be for sale during the WWLS Bevo Bash in the parking lot at Treasure Valley Casino, located on Exit 55 on I-35 on the way to the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Oct. 10. The back of the shirt says, “Beat Texas in child well-being and football” and the link to OICA’s website at www.oica.org . The back of the shirt also will include logos from the efforts’ sponsors. “The University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns are a pair of ‘blue bloods’ in college football,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “Both rank among the top college football teams in the nation almost every year. “However, both our states lag when it comes to overall child well-being. Hopefully, the friendly competition this shirt will generate awareness and help improve both states’ rankings in child well-being statistics.” According to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Oklahoma and Texas are tied, ranking 44th among the 50 states. “If either OU or Texas ranked this poorly in football, it is no exaggeration to say, ‘Heads would roll’,” Dorman said. “Both our states owe it to our children to do better because it is our future that is at risk, and just like with fans of football, it takes advocates calling for better results.” All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit OICA’s Kid Governor® program. In spring 2022, OICA partnered with The Connecticut Democracy Center to bring the award-winning Kid Governor® civics program to Oklahoma in participating fifth grade classrooms. For the past eleven years, OICA has sponsored or co-sponsored an Oklahoma’s Kid Governor program. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the program expanded to be a full Kid Governor® civics program for fifth graders across Oklahoma, teaching them importance of civic duty and voting, while allowing them to run for and vote for the state’s Kid Governor®. “With the ‘Arch Nemesis’ campaign, Sooner fans have a chance to show their true colors, proudly wear crimson, stand behind their team, and help make Oklahoma a better state for its children,” Dorman concluded.

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is pleased to announce our Fall Forum conference agenda, bringing together child advocacy and policy experts to examine the “State of the State” for children and how best to improve it. Fall Forum will be held in two segments: virtual meetings on Monday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In between, the participants will gather in Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct 15 to discuss children’s issues and develop the components of OICA’s “Children’s Legislative Agenda” for submission to the 2027 session of the Oklahoma Legislature. During the online session, participants will lay out an overview of the agenda to be discussed during the in-person meeting the next week. Registered participants will be provided with the link for the meeting. While it is suggested to participate in the online session, it is not necessary in order to attend the in-person component of Fall Forum. In-person attendance is limited to 100 registrants, with an additional 100 virtual registrations allowed OICA CEO Joe Dorman said the theme for this year’s event is “FY-27: Federal Impact on State Programs and Nonprofits.” Participants will conduct an in-depth examination of the impact of federal budget cuts on the ability of the state to meet its responsibilities to the citizens, as well as the strain placed on nonprofits to fill the gaps caused by the federal cuts. Among areas advocates will examine include such topics as: Food insecurity. Economic well-being. Education policy. Health and insurance. Family and community, including childcare, public broadcasting services, and tobacco use prevention. “Our work is clearly cut out for us,” Dorman said. “Advocates who attend Fall Forum are the front lines of service providers for Oklahomans who need help. It is clear the government is not committing sufficient resources to many of those areas – especially in the areas of food insecurity and healthcare – and people are looking to nonprofits for help, at a time when nonprofits are struggling to meet financial needs. “The fact is that many nonprofits are having a challenging time with fundraising because of the financial pressures being placed on our donor bases. It is a perfect storm of challenges, and Fall Forum is where advocates can converse on policies to navigate those challenges.” Dorman noted this is important because lawmakers are our servant leaders coming from many backgrounds. “We as child advocates have a responsibility to help policymakers better understand the importance of children’s issues,” he said. “Children rarely have a voice regarding policy, which is why OICA was created and the reason we continue our mission. Now, we invite advocates from across the state to stand with us to be the voice of Oklahoma’s children during the Fall Forum. Many elected officials rely upon those with real world experience to help guide them and now is a critical time to share those stories.” The cost to register for Fall Forum is $125, and discounted tickets are available for students and virtual attendance. Registration and the tentative agenda can be found on the OICA Events page at https://www.oica.org/events on the OICA website. Individual and organizational members of OICA are provided with a complimentary conference registration which is included in their annual dues of $100. In addition to registration, the link includes sponsorship opportunities for those individuals, organizations, or businesses that wish to support the event. In addition to the meetings, Fall Forum will include an awards luncheon on October 14 to recognize various child advocates and an opportunity for advocates to network with policymakers who will receive recognition from OICA that evening.

Advocacy Boot Camp (ABC) Class III begins its activities over their year-long course learning the lessons of how to make a difference in their communities and their state. ABC Class II graduated this week in Stillwater, as ABC Class III began their work. (Courtesy Photo) STILLWATER, Okla. – Each year, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) sponsors its Advocacy Boot Camp – also known as “ABC” – a year-long program focusing on making those interested in being a voice for children even more effective This week, members of the third class of advocates, ABC Class III, began their journey to become better voices for the causes important to them during their inaugural meeting in Stillwater. As that third class began its work, ABC Class II graduated in a ceremony held at Stillwater’s Hideaway Pizza. “Oklahoma’s children need for adults to be their collective voice when it comes to both advocating and leading,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “Participants in our ABC classes improve 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.” 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,” he 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, each year’s multiple-session program provides coursework on how participants can be stronger advocates on key issues relating to children. “This is always 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 for ABC Class III will be held in several state locations, covering both urban and rural areas of the state, beginning in Stillwater, and then traveling to 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; we expect nothing less from those participating in Class III,” 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 some of our participants already have even run for an elective office.” The members of ABC Class II who graduated were: Te’Ata Loper of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association; Cara Carllson of Swanky Door Decore; Delainna Percifield and Madison Thompson of CREOKS; Clotiel Howard of Hope for the Future, Inc.; Suzanne Hughes, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children, Inc.; Erika Johnson of American University; Lillian Bocquin of Honestly, an OKC nonprofit; Aanahita Ervin of Oklahoma Policy Institute; Meghan Hollingsworth of Pioneer Library System; Melissa Klink, CEO of the Center for Children and Families in Norman; Chaunte’ Gilmore; Nicholas Kindelt of Tulsa Area United Way; Rebekka Lucas, OICA Board Vice President and Director of Operations and Finance for the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts; and Anthony Hernandez-Rivera of the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. ABC Class III includes: Emily Oberg and Molly Ziriax of CREOKS; Chantal Rocha of Western Plains Youth and Family Services; Nena Walker of the Center for Children and Families; Michele DeBerry, Director of The Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities and The Oklahoma Autism Network; Marny Dunlap of OU Health; Haley Ann Hegwood and Diego McCollum of the Potts Family Foundation; Kathleen Bates of KB Custom Solutions, LLC; Jennifer Hunt of Great Plains Child Care Resource and Referral; Abbie Stewart, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Arc of Oklahoma; Terrell Johnson of Pivot, Inc.; Claudia Swisher, a retired educator; Erika Wright of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice; Shelley Hawkins of OKC Market for Family & Children’s Services; Drew France, Senior Director for CAP Tulsa; Julia Smith, Pediatric Pandemic Network hub site manager at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital; Zac Swartz, USDA Rural Development Director; Col. Kevin Roland (retired, Oklahoma Army National Guard), the State Youth Programs Director for Sooner Job Challenge; and Ashley Helm, OICA intern.

During its annual Fall Forum luncheon slated for Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) will announce winners of 13 awards recognizing excellence in advocacy, public service, healthcare, education, and philanthropy for children. Nominations from members of the public are now being accepted for these awards, which can be submitted on the organization’s website at https://www.oica.org/awards . The 13 awards are: The Steven A. Novick Child Advocacy Award. The Laura Choate Resilience Award. The Jasmine and Melvin Moran “Kidizenship” Award. The Burnes/Lichtenstein Award for Excellence in Journalism. The H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt Corporate Citizen Award. The Ray & Pat Potts Community Leader Award. The Judy Eason McIntyre Inclusion Award. The Sandy Garrett Educator Award. The Jari Askins Justice for Children Award. The Jon Hansen Public Servant Award. The Dr. Dwight Sublett Healthcare Award. OICA’s Volunteer of the Year Award. The CEO’s Award in Child Advocacy. Steven A. Novick served as the legal counsel for the children who brought forth the “Terry D” lawsuit against the State of Oklahoma. The award is for recognizing an “unsung hero” in the area of child advocacy. Laura Choate has served as a lifelong advocate for Oklahoma children and was the first recipient of the Resilience Award. As a youth, Choate served as a plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit that resulted in dramatic changes to Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system and was used as a model by many other states to establish higher standards. The award is for someone who, like Laura, has overcome difficult circumstances in their youth to become an effective child advocate. The Kidizenship Award is OICA’s statewide award recognizing and rewarding excellence in youth philanthropy by and for Oklahomans under the age of 18. The award is named after Melvin and the late Jasmine Moran, philanthropists, best known as the founders of the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole, Oklahoma. H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt was a prominent figure in the Oklahoma banking industry, having founded BancFirst, the largest state-chartered bank in the state. A strong advocate of improving and diversifying the Oklahoma economy, Mr. Rainbolt worked long and hard to improve health, education, provide better access to capital, and develop Oklahoma’s infrastructure system. This award will recognize a business which has done significant work to help children outside their normal operations. The Burnes/Lichtenstein Award for Excellence in Journalism is named for Karen Burnes and Bill Lichtenstein, two of the reporters who helped uncover the scandal of child abuse under the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in the early 1980s. Their reporting was part of the effort that led to wholesale changes to state’s juvenile justice system and the creation of OICA as an independent watchdog organization outside of state government. The Ray & Pat Potts Community Leader Award was named for the co-founders of The Potts Family Foundation, the late Ray Potts and his wife, Pat, who passed on August 20, 2025. Pat also co-founded the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits where she served as president and CEO for 20 years. Pat’s focus was always on leveraging resources “to address root causes and build the human potential of the people of our state one child and one organization at a time.” The award will be presented to an Oklahoman in the business world who outside of their profession has done something exceptional to benefit children. A breast cancer survivor who grew up in segregated north Tulsa, Judy Eason McIntyre built a career in social work, served on the Tulsa Public Schools Board, and spent 10 years in the Oklahoma Legislature, serving as a state representative, then a state senator. Through that time, she helped break down race barriers and elevate difficult conversations for the betterment of generations to come. This award will recognize someone who has helped break down racial barriers to benefit youth. The Honorable Sandy Garrett, a lifelong educator, was first elected state Superintendent for Public Instruction in 1990, and again in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006. Garrett was the first woman to hold the office of Superintendent and is the only woman to hold a statewide office for five consecutive terms. Through her work, early childhood education was significantly expanded statewide. This award will be presented to an educator who has done something significant for the benefit of Oklahoma’s children. The Jari Askins Justice for Children Award is named for The Honorable Jari Askins, who served with distinction in all three branches of Oklahoma state government and, most recently, as the interim president of Cameron University in Lawton. The Askins Award is awarded to someone in the state’s legal community who has done outstanding work in the courts on behalf of Oklahoma’s children. Jon Hansen began his 26-year career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department in November 1973, eventually becoming an Assistant Fire Chief, where he served as the department’s Public Information Officer during the OKC Bombing. Following this, he became the Executive Director for the Council on Firefighter Training (COFT), working with volunteer fire departments across the state prior to his death. This award recognizes a public servant – law enforcement, fire service, or emergency medical service – who has gone beyond in some way to help a child or children. Dr. Dwight Sublett was the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics - Oklahoma Chapter for several years. During his life, he was an extremely accomplished physician working through the pandemic to protect the health of Oklahomans. He received a multitude of distinguished awards, but the highlight of his career was the children he attended, and the countless lives he touched. This award will go to a member of the healthcare field, individual or organization, who has improved the health of the state’s children through an exceptional act or cause. The OICA Volunteer of the Year Award will go to an individual who has given of their time, talents, and treasures to help ensure that OICA is able to perform the mission set out for it by its founders more than 40 years ago: “Creating awareness, taking action, and supporting policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.” The CEO’s Award in Child Advocacy will go to a child advocate whose work does not fit into any category for which specific recognition is given. The award recognizes the tireless efforts of individuals in virtually every profession and area of volunteer service who struggle to make a positive difference in the lives of children. “These awards will allow us to further express our gratitude to those working in different sectors, and who are positively impacting children through their efforts,” said Joe Dorman, chief executive officer of OICA. “We hope this recognition will bring attention to the wonderful advocates who are selected and hopefully provide further encouragement for Oklahomans to do good acts which benefit our children.” Dorman stated that anyone is eligible to nominate a qualifying Oklahoman for any of the awards. “All one has to do is go to our website at oica.org and fill out the nomination form for a suitable nominee,” he said. “Each year, we receive a tremendous group of nominees who embody what is best about Oklahoma. I look forward to seeing the suggestions and presenting those to the OICA awards committee who will determine the recipients.” Nominations will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. Award winners will be determined by OICA’s Board of Directors and announced at the luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 14 during OICA’s annual Fall Forum, a conference where advocates and state officials come together to learn how to be a better champion for children. The conference was established to help develop the annual “Children’s Legislative Agenda” to guide OICA’s policy work at the State Capitol. You can find more details relating to the conference at the OICA website.

Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby Joe Dorman, chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, issued the following statement on the news that Gov. Bill Anotubby of The Chickasaw Nation will retire later this month: “There are few public servants in history with the record of leadership and achievement earned by Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. Having known and worked with Governor Anoatubby for more than two decades, both in my capacity as elected official and with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, I can say that there has not been another public servant more dedicated to serving both his Nation and the state of Oklahoma. “Through Governor Anoatubby’s vision, the positive impact made by the Chickasaw Nation span not only their Nation’s boundaries, but the entire state, across America, and through trading partners around the world. Triumphs such as the First Americans Museum, world-class resorts, billions of dollars of economic impact, and thousands of jobs created for people of the Chickasaw Nation and non-tribal Oklahomans are a testament to his inspirational leadership. “Governor Anoatubby’s wise guidance has had a far-reaching impact well beyond the reservation boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy are grateful for his unswerving support for our programs and all the children of Oklahoma through the good done by the team he has built over his 47 years of elective service. “Gov. Bill Anoatubby has been a true friend to all Oklahomans, and I wish him well in his retirement. Congratulations are also in order to Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby as he assumes leadership over The Chickasaw Nation and carries on his family’s legacy of in service to his people and all who benefit from the Nation.” 

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 .

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. 

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.”

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 .