For The Children Weekly Column

OICA Legislative Learning Lab Prepares Advocates to Engage Lawmakers

December 13, 2021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – “For the Children” Weekly Column

Contact: Joe Dorman, CEO – Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

Telephone: (405) 833-1117

The first deadline for the 2022 session of the Oklahoma Legislature reached on Friday of this past week. That was the deadline by which lawmakers were required to turn in prospective ideas for the myriad bills they expect to introduce for the next session.

The 2022 session begins on February 7 as state senators and representatives return to the State Capitol to begin their annual work on behalf of the people of Oklahoma. As a former lawmaker myself, I can let you know one fact: they cannot do it alone. Lawmakers need our help, and they need to hear our voices as they wade through the hundreds of bills – some good and some bad – they will consider. 

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has worked with several lawmakers to bring forth legislation on the ideas presented at our annual Fall Forum. We are extraordinarily appreciative to those policymakers who have been willing to work with our advocates and us to present changes to state law to improve the lives of children. 

I want to encourage you to get creative with finding solutions. We need fresh and innovative ideas to improve the conditions and circumstances facing Oklahoma families. But, an idea is just that unless it is moved into action. To do that, we need advocates who are well prepared to communicate with our elected officials.

Far too many are unaware of how to begin shaping ideas for potential new laws and then work to put those ideas into action. Here is where you can learn how to best help and communicate with those elected to work for us. I want to extend the invitation to attend the 2022 OICA Legislative Learning Lab.

The Legislative Learning Lab is a four-day conference that will assemble some of the foremost experts in governing, history, and the intricate nuances of the legislative process. This year, we will present the first three days on Zoom for people to participate from the comfort of their homes and offices. For the final day, participants will either attend in-person in Oklahoma City or continue participation on Zoom.

Among the classes that will be presented is an introduction to state government, reading legislation, understanding the terms, and looking at our state’s rich political history. 

To sign up for the program, go to https://oica.org/event/2022-legislative-learning-lab/ to register. The cost for virtual attendance is $25 for the four days, or $50 to participate over the first three days online and attend in person on the final day. 

The Legislative Learning Lab will help any advocate be a more effective part of the solution. As an informed advocate, you will effectively communicate with lawmakers with confidence, possessing a solid knowledge base on the issues and legislative process. Would you please take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity? We hope to see you there!

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Email: jdorman@oica.org