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You can prevent a crisis of faith in children’s policy
commentary
April 3, 2024
You can prevent a crisis of faith in children’s policy
By Joe Dorman CEO ? OICA,

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eight out of 10 Americans celebrated the Easter holiday Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation. It is a day of great religious significance for the 63% of Americans who classify themselves as Christians, so many more people recognize aspects of the holiday. Easter also is a big donation day for U.S. churches, seeing the year’s highest church attendance rates. Beyond faith-based giving, consumer spending was expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion tied to the holiday.

For Christians, Easter represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s plan for all people. In commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. Easter commemorates Faith in the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life for Christians.

It is important to understand the difference in Faith (in religious beliefs) and faith (belief that outcomes will happen). So, how important is Faith and faith? For those who are believers in religious doctrine, it is the most important part of those teachings. With other things though, a different faith helps keep individuals moving forward toward goals.

The lowercase “faith” is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” So, I will ask you: What do you place faith in with your own lives? It could be a paycheck coming on time, gathering with relatives on a holiday, or simply waking up each day. For nonprofits, we hold faith that we will raise sufficient funds for our work, just like churches hope parishioners provide sufficient tithing. But with faith, work is also needed.

For me, I try my best to have faith in the process of improving lives through the work of elected officials. Obviously, that can be dangerous when relying on individuals who oftentimes have agendas which do not align with my own world view. It is faith that keeps me going to find common ground for the common good.

Just like in religious Faith, a degree of education with the teachings in whatever religious doctrine a person follows is necessary. Similarly, advocates must do their work to convey the message about why a direction is needed with policy. In the world of advocacy, we must have faith that the individuals in power will do what we consider the “right” thing, but much of that comes from education and follow-through. Most people do not show up to church without some type of communication, and similarly, most policymakers do not come to see the best outcomes without shared stories of lived experiences from advocates.

That is why the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) was created four decades ago, to ensure that those measurable outcomes are delivered. That is also why, just like in religion, emissaries must convey the information needed for action.

It takes effort upfront to explain why it is important to have programs which ensure hungry children are fed, that children need health insurance, or why struggling children need educational programs. Advocates are key to helping elected officials gain the knowledge necessary to make the right decisions.

Do I have faith that adequate policies will take care of Oklahoma’s children? Yes, but only because of the positive work of advocates.

If you have a crisis of faith in the action of policymakers, then join OICA in our mission to make Oklahoma better. Go to https://www. oica.org to learn more on how you can help us do more to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s children, because anything less is not enough for our youngest residents. Please help me keep the faith!

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
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5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
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