OKLAHOMA CITY – Elections are often exciting, inspiring, and even traumatic. For those who win, they begin a new chapter of their lives, working to make a difference for the people they serve. For those on the short end of the final total, there is a sense of frustration of what more could have been done to effectively communicate the message to win votes.

This year’s election was one in which there were strong feelings on both sides, with enthusiastic Oklahomans truly believing their direction was the right pathway for a better tomorrow. On either side, no matter how you feel in the aftermath of Tuesday’s elections, the work of advocates continues far beyond just that one day. In fact, it is arguably an effort that happens 365 days a year; and that is why we want to hear your thoughts for what will help Oklahoma’s children.

Each year, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) assembles advocates from across the state at this conference to discuss the needs of Oklahoma’s children. At Fall Forum, advocates begin the promise of better outcomes for Oklahoma’s children through policy. It is here that we develop recommendations in the form of the “Children’s Legislative Agenda” which will be presented to the new Legislature and the governor before the 2025 session.

We expect to have a robust conversation about many issues, and we know the networking through this conference will help advocates build stronger alliances as we work together to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s youth.

This year’s Fall Forum is slated for an online session on Thursday, November 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and then meeting together on Tuesday, November 19 through Thursday, November 21 at The Ellison Hotel in Oklahoma City. You can go to our website at oica.org to see the jam-packed agenda with agency directors speaking, programs promoting their work, and a health dialogue held for policy.

During the online session, participants will lay out the framework of the agenda through a conversation which will be discussed during the in-person meeting the next week. Once registered, participants will be sent the link to use. While it is good to participate in the online session, it is not necessary to attend the remainder of Fall Forum.

Most pundits are expecting that the next Legislature will take place during a challenging two years for children’s policy, with deeper tax cuts, frozen spending, and restructuring of state programs already being discussed. There will also be many new lawmakers and an entire turnover in the legislative leadership, along with Governor Kevin Stitt’s final two years coming up. We need your input, experience, and wisdom as we craft this agenda and move it forward to help policymakers shape ideas into law.

It is important to remember that lawmakers are our servant leaders coming from many backgrounds, so we have a responsibility to help them better understand the importance of children’s issues. Children rarely have a voice regarding policy, which is why OICA was created and the reason we continue our mission. Children also have passionate Oklahomans who care deeply about our children’s collective futures, and OICA attempts to bring them together. That is why it is so important for us to gather at Fall Forum to discuss which issues should be the focus of policymaking.

To register for Fall Forum, the cost is a very reasonable $100 to attend. Please go to https://www.oica. org/events to register and there are room reservations still available at the Ellison should you want to stay overnight. If you or your organization is already an OICA member, a complimentary conference registration is included in your annual dues.

Please join together and add your voice to the conversation!