Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Wise people have observed that a society can be judged by the way it treats its children. Where children have little value, attention, protection and nurturing, the future cannot be bright. Where children have love, care and learning, the society can hope for better social, economic success with each new generation.

In Oklahoma, nearly 60 percent of our children require child care outside the home for at least some part of the day so their parents can work and support the family. The quality, accessibility and affordability of that care can literally make the difference between a bright future for our state, versus a future in which things never really improve.

Our state government has supported improvements in the quality of child care through licensing, inspections and incentives for child care facilities. It has supported affordability of child care through funding subsidies for low-income working parents. And it has taken steps to improve accessibility by encouraging the establishment of child care facilities that meet the needs of rural families, families with non-traditional work shifts and families of children with special needs. In some ways, Oklahoma has attracted national attention for its innovative programs that encourage early learning environments, both in the home and in licensed child care facilities. But like all states, Oklahoma needs to do even more.

Many of the advances in our state have come about because concerned citizens, parents, child care providers, and business and civic leaders have taken the time to learn about the needs of children and parents and to make these needs known to the policy-makers who are in a position to establish initiatives and approve funds. In a democratic society like ours, it is the small groups who can make a difference? If they are committed to and issue and know what they need and if they are willing to voice their opinions in the right way to the right people. At the very least, use your vote!

This site offers information to help you make your case - to help you speak up for children.

• For information about voter registration, click here:
  http://www.elections.state.ok.us/voterreg.html
• To find your legislator, use the link below: http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/default.aspx
• The Legislative Calendar
  The Oklahoma Legislature meets every year from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May.

  During these 4 months...

  • Monday through Thursday - Legislators are at the State Capitol
  • Fridays - Legislators are in their home districts

  Use the following links to find out more about their schedules:
  Oklahoma State House calendar and the Oklahoma State Senate schedule

• Contact your legislator Your phone call, letter or visit makes a difference! State legislators say it only takes about 5 letters or phone calls to get their attention on an issue. And, on average, you only need 5 to 10 legislators backing your issue to pass a bill out of committee or kill it.
  • You can call your legislator on the phone
  • You can write a letter then mail, fax or email it.
  • You can visit and deliver a 90-second speech and/or leave a fact sheet.
• For definitions of legislative and advocacy terms, use our Glossary.
• For more tips on speaking up for children, see Effective Advocacy.
• For additional helpful information on line, see our Links.