Every year, the Oklahoma State Legislature makes decisions that directly affect our neighbors and communities—decisions about landlord and tenant laws, funding for mental health services, how Oklahoma responds to homelessness, and more. These decisions are often complex and are sometimes made with limited information.
Unlike many other states, Oklahoma does not include public testimony as part of the legislative process. This makes it especially important to amplify the voices of people who are directly impacted by these policies. Lived experience matters—and sharing those experiences helps lawmakers better understand the real-life impact of their decisions.
Connecting with elected officials at the city, state, or federal level can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Mental Health Association Oklahoma is hosting an Advocacy Training Day designed specifically for individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental illness, eviction, or a combination of these experiences. This training is meant to be supportive, accessible, and empowering—no prior advocacy experience is needed.
Through this free training, participants will learn how to:
- Understand how the legislative process works and when to engage with lawmakers
- Identify which issues are best addressed at the city, county, state, or federal level
- Share their personal story in a way that is clear, confident, and impactful
- Stay involved in MHAOK’s ongoing advocacy efforts
When: Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Where: Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits OKC Headquarters
701 N Lindsay Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
This event is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Please complete the registration form using the link below. If you have questions, contact Amy Coldren, Director of Advocacy and Communication, at acoldren@mhaok.org.