Oklahoma Conference of Churches: Members plan to ‘Advocate for Justice’ at Feb. 29 Capitol Day


OKLAHOMA CITY – The public is invited to attend the 33rd Annual Day at the Legislature (DAL) on Monday, February 29. This year’s event is themed, “Advocating for Justice: Environmental and Criminal.”
Hosted by the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, the morning session will be held at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. in the fourth floor rotunda. Coffee and pastries will be served. The program starts promptly at 9 a.m., in the House Chamber (also on the fourth floor).
“Come together with people of faith from across Oklahoma to learn about the legislative process and advocacy, meet state legislators, and learn strategies to be part of transformative and restorative justice,” said Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee. “Bring members of your congregation to this important day and help us build a more just Oklahoma.”
Free parking is available on the south side of Capitol. Use the southeast entrance.
Keynote speaker Bryan Welch, CEO of B the Change Media, will address the House Chamber beginning at 9 a.m. on Environmental Concerns that face Oklahomans.
Noted rancher, entrepreneur, and publisher, Welch and his wife Carolyn raise organic, grass-fed landrace cattle, sheep, and goats near Lawrence, Kansas. Welch served as the publisher and editorial director of Mother Earth News and leading Ogden Publications for nearly two decades. B The Change Media focuses on business as a force for good in the world.
Terri White, commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be the keynote speaker during the second morning session on Criminal Justice.
“Regular DAL attendees will remember that Ms. White was a captivating speaker at last year’s DAL and we are delighted that not only will she deliver a keynote this year, but that she has also agreed to conduct a workshop in the afternoon,” Tabbernee stated.
Lunch, which includes a deluxe baked potato and salad bar, will be served at 12 noon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 127 N.W. 7th, in downtown Oklahoma City.
At 1:15 p.m., afternoon workshop session #I will commence with various breakout groups.  Session #2 will begin at 2:30 p.m., and a final wrap-up session will be presented in the Cathedral at 3:45 p.m.
Each year OCC sponsors the Day at the Legislature in order to inform Oklahoma citizens about the legislative process and to create a learning environment for those who wish to better serve the state through responsible advocacy.
Registration includes all materials, programs, workshops, and lunch. Adults cost $35 and students are $15. For the complete schedule, visit okchurches.org or call 405-525-2928 for group registration.
On Sunday evening, February 28, a separate event including a Prayer Service, Advocacy Workshop, Social Justice Network meeting and social mixer will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral beginning at 6 p.m.
To attend, a separate registration form with an additional fee of $10 is required.  To register, visit www.okchurches.org and click on “Events and Training” to find the Advocacy Workshop.