About Oklahoma Kids Count Leadership

Leaders Build Relationships
Members of each Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Leadership Class work locally and across the state with others who are interested in improving the lives of Oklahoma’s children and youth. Leaders have the opportunity to network with policy makers, community leaders, social service providers and concerned citizens.

Leaders Help Solve Problems
One tenet of KIDS COUNT is that local people solve local problems. Each
Leader receives technical assistance and leadership training to support them in their role as a resource person on children and youth issues. Individuals who are a part of KIDS COUNT guide their own communities toward creating a better life for children and youth.

Leaders Work For Children And Youth
Children and youth are our voiceless, voteless citizens. KIDS COUNT Leaders elevate public awareness of pertinent issues on behalf of children and youth. Through media releases and events, community meetings, Child Watch Visits, Round Table discussions and other publicity activities, Leaders generate public interest and provide helpful information on issues important to children and youth.

Leaders Make A Difference
They are Leaders who care about children and youth. They lead others to the cause. The work that they do lifts them up as role models to all members of the community. Through Oklahoma KIDS COUNT, they have the resources, connections and support to improve the lives of children and youth.

Individuals from all racial, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, professional and political backgrounds, from high school age to senior citizens are encouraged to apply.

KIDS COUNT Leaders must be available to attend the KIDS COUNT Advocacy Camp which is held the first Friday and Saturday in August.

The year-round application process for Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Leadership is easy! Applications must be received by the third Monday in June for the next consecutive class. Please contact Ann Patterson Salazar at 405/236-5437 extension 106, or [email protected], if you have any questions, or go to www.oica.org to download an application.

Kids Count Leaders

Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Leaders are trained in the areas of legislative and grassroots advocacy, communicating children’s issues and community organizing. KIDS COUNT Leaders are available for group presentations and individual meetings.

KIDS COUNT Leaders are chosen annually through an application process. (A description of the Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Leadership program and the application process can be found above.)