The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has issued a renewed call for public support as it prepares for the 2026 legislative session, highlighting funding pressures, ongoing child-welfare concerns and the need to strengthen policy engagement across the state. The organisation has also launched the final stage of its annual calendar-fundraiser campaign, a longstanding initiative used to support its advocacy work at local, state and national levels.
OICA confirmed that its offices will close at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 26 November, reopening at 9 a.m. on Monday, 1 December, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The closure announcement accompanied a broader update to supporters detailing the organisation’s end-of-year activities and priorities.
Final Appeal for 2026 Desk Calendar Sponsorships
One of its key appeals centres on the 2026 OICA Desk Calendar, a project allowing donors to purchase sponsorship of specific dates. The organisation said fewer than seven days remain to secure personalised pages for next year’s edition, with notable holidays including Easter, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas still available.
OICA emphasised the urgency of the fundraiser, noting that “preventative work through advocacy is that much harder to elevate” when public attention and philanthropic investment are increasingly directed toward frontline services such as food pantries and infant-care programmes.
The organisation added that data collected through its calendar initiative support year-round policy efforts and play a measurable role in “deliver[ing] policy wins for children.” Discounts are available for multiple-page sponsorships, and OICA also encouraged supporters unable to purchase a date to consider a smaller end-of-year donation.
Switzers Recognised as Sponsors of the Week
In its weekly update, OICA named Barry and Becky Switzer as its Sponsors of the Week, recognising the couple’s longstanding contribution to child advocacy and community initiatives across Oklahoma. Barry Switzer—one of the most decorated coaches in American football—received the OICA Kate Barnard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 for his work in mentoring and public service.
His wife, Becky, a former gymnast and coach, has led numerous nonprofit and community programmes focused on child welfare and family empowerment. The pair co-founded the Ground Zero Emergency Training Center, which provides search-and-rescue training and canine resources to first responders across Oklahoma.
Concerns Over Literacy Reform and Reading Outcomes
OICA also drew attention to its policy priorities through the weekly “For the Children” column by chief executive officer Joe Dorman. Addressing persistent challenges in early-years education, Dorman criticised Oklahoma’s low performance in reading-comprehension rankings for primary-aged pupils.
He highlighted the passage of Senate Bill 362—the Strong Readers Act—which removed the “good-cause exemption” for pupils unable to demonstrate reading proficiency by third grade. Dorman noted that policymakers are looking to Mississippi’s recent literacy improvements, often termed the “Mississippi Miracle,” as a potential model.
“Other contributing factors include using literacy coaches, mandating reading screenings, focusing on high expectations and student progress, and a necessity for providing opportunities to succeed – all which cost money,” he wrote.
Legislative Agenda and Upcoming Deadlines
Further legislative analysis was provided by OICA policy director Greg Sawyer, who outlined upcoming bill-drafting deadlines and highlighted the organisation’s newly released 2026 Legislative Agenda. Distributed to members of the Oklahoma Legislature last week, the agenda urges lawmakers to prioritise children’s issues during the forthcoming session.
Sawyer encouraged advocates to contact their representatives, emphasising Oklahoma’s national ranking of 46th for overall child wellbeing. He also offered a detailed history of Thanksgiving observances in the United States, tracing the holiday’s evolution to its establishment as a federal observance in 1941.
Recent Media Coverage Highlights Ongoing Child-Welfare Challenges
OICA highlighted several recent child-welfare news stories, including concerns over conditions at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center in Tecumseh, where Chief J.R. Kidney said: “My two concerns are I want those employees to be safe and be able to go to work safely, and I want my community to remain safe.”
Other updates referenced ongoing issues in maternal and infant health, a new state programme embedding social workers in schools, continued pressure on food banks despite restored SNAP benefits, and the rise of respiratory illness activity ahead of winter.
Partner Announcements and Closing Quote
The organisation also promoted partner initiatives, including the Oklahoma Bar Association’s annual Law Day art and writing competition for young people. The update concluded with a quote from The West Wing: “They made it to the new world, Josh. And you know what I get to do now? I get to proclaim the national day of Thanksgiving. This is a great job.”
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