Oklahoma City, January 14, 2026
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth is opening nominations for the 2026 Parent Leadership Awards, aimed at recognizing parents across the state who actively advocate for children and families. This initiative seeks to honor those making impactful contributions in their communities, fostering deeper ties and encouraging civic engagement. Nominations must be submitted by individuals other than the candidates themselves, with awards to be presented at a ceremony in April.
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) is launching its quest for nominees for the prestigious 2026 Parent Leadership Awards, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and honoring remarkable parents statewide who are committed to advocating for children and families. This recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals dedicated to fostering change within their communities through parental leadership and involvement.
In a landscape where civic participation is paramount, the Parent Leadership Awards highlight the power of parental engagement and volunteerism. Parents are often the driving force behind initiatives that promote community well-being, and the recognition provided by OCCY not only honors their efforts but also galvanizes others to engage in similar behaviors. By elevating family voices and lived experiences, the awards create pathways for deeper community ties and substantive positive changes.
Nomination Details
To ensure a fair and thorough selection process, nominations are made by individuals other than the candidates themselves, fostering a sense of collaborative recognition. Parents, defined by OCCY as caregivers responsible for the holistic well-being of a child’s educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, must demonstrate advocacy and impactful contributions outside their regular work commitments. This definition underscores the evolving role of parents in today’s society as leaders within their own families and broader communities.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated on key criteria that underscore their commitment to promoting family engagement and parent voice. Factors such as their impact within organizations or communities, volunteer service, and their ability to forge diverse partnerships will significantly influence the selection process. This approach not only encourages participation but also recognizes the varied forms of civic involved parents exhibit.
Nomination Deadline and Awards Ceremony
The deadline for submitting completed nominations is set for 5:00 p.m. CST on Monday, February 2, 2026. Awardees will be announced in early April and celebrated at the Oklahoma Child Abuse and Prevention (CAP) Awards Ceremony on April 24, 2026, in the Oklahoma State Capitol. Such ceremonies not only honor individuals but also inspire a culture of appreciation for the efforts that position families at the forefront of community development.
Previous Awardees and Their Impact
The impact of the Parent Leadership Awards can be seen in previous recipients such as Yolanda Galloway from Tulsa, Marques S. Thomas of Garvin County, and Erica Herrera of Oklahoma County, who collectively made significant strides for children and families across the state. Each awardee’s story serves as a testament to the community-driven changes that arise from dedicated parental advocacy.
About OCCY
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of children and families throughout Oklahoma. Through various initiatives and programs, OCCY aims to strengthen community connections and improve the overall quality of life for all Oklahomans. Their commitment to recognizing local leaders fosters an environment where individual initiatives can blossom into broader community enhancements.
Conclusion
The 2026 Parent Leadership Awards represent not only a celebration of parental leadership but also a commitment to fostering improved systems for children and families statewide. With the nomination window now open, it is an excellent opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of dedicated parents who work to create positive community impacts. Whether you know a remarkable parent or just want to be part of a larger movement for change, engaging with the nomination process can make a significant difference.
FAQs
- What are the 2026 Parent Leadership Awards?
- The 2026 Parent Leadership Awards are presented by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) to honor parents across Oklahoma who demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and service within their communities, aiming to recognize those who use their voices and lived experience to improve systems and inspire positive change for children and families.
- Who is eligible to be nominated?
- Nominees must be parents—defined as any caregiver who assumes the responsibility for nurturing and caring for a child’s entire well-being, including educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. They must be nominated by someone other than themselves and contribute to strengthening families and communities outside of their normal work duties.
- What is the deadline for nominations?
- Completed nominations must be submitted through Microsoft Forms by 5:00 p.m. CST on Monday, February 2, 2026.
- When and where will the awards ceremony take place?
- Awards will be presented at the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Oklahoma Child Abuse and Prevention (CAP) Awards Ceremony at the state capitol on April 24, 2026.
- Who can I contact for more information?
- For more information, contact Isabel Rodriguez, Parent Leadership Programs Community Planner, at isabel.rodriguez@occy.ok.gov.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline | 5:00 p.m. CST on Monday, February 2, 2026. |
| Awards Ceremony Date | April 24, 2026. |
| Contact Person | Isabel Rodriguez, Parent Leadership Programs Community Planner. |
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