Announcing the launch of No Hate in the Heartland, a campaign addressing discrimination through a moral lens.
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Following the release of the new OCC Theological Statement on
Race and Anti-Discrimination, we're embarking on an ongoing initiative called "No Hate in the Heartland." We'll continue to add new content throughout the year and beyond.
The statement begins:
We believe in the equality and equity of all God’s children, without exception, and that no person should experience discrimination regardless of their sex, religion, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, gender identity/gender expression, ability, or socio-economic status. We will advocate for the rights of every person to live as they are, to the point that it does not affect another’s rights to live as they are. We affirm that all people are beloved by God, and should be treated as such, in cohesion with the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
OCC seeks to empower faith communities and people of faith to live out this statement with the "No Hate" campaign. We will offer digital content surrounding the work to prevent hate in Oklahoma, and to help Oklahomans engage with one another as people of faith based in morality for the absolute love of neighbor.
We're so excited to continue this important work with all of you!
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You watched the conversation between Rev. Fleck and Rev. Dr. Robert Turner about the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial from back in August. In this latest video, they revisit their discussion to reflect on the tumultuous events of the last few months. |
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Update conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner of
Historic Vernon A.M.E. Church
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You can now register for White Privilege: Let's Talk, an adult curriculum that's designed to invite participants to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive, and bold conversations on race. Space is extremely limited, so if it's filled up, keep an eye on the newsletter and social media for our next offering. We will likely offer another session over the summer.
Scholarships are available; please email okchurches@okchurches.org for details.
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"No Hate" merch now available!
It's here! Many of you have asked for No Hate merchandise to proclaim this message loud and proud, and we're thrilled to now offer a WIDE variety of products with the No Hate message through our Redbubble shop. We want everyone to know that there are Oklahomans of faith who will not stand for discrimination or hatred toward any of our neighbors.
There are six designs - click "Shop all products" to see what products are available under each design. They have everything from mugs to phone cases to pillows! Let us know if there are other designs or products you want to see.
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Micro-Grant Opportunity - Apply Now! |
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OCC is still accepting inquiries for a micro-grant opportunity to help faith communities provide support for opioid and stimulant prevention and recovery. Ministry options could include prevention efforts, educational work, or addiction recovery.
Want to know more about this issue? Our virtual conference is designed for you to go through at your own pace, at your own convenience. We hope you will return to revisit some of the material, and that you share this information with your networks.
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Would your faith community benefit from the Strengthening Families program? |
This spring, OCC is working with ODMHSAS to bring the Strengthening Families program to Oklahoma churches. This evidence-based curriculum gives families tools to implement at home, and has shown amazing outcomes in improving communication, bonding, and other parenting skills, as well as providing coping skills to prevent suicide and substance abuse.
If your church is interested in being a host site at no cost to you, contact us!
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Sign up for Advocacy Alerts |
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Want to get updates about opportunities to engage in advocacy with OCC?
Click here to stay informed!
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Spread the Word About the EITC
The year is 2021 and everyone is an influencer for their community. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the nation's largest anti-poverty opportunities, but millions of families are missing out because they don't know about it. Spread the word to friends, family and neighbors so that more working families can claim their free, hard-earned, money. Find out more at OKCTaxHelp.org.
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Rev. Fleck will be a panelist in this discussion on The Separation of Church and Race: Can Communities of Faith Close the Divide? This promises to be a lively discussion. Check it out on Our Work's Facebook page.
Our Work, LLC is a collective of highly trained women working on the topics of race, racial trauma, employee engagement, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
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Catalyst Cookies is a social enterprise program of ReMerge, a diversion program for high-risk, high-need women, who have minor children. Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience with managing a cookie enterprise, Catalyst Cookies helps participants gain essential job skills that are in demand by Oklahoma employers. When you buy Catalyst Cookies, you are not just getting sweet treats, you are investing directly in a ReMerge mother’s job skill development, sense of purpose, and future career success. |
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Freedom City in need of donations
Freedom City opened a Remote Learning Center in 2020 in response to OKC Public Schools going virtual for the 2020-2021 school year. Their Remote Learning Center provides students support for virtual schoolwork, breakfast, lunch, and snacks, reading and math tutoring, and mentoring. They are currently in need of donations for snacks, books, general donations to support programming, and volunteer reading tutors, math tutors, and mentors.
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Free Suicide Prevention Training |
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Most people are surprised to learn that they’re much more likely to encounter someone who’s thinking about suicide than someone who needs CPR, and that suicide is preventable. With the right skills, anyone can help save a life. In as little as one hour online, this interactive training program will give you the skills and knowledge to keep family, friends, co-workers, and others safe from suicide.
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Vigil for Immigration Justice |
In the meantime, consider this report released by New American Economy in partnership with the City of Tulsa, which highlights how immigrants are both essential to Tulsa’s rapid response efforts and especially vulnerable due to gaps in our federal relief package, language access barriers, and increased risks of infection associated with frontline and essential work.
To receive more information about this important coalition or the in-person vigil, email Rev. Lori Walke.
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Help us reach our goal of adding 5 monthly, recurring givers each month.
Gifts of any size help support and sustain OCC.
Recurring givers will get a "No Hate" sticker as a small thank you for supporting OCC!
Click below to start your monthly gift of $10, $20, or $40.
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Follow OCC on Social Media |
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301 N.W. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-2928
The Rev. Shannon Fleck
Executive Director
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Your gift is tax deductible. OCC is a 501(c)(3) organization. |
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The Oklahoma Conference of Churches connects, motivates, and empowers the witness of communities of faith and individuals throughout Oklahoma on issues of faith, care, and social justice. |
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