When a series of investigative reports exposed horrific conditions facing children in Oklahoma’s state system during the 1980s, the outrage sparked more than headlines—it created a movement. Four decades later, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) remains one of the few organizations devoted exclusively to advancing policies that improve the lives of children across the state.
For nearly a decade, former state representative Joe Dorman has led the organization as chief executive officer. Though much has changed since OICA was founded amid the wave of reform sparked by the landmark Terry D. lawsuit, Dorman believes the need for an independent voice for children remains as urgent as ever. “Our mission is raising awareness, taking action, and supporting policy for the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children,” Dorman said. “We’re the only organization out there that solely focuses on child well-being through policy.”
That mission touches nearly every aspect of childhood, from education and foster care to health, safety, and emerging issues involving technology. With approximately one million children in Oklahoma, Dorman argues the organization’s work ultimately affects every child in the state.
OICA’s nonprofit structure is deliberate. The organization does not rely on state appropriations, a choice Dorman says protects its ability to speak freely. “We don’t want to be put into a position where we would lose dollars if we spoke up,” he said. Instead, OICA relies on private donations and foundation support.
Policy priorities are developed through the organization’s annual Fall Forum, a conference open to advocates from across the state. Participants discuss issues, vote on priorities, and help shape the legislative agenda guiding OICA’s work throughout the year. Not every solution requires new laws, Dorman noted. Sometimes meaningful change comes through agency policy adjustments or directing funding to the right programs. Additionally, OICA works alongside youth-serving organizations to ensure that legislation doesn’t inadvertently harm the populations it serves.
For Dorman, advocacy is not simply about lobbying lawmakers. It’s also about empowering ordinary citizens. “So many people are afraid of that building or afraid to talk to a politician,” he said. “If we can help individuals become more comfortable communicating with lawmakers, it’s a win for everyone.” That philosophy has evolved into a series of leadership initiatives designed to cultivate future advocates. OICA’s Advocacy Boot Camp takes cohorts of participants around the state to learn about successful programs while teaching them how government works and how to communicate effectively with elected officials. The goal, Dorman said, is to build a new generation of leaders willing to engage in public life. “We’re building the woodpile and growing it just a little bit more each year,” he said.
Some victories are easy to quantify. OICA recently supported legislation banning child marriage in Oklahoma after being approached by a survivor who had been forced into marriage as a minor. The organization also championed legislation extending foster care support from age 18 to 21 for young adults participating in approved programs.
As technology evolves, so do the issues confronting children. One area of growing concern involves artificial intelligence and the creation of sexually explicit images involving minors. Working with lawmakers, OICA is exploring policies that would criminalize the use of AI to sexualize images of children. Dorman believes policymakers are struggling to keep pace with rapidly developing technology. “AI certainly can be used for wonderful opportunities for humanity,” he said. “But the technology is growing at a more rapid pace than the laws are keeping up with.”
Despite dealing with difficult issues, Dorman says the most fun part of the job is Oklahoma’s Kid Governor program. Fifth graders learn about civics, run campaigns, create videos, and participate in statewide elections. Winners spend the year advocating for issues important to children while learning firsthand how government works.
Ten years after taking a position he never expected to hold, Dorman says the work remains deeply rewarding. Leading a lean organization through fundraising challenges hasn’t always been easy, but he still wakes up believing change is possible. “I’m a realist,” he said. “I know the challenges we face. But I’m also an optimist.”
For Dorman, improving outcomes for Oklahoma children isn’t about politics. It’s about identifying problems, educating people, and bringing people together to be part of the solution. “Bettering the lives of children should not be a party platform,” he said. “It should be something we all work on together.”
This article appears in America At 250.