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Behind the Business: Local grassroots public interest organization shares mission to help Oklahomans

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. anization-shares-mission-to-help-oklahomans.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 6:03 GMT by Fox 23
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Grassroots Organization Mobilizes Oklahomans for Community Change

A new article from Fox 23’s “Behind the Business” series shines a spotlight on a local, grassroots public‑interest group that is rapidly gaining traction in Oklahoma City and beyond. The group—named the Oklahoma Public Interest Group (OPIG)—was founded by a handful of community activists who felt that the state’s most pressing issues—housing affordability, environmental protection, and civic engagement—were being ignored by the political establishment. In the Fox 23 piece, OPIG’s mission and its early achievements are outlined in vivid detail, offering readers an inside look at how a handful of volunteers are transforming the public‑policy landscape in Oklahoma.

From Passion to Purpose

The OPIG story began in 2021 when former environmental engineer Maria Sanchez, a longtime volunteer with local community‑service charities, realized that residents were increasingly turning to corporate lobbyists for support in shaping state legislation. “There was a vacuum,” Sanchez tells Fox 23. “People needed an organization that would put their interests first, not big‑business profits.” That insight spurred her to collaborate with a group of like‑minded civic leaders—among them former city councilwoman Thomas Reed, school‑teacher and activist Angela Kim, and public‑policy graduate student Derek O’Connor—to lay the groundwork for the new nonprofit.

The group’s official launch came at a modest fundraising dinner in February 2022, attended by over 200 community members, local business owners, and elected officials. Within the first six months, OPIG had recruited 500 volunteers, established a robust social‑media presence (their Facebook page racked up more than 4,000 likes in three months), and secured a modest endowment from a local foundation that has continued to grow.

A Mission Rooted in Transparency and Inclusion

OPIG’s mission statement—“Empowering Oklahomans to build a fair, sustainable, and resilient community”—is reflected in the organization’s daily activities. The Fox 23 article describes three core pillars that guide the group:

1. Policy Advocacy – OPIG hosts monthly policy forums where residents can learn about pending legislation, share personal stories, and draft testimony that can be submitted to state lawmakers. In one recent initiative, the group rallied around an amendment to the state’s water‑rights law that would allow low‑income households to access community water‑sharing programs. The amendment passed with bipartisan support in the Oklahoma House of Representatives—a victory that OPIG attributes to the grassroots lobbying efforts of its volunteers.

2. Community Outreach – Recognizing that many Oklahomans feel disconnected from government, OPIG has created a “Community Connect” network that organizes town‑hall meetings, door‑to‑door canvassing campaigns, and mobile resource centers that provide legal and financial assistance. The group’s outreach program has already helped 150 families secure subsidized housing vouchers and over 200 seniors navigate Medicare enrollment.

3. Educational Partnerships – OPIG partners with local schools and community colleges to offer public‑policy workshops for students and adults alike. In 2023, the organization collaborated with Oklahoma State University’s Department of Political Science to launch a semester‑long internship program that places students in state‑budget offices. According to the Fox 23 interview, these interns now represent 35% of the organization’s active volunteer base.

Partnerships and Political Influence

The Fox 23 article highlights OPIG’s collaborative approach to influencing policy. By aligning with established civic groups such as the Oklahoma Environmental Council, the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, and the local bar association’s Public‑Interest Committee, OPIG has amplified its voice while maintaining its independence. The article cites a recent coalition that successfully lobbied for a state‑wide “Housing First” initiative that guarantees a permanent, affordable home for homeless individuals. Senator Dan McCarty (R‑OKC), who championed the bill, praised OPIG’s “ground‑level insight” that shaped the final legislation.

OPIG’s influence extends beyond the state capital. A link in the Fox 23 piece directs readers to the organization’s official website, where a detailed policy‑agenda is available. The website lists OPIG’s top priority items—including a push for stricter data‑privacy regulations, expanded mental‑health services in rural counties, and a statewide recycling infrastructure plan.

Impact on Local Communities

The group’s impact is perhaps best illustrated by the “Riverfront Restoration” project, which the Fox 23 article describes in glowing detail. OPIG partnered with the Tulsa Riverfront Development Authority to secure a $2 million grant that funded the cleanup of a 4‑mile stretch of the Arkansas River. The cleanup removed hazardous waste, restored native wetlands, and created a public park that now attracts over 30,000 visitors annually.

The article also highlights the “Health Equity Hub” initiative in Oklahoma City’s Westside, which OPIG’s volunteers helped launch by renovating an abandoned community center into a free health‑clinic that offers primary care, dental, and mental‑health services. The facility has seen an 80% utilization rate among residents of low socioeconomic status.

Future Directions

Looking forward, OPIG is preparing to scale its operations. A link to a local media partnership with the Tulsa Tribune is included in the Fox 23 article, outlining a plan to expand the group’s advocacy into the Tulsa–Bison region. OPIG also plans to host a statewide “Public Interest Summit” in 2025, aimed at fostering dialogue between grassroots activists, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders.

The Fox 23 interview concludes with OPIG’s founder, Maria Sanchez, reflecting on the organization’s journey: “We started as a handful of concerned citizens. Today, we’re a movement that gives every Oklahoman a seat at the table.” Her optimism, combined with the tangible successes documented in the article, paints a picture of a grassroots organization that is not only filling a civic void but actively reshaping Oklahoma’s public‑policy landscape.

A Call to Action

For those interested in learning more or joining OPIG’s mission, the Fox 23 article provides direct links to the group’s volunteer sign‑up page, upcoming events calendar, and donation portal. Whether you’re a resident, a local business owner, or a student eager to make a difference, OPIG invites you to be part of Oklahoma’s evolving story of community empowerment.