Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award Program

The Oklahoma Parent Leadership Awards celebrates parents across Oklahoma who are making a positive difference for children and families through volunteerism, advocacy, and community leadership. Hosted by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) and the Parent Partnership Board, these awards honor parents whose lived experience, dedication, and leadership help strengthen communities and create meaningful change.  

Communicate and Collaborate Effectively within the Community

• Help to Build a Respectful and Inclusive Community
• Speak up for Every Child (Advocacy)
• Sharing Information within the Community (Resources)
• Empowering Families to Support their Own and Other Children’s Success
• Offer, Provide, and Help with Concrete Support for Families (Food, Housing, Clothing, Healthcare, Childcare, etc.)

Eligibility to be considered for the award, nominees must: 

• Be a parent- defined as any caregiver who assumes the responsibility for nurturing and caring for a child’s entire well-being, consisting of educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health
• Be nominated by someone other than self
• Contribute to strengthening families and communities outside of normal work duties  

Selection of awardees is based on the following criteria and will be evaluated by members of the OCCY PPB and staff, Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) staff, and partner agencies/service providers from across the state. Awardees will be determined solely by nominations.

• Leadership and dedication to promote family engagement and parent voice
• Impact in an organization, community, or at the state level while serving as a volunteer
• Diverse collaborations and strategic partnerships

A maximum of three parent leaders will be selected each year. Awardees, along with their nominators, will be notified of recognition in early April 2026 and honored at the OSDH Oklahoma Child Abuse and Prevention (CAP) Awards Ceremony at the state capitol on April 24, 2026.

Nominate a Parent Leader at oklahoma.gov/occy/pla2026

Completed nominations must be submitted through Microsoft Forms by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 02, 2026.

For more information and/or questions, contact Isabel Rodriguez, parent leadership programs community planner at isabel.rodriguez@occy.ok.gov.