3 20 636 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/69ffbd3173a19891e4e35ec57b1a1985.pdf ba216b5df64947e913e202bd9852526f Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY Finance Report June 2024 unaudited Oklahoman's [sic] for Equality Cash Position As of June 2024 Current Cash Balance $ 513,427 Accounts Receivable - (Less: Restricted Grants/Funds) (5,780) (Less: Affiliate/Chapters) (5,958) Available Unrestricted Funds $ 501,689 Restricted Grants/Funds As of June 2024 Balance Grant/Activity Name SAGE USA 612.73 History Project Coordinator 2,880.01 Rainbow Library 294.47 Van Insurance 1,953.00 SAGE-Support Group 40.00 Total Restricted Grants 5,780 Affiliate Balances As of June 2024 Group Name Balance Green Country Bears 640.21 SEQ McAlester Chapter 1,793.83 Tulsa2Spirit Society 3,523.89 Total Affiliates/Chapters 5,957.93 Oklahoman's for Equality Budget vs Actual October 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Budget Actual Revenue Grant Revenue 266,000 249,700 Contributions 277,600 269,628 Clinic Services 70,000 52,934 Pride Store (Net) 10,000 7,448 Bar/Concession (Net) 20,000 11,915 Art Gallery 500 95 Event/Shows Ticket Sales 25,000 7,565 Event/Kitchen Rental 25,000 23,220 EBA/OKEQ Memberships 10,000 6,014 Equality Gala 350,000 417,105 Pride Festival & Bingo 15,000 12,246 Misc Income - 10 Investment Income - - Total Revenue 1,069,100 1,057,879 Expenditures Salaries & Wages 350,000 281,783 Payroll Taxes and Benefits 50,000 56,099 IT Software/Equipment 30,000 18,785 Accounting & Legal Fees 26,400 18,350 Audt & 990 Fees 6,600 5,800 HR Consultant 9,000 6,750 Other Contract Services 28,750 15,149 Storage 5,000 3,313 Insurance-Liability & Cyber 8,000 5,291 Insurance-D&O 2,200 1,738 Insurance-Workers Comp 2,500 2,655 Insurance-Property 12,000 8,036 Insurance-Clinic 1,500 811 Insurance-Van 3,000 2,034 Utilities/Phone 43,000 22,413 Office expenses 20,000 25,701 Cleaning & supplies 26,000 15,828 Repairs & Maintenance 30,000 26,777 Oklahoman's for Equality Budget vs Actual October 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Budget Actual Expenditures Cont. Business Licenses & Permits 13,500 6,723 Memberships and Subscriptions 1,000 1,198 Marketing and Advertising 2,500 85 Security (excluding Pride) 20,000 15,718 Clinic Supplies & Lab 15,875 8,997 Other Program Expenses 5,000 1,247 Library Materials 1,200 1,361 Event Expenses (excl Pride and G 25,000 8,009 Non-Cap Equipment 3,000 3,180 Vehicle Expenses 1,500 124 Meals & Entertainment 5,000 3,158 Travel 3,000 2,879 Transaction Fees (excl Pride and G 16,000 11,052 Bank Fees & Charges 1,625 1,209 Gala Expenses 125,000 66,755 Pride Festival & Bingo - 2,538 Total Expenditures 893,150 651,543 Release of Restriction to Gala (25,000) Net Revenue over Expenses 175,950 381,336 Oklahoman's for Equality Gala 2024 As of 06/30/24 Actual Revenue Sponsorships 364,750 Contributions 29,055 Tickets 23,300 Raffle - Auction - Live Ask - Total Revenue 417,105 Expenditures Cox Business 48,001 IT Costs 1,200 Printing 6,350 Advertising/Marketing - Entertainers - Other Event Costs 7,321 Transaction Fees 3,883 Total Expenditures 66,755 Revenue over Expenses 350,350 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] OKEQ June 2024 Unaudited Finance Report Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality Finance Report for June 2024, Unaudited Description An account of the resource 5 pages of the Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) finance report for the month of June 2024. Includes the organization's cash position, restricted grants/funds, affiliate balances, budget vs. actual, and Equality Gala revenue over expenses. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 30, 2024 2024 budget budgeting Equality Gala Equality Gala 2024 Financial financial reports gala grants OkEq OKEQ financials Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) https://history.okeq.org/files/original/733d98a328ae3b423369c8c3e911e246.pdf 75cd536c6ac433fa28264c1141a38f7d Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Board of Directors .............................................................................................................................. 3 Independent Auditor’s Report ......................................................................................................... 4-5 Financial Statements Statement of Financial Position ............................................................................................ 6 Statement of Activities ......................................................................................................... 7 Statement of Functional Expenses ........................................................................................ 8 Statement of Cash Flows....................................................................................................... 9 Notes to the Financial Statements ................................................................................. 10-15 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Eric Wilson President Bob Hanson Vice-President Julie Chase Treasurer Whitney Cipolla Secretary Liz Ortiz Member Eddie Carreno Member Claire Combs Member Kaylyn Compton Member Julia Fletcher Member Kylie Vanderslice Member Crista Patrick Member Paula Shannon Member Monique Washington Member Zoe Brett Member Kristy Vann Member at large 3 OBER & LITTLEFIELD Certified Public Accountants, PLLC 124 S. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma 74354 22 South Adair, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 918-542-4401 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Senior Management and Board of Directors Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Tulsa, Oklahoma OPINION We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statement of financial position as of September 30, 2023, and the related statements of activities, statement of functional expenses, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. as of September 30, 2023, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. BASIS FOR OPINION We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.'s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements. 4 To the Board of Directors Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Page 2 In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:  Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.  Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit. [Ober & Littlefield's signature] OBER & LITTLEFIELD Certified Public Accountants, PLLC Miami, Oklahoma December 22, 2023 5 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 80,446.42 Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 97,766.15 Investments held by others 43,994.38 Promises to give 22,690.07 Inventory 13,004.85 Prepaid insurance 19,590.23 Total Current Assets 277,492.10 Noncurrent Assets: Furniture and Fixtures 134,098.46 Buildings and Improvements 2,013,376.54 Computers and Software 15,080.30 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (944,137.42) Total Noncurrent Assets 1,218,417.88 Total Assets $ 1,495,909.98 Liabilities Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 27,000.36 Accrued expenses 32,186.42 Deferred revenue 1,723.75 Payroll tax payable 856.31 Total Liabilities 61,766.84 Net Assets Net assets without donor restrictions 1,336,376.99 Net assets with donor restrictions 97,766.15 Total Net Assets 1,434,143.14 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 1,495,909.98 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Without Donor Restriction With Donor Restriction Total Revenues, gains, and other support Support: Grants - federal and state $ 20,275.00 $ - $ 20,275.00 Grants 284,422.57 25,500.00 309,922.57 Contributions 213,182.27 163,300.41 376,482.68 Membership income 18,891.05 - 18,891.05 Sponsorship 184,589.10 - 184,589.10 Other Income 293,140.47 - 293,140.47 Total Support 1,014,500.46 188,800.41 1,203,300.87 Net assets released from restrictions 191,619.00 (191,619.00) - Total support 1,206,119.46 (2,818.59) 1,203,300.87 Revenues and gains/(losses): Unrealized gain/(loss) on investment 2,462.20 - 2,462.20 Total revenue and gains/(losses) 2,462.20 - 2,462.20 Total revenues, gains/(losses), and other support 1,208,581.66 (2,818.59) 1,205,763.07 EXPENSES: Program Services 792,989.54 - 792,989.54 Support Services: Fundraising 48,454.12 - 48,454.12 Support Services: General and Administrative 345,035.04 - 345,035.04 Total expenses 1,186,478.70 - 1,186,478.70 Increase (decrease) in net assets 22,102.96 (2,818.59) 19,284.37 Net assets, beginning of year 1,314,274.03 100,584.74 1,414,858.77 Net assets, end of year 1,336,376.99 $ 97,766.15 $ 1,434,143.14 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Program Fundraising General & Admin Total Advertising $ 893.20 $ 2,676.00 $ 731.00 $ 4,300.20 Bank Fees 12,184.15 5,373.62 2,333.28 19,891.05 Chapter and Affiliate Expense 59,601.61 - - 59,601.61 Computer and Software 7,728.71 5,546.20 710.02 13,984.93 Contracted Services 33,892.50 3,813.75 11,419.25 49,125.50 Cost of Goods Sold 34,681.62 - - 34,681.62 Dues, Fees and Registrations 5,057.37 - 3,906.63 8,964.00 Employee benefits 7,563.47 1,747.68 1,537.53 10,848.68 Event expense 101,344.65 2,668.97 - 104,013.62 Insurance 16,561.48 - 24,184.68 40,746.16 Interest Expense - - 70.99 70.99 Lab Services 12,056.75 - - 12,056.75 Meals 1,995.94 - 2,254.65 4,250.59 Miscellaneous 877.31 - 2,565.07 3,442.38 Office/Postage Expense 1,691.66 - 796.93 2,488.59 Payroll tax expense 15,858.58 1,381.76 9,226.83 26,467.17 Performance Expense 46,093.70 - - 46,093.70 Printing/Copying Expense 4,210.95 897.89 1,332.13 6,440.97 Professional Services 25,769.75 370.00 81,788.65 107,928.40 Rental Expense 2,800.91 - - 2,800.91 Repairs and Maintenance 15,261.29 - 12,123.08 27,384.37 Salaries and Wages 209,012.54 18,204.98 121,565.61 348,783.13 Security 61,080.00 - 2,185.85 63,265.85 Staff and Board Development - 495.00 - 495.00 Supplies 18,979.31 5,278.27 10,023.26 34,280.84 Travel Expense 1,930.50 - 2,291.71 4,222.21 Utilities Expense 31,681.33 - 12,207.52 43,888.85 Total Expenses Before Depreciation 728,809.28 48,454.12 303,254.67 1,080,518.07 Depreciation 64,180.26 - 41,780.37 105,960.63 Total Expenses $ 792,989.54 $ 48,454.12 $ 345,035.04 $ 1,186,478.70 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 8 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Cash flows from operating activities Change in net assets $ 19,284.37 Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation expense 105,960.63 Unrealized gain on investments (2,444.51) (Increase)/decrease in operating assets: Promises to give (22,690.07) Inventory 2,696.63 Prepaid expenses (19,590.23) Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses 19,053.41 Unearned revenue 1,723.75 Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities 103,993.98 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property and equipment (24,021.91) Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities (24,021.91) Net increase/(decrease) in cash 79,972.07 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 98,240.50 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 178,212.57 $ Reconciliation to statement of financial position: Cash and cash equivalents $ 80,446.42 Restricted cash 97,766.15 $ 178,212.57 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 9 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 1 – Nature of the Organization The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (the “Organization”), is an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, incorporated on November 20th, 2006. Oklahomans for Equality, Inc., formerly known as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), have served the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community since the organization was founded in 1980. The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. seeks equal rights for LGBT individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Accounting – The financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly, revenue is recorded when earned, and expenses are recorded when incurred. The financial statements are presented in accordance with authoritative accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. As such, the standards require contributions to be recognized as revenue when they are received, or unconditionally pledged, and net assets to be classified as net assets with donor restrictions or net assets without donor restrictions, depending on the limitations placed on the contributions when received. Income Taxes – The Organization is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, no provision has been made for federal or state income taxes. In addition, the Organization has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service not to be a private foundation, within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Organization’s Forms 990, Organization Exempt from Income Tax, for the years ending 2020, 2021, and 2022 are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they were filed. Estimates – The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates, and assumptions, that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include all monies in banks, and highly liquid investments, with maturity dates of less than twelve months. The carrying value of cash, and cash equivalents, approximates fair value because of the short maturities of those financial instruments. Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk – Financial instruments that potentially expose the Organization to concentrations of credit, and market risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and investments. Cash equivalents are maintained at high-quality financial institutions, and credit risk exposure is limited at any one institution. The Organization has not experienced any losses on its cash equivalents. Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost. The Organization capitalizes assets with a cost greater than $2,500. Betterments and renewals are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives: Building and improvements 40 years Equipment 3-10 years Vehicles 3 years 10 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (continued) Classification of Net Assets - Net assets of the Organization shall be classified based upon the existence, or absence, of donor-imposed restrictions, as follows: Net Assets without Donor Restrictions - Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations. Net Assets with Donor Restrictions - Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may, or will be, satisfied through the actions of the Organization, and/or the passage of time. Net assets accumulated by the Organization that are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions, but which the Board of Directors of the Organization has earmarked for specific uses, shall be segregated in the accounting records as "board-designated" funds, within the category of net assets without donor restrictions. Note 3 – Concentrations of Credit Risk Custodial credit risk is the risk that, in the event of a bank failure, the Organization’s deposits may not be returned to it. The Organization’s cash deposits, including interest-bearing certificates of deposit, are maintained in financial institutions. The Organization does not currently have a deposit policy for custodial credit risk. Category Carrying Bank A B C Amount Balance Demand deposits $ 178,212.57 $ - $ - $ 178,212.57 $ 176,816.18 Total $ 178,212.57 $ - $ - $ 178,212.57 $ 176,816.18 Category 1 – Cash and cash equivalents that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or collateralized with securities held by the Organization, or its agent, in the Organization’s name. Category 2 – Collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, in the Organization’s name. Category 3 – Uninsured or unregistered investments for which securities are held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, but not in the Organization’s name. The Organization maintains investment accounts with the Tulsa Community Foundation. The balances are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), up to $500,000. Cash coverage is limited at $250,000. The Organization as not exceeded these insurance amounts. Management believes the funds are not exposed to any significant risk due to the diversity of high-grade financial instruments held by the fund and management’s routine assessment of the portfolio. As of September 30, 2023, none of the Organization’s deposits were exposed to credit risk. Note 4 – Promises to Give Promises to give are majorly comprised of contributions made to third parties on behalf of the Organization prior to yearend. These funds were received by the Organization after September 30, 2023. 11 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 5 – Restricted Cash As of September 30, 2023, the Organization had restricted cash in the amount of $97,766.15. Restricted as follows: Restricted Purpose Amount Chapter and Affiliates $ 66,326.83 Center link technology 9,500.00 Counseling Services 5,000.00 Senior Support Services 1,240.00 2024 Gala 11,500.00 Various >$2K 4,199.32 Total $ 97,766.15 Note 6 – Investments Held by Others Investments held by others, as of September 30, 2023, consist of two investment funds held by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF): The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund and the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund. These funds are invested in pooled funds, cash, and equivalents. The investments are carried on the Organization’s books at fair market value. These funds are component funds of Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF). As defined by the United States Treasury Regulations, TCF has the right to modify the terms of the fund agreement. This is sometimes referred to as “variance power”. As a result of the variance power all component funds are considered to be part of a single public charity, TCF. TCF is the legal owner of all assets contributed to any of its component funds. Financial Accounting Standards Board requires that if TCF accepts contributions from the Organization and agrees to transfer those assets and the return on investment of those assets back to the Organization, then these contributions are to be reported on the financial statements of the Organization. The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund -This fund was established as Oklahomans for Equality Fund, a TCF Agency Fund, in April 2001. It transitioned to the OkEq Operating Endowment Fund on 12/30/2010. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization, and reported as investments held by others, is $14,139.04. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organizations books is $13,162.36. The OkEq Capital Campaign Fund - This fund was originally established by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human, Rights, Inc. as the Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Reserve Fund, a TCF agency reserve fund, in April 2002. It was renamed to the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund in TCF records. It is an agency reserve fund, and the funds are available to purchase , furnish, maintain, or make improvements to a building to house the Tulsa gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Community Center owned by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization and reported as investments held by others $29,855.34. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organizations books is $106,157.22. 13 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 6 – Investments Held by Others (continued) As of September 30, 2023, the balances are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), up to $500,000. Cash coverage is limited at $250,000. At times, the Organization’s deposits may exceed insured amounts. Management believes the funds are not exposed to any significant risk due to the diversity of high-grade financial instruments held by the fund, and management’s routine assessment of the portfolio. Investment Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will adversely affect the fair value of an investment. Generally, the longer the maturity of an investment, the greater the sensitivity of its fair value to changes in market interest rates. Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements The Organization reports fair value measurements of its assets and liabilities using a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy, established by GAAP, requires that entities maximize the use of observable inputs, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when measuring fair value. The assets or liability’s measurement within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels of input used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1. Quoted prices are for identical assets or liabilities in active markets to which the Organization has access at the measurement date. Level 2. Inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include:  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;  Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active;  Observable inputs other than quoted prices for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves); and  Inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation, or by other means. Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs should be used to measure the fair value if observable inputs are not available. When available, the Organization measures fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value. However, Level 1 inputs are not available for many of the assets and liabilities that the Organization is required to measure at fair value (for example, unconditional promise to give and in-kind contributions). The primary uses of fair value measurements in the Organization’s financial statements are the initial measurement of noncash gifts, gifts of investment assets, if any, including unconditional promises to give, and recurring measurement of short-term and long-term investments. 13 [sic] OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 8 – Property and Equipment The following is an analysis of property and equipment, at cost, and related depreciation at September 30, 2023: Beginning of Year Additions Deletions End of Year Furniture and Fixtures 132,750.97 24,021.91 (22,674.42) 134,098.46 Building and Improvements 2,019,249.99 - (5,873.45) 2,013,376.54 Computers and Software 66,342.85 - (51,262.55) 15,080.30 Total Capital Assets 2,218,343.81 24,021.91 (79,810.42) 2,162,555.30 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (917,987.21) (105,960.63) 79,810.42 (944,137.42) Net Book Value $ 1,300,356.60 $ (81,938.72) $ - $ 1,218,417.88 Note 9 – Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue represents payments received for events occurring subsequent to year end. Note 10 – Note Payable The Organization had no notes payable as of September 30, 2023. Note 11 – Donated Services The Organization receives a significant amount of donated services from unpaid volunteers, who assist in fundraising and special projects. No amounts have been recognized in the statement of activities because the criteria for the recognition, under authoritative accounting standards, have not been satisfied. Note 12 – Functional Allocation of Expenses The costs of providing the various programs, and supporting services, have been summarized on a functional basis, in the statement of functional expenses. Costs that are not directly associated with providing specific services have been allocated based on the relative time spent by the employees providing these services. Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies As of the date of this report, the Organization had not commitments or contingencies other than those reported on the statement of financial position. 14 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 14 – Liquidity and Availability Financial assets available for general expenditure, that is, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, within one year of September 30, 2023, are: Cash and cash equivalents $ 178,212.57 Investments 43,994.38 Promises to give 22,690.07 Total financial assets, at year end 244,897.02 Less those unavailable for general expenditures within on year, due to: Contractual or donor-imposed restrictions Restricted by donor with time or purpose restrictions 97,766.15 Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year 147,130.87 $ Note 15 – Net Assets with Donor Restrictions The Organization has $97,766.15 net assets with donor restrictions at September 30, 2023. Restricted Purpose Amount Chapter and Affiliates $ 66,326.83 Center link technology 9,500.00 Counseling Services 5,000.00 Senior Support Services 1,240.00 2024 Gala 11,500.00 Various >$2K 4,199.32 Total $ 97,766.15 Note 16 – Evaluation of Subsequent Events The Organization has evaluated subsequent events through December 22, 2023, the date which the financial statements were available to be issued, and no additional disclosures are required. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2023] OKEQ Financial Statements from September 30, 2023 Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Financial Statements and Accompanying Independent Auditor's Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2023 Description An account of the resource 15 pages of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (OKEQ) financial statements with auditor's report for the year ended September 30, 2023. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 22, 2023 2023 audit auditor's report Board President Board President Eric Wilson Board Secretary Board Secretary Whitney Cipolla Board Treasurer Board Treasurer Julie Chase Board Vice President Board Vice President Bob Hanson Financial financial statements independent auditor's report Ober & Littlefield Ober and Littlefield OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ financials Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Taxes https://history.okeq.org/files/original/10c9f60a829fb0ca48e26f13a3414595.pdf b0dd3ba97b94a4534efeebb22d19b9a5 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Oklahomans for Equality By-laws Effective October 19, 2023 By-Laws of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (OkEq) ARTICLE I: NAME, PURPOSE, AND LOCATION Section 1: Name of Organization The name of this organization shall be Oklahomans for Equality, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “OkEq,” a not-for-profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma. Section2 [sic]: Purposes The purposes for which OkEq is formed are: a. To promote educational, health, cultural, and social services directed at furthering the well-being, equal treatment and development of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, ace plus ("2SLGBTQIA+") community and supportive allies. b. To promote, through advocacy and education, a better understanding of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the necessity or the equal treatment thereof, including bringing an end to discrimination and oppression against all persons based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Such activities shall be carried out to the extent permitted by federal regulations attributable to a 50l(c)(3) organization and other applicable regulations. c. To operate a 2SLGBTQIA+ equality center for the benefit of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Section 3: Mission OkEq seeks equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Section 4: Principal Office The principal office of OkEq shall be located in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120, known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center ("Equality Center"). OkEq may have such other offices as the Board of Directors determines or as OkEq affairs may require. Section 5: Fiscal Year Books The tax and fiscal year for OkEq shall begin on October 1st and end on September 30th of each year thereafter. An independent audit of the books and records of OkEq shall be conducted at least biannually. The Audit Committee shall ensure that documents for any audit are to be provided to the auditors by December 31st following the period to be audited and shall ensure the audit is completed as timely as possible. The audit report shall be presented to the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of its completion and within sixty (60) days of completion shall be made available to the public for review. ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS, VOTING AND RIGHTS Section 1: Membership Membership shall be open to all persons who support the purpose and mission of OkEq. A person becomes a Member by submitting an application, making a financial contribution to OkEq, or making an in-kind contribution to OkEq at a level determined by the Board of Directors, which shall be no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) annually. Members: a. Shall be eligible to be the beneficiaries of all programs of OkEq and to participate in services provided at the Equality Center, subject to any participant fee established by the Board of Directors for any particular program, event, or service. b. Are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors pursuant to Article III, Section 3, provided the Voting Member has been a person with such membership for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding any vote. c [sic] Shall have the right to vote on any by-law revision which affects membership rights, provided the Voting Member has been a person with such membership for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding any vote. d. Shall have the right to petition the Board of Directors of any grievance, concern or suggestion. Any such petition shall be in writing, signed by no less than 15 Voting Members and presented to the Secretary for certification. A certified petition shall be presented to the Board at its next scheduled Board meeting, whereby petitioners shall have the right to make public comment. Petitions are not binding upon the Board and petitioners do not have the right to force a vote upon the petition. Section 2: Other Categories and Membership The Board of Directors may establish various other categories of membership and set forth benefits and requirements of such membership categories, including dues. Section 3: Changes to Membership Policy Any changes to this membership policy must be proposed at least thirty (30) days prior to an Annual Meeting or a Special Membership Meeting and must be made available for review by all Members prior to being voted upon. Such membership policy changes shall require two-thirds (2/3) approval of the full Board and a simple majority approval by the Members in attendance. Section 4: Membership Records The Board of Directors or its designee shall be required to keep accurate and up to date records pertaining to Membership. Such records shall be confidential and may not be disclosed to any other group or organization, except as may be required in applications for grants or third party funding. Additional exceptions to this policy may be approved by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE III: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Directors are members of the Board of Directors (hereafter "the Board" or "the Board of Directors," not to include the Trustees or Advisors) either elected pursuant Article III, Section 6 or appointed to the Board pursuant to Article III, Section 14. Directors must be Members. Section 1: General Powers Subject to the limitations provided by law, the Oklahoma General Corporation Act of the state of Oklahoma, and the Certificate of Incorporation for OkEq, all corporate powers and purposes shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors, and the business and affairs of OkEq shall be managed and conducted exclusively by the Board of Directors. Without prejudice to the general powers established by law, but subject to the limitations set forth herein, the Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to: a. Conduct, manage, and control the business and affairs of OkEq as the Board deems necessary and just. b. Pass resolutions not inconsistent with these by-laws, which shall remain effective until repealed as set forth in Article III, Section 17. c. Elect and remove at pleasure all the Officers, agents, and the Executive Director of OkEq not inconsistent with these by-laws, and to prescribe for them their duties, fix the terms of their service, and any compensation, if any, and to require from them any such forms of security for faithful service as the Board deems fit. d. Approve any incoming new or returning Directors. e. Remove any of its Directors pursuant to Section 13 of this Article or a Member for cause upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the full Board. f. Establish and terminate committees as needed. Section 2: Limitations The Board of Directors of OkEq shall not have the power or authority to: a. Negotiate, develop, execute, or implement any lease agreement exceeding thirty (30) days for all or any part of the real estate held by OkEq; b. Encumber in any way the real property of OkEq; c. Obligate OkEq to any single capital debt exceeding $50,000 unless approved by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors and unanimous vote of all of the Trustees; d. Make any substantive changes to the physical and/or structural appearance of the principal office of OkEq except with approval of the Trustees; or e. Pledge as collateral, encumber in any way, spend, levy or have any access whatsoever to the principal or accrued interest or dividends of the Capital Endowment funds held in trust by the Tulsa Community Foundation on behalf of OkEq except with the unanimous written approval of the full Board of Directors and the unanimous written approval of the Trustees. This provision does not apply to any funds specifically pledged or earmarked for operations whether held at the Tulsa Community Foundation or any other financial or trust institution. Section 3: Qualifications of Members of the Board of Directors Directors must have their principal place of residence in the state of Oklahoma. They must have been members of OkEq for at least thirty (30) days immediately prior to their election. No employee of OkEq may serve as a Director. The Board may not implement any additional qualification requirements for Directors except when such qualification changes have been approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. However, any qualification changes may not be implemented within ninety (90) days of any election. Prior to nomination, every Director shall agree to the terms of the "Oklahomans for Equality, Board Member Contract" as approved by the majority of the Board of Directors. Section 4: Number and Quorum The OkEq Board of Directors may have up to fifteen (15) and no fewer than nine (9) members. However, to the extent possible, the Board of Directors shall be comprised of an odd number of Directors. A quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors shall consist of a simple majority of the current number of sitting Directors. Except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, a majority of all votes cast at a meeting of which a quorum is present is sufficient to approve any matter that properly comes before the meeting. Less than a quorum does not allow any voting on a matter, but the meeting may continue to conclusion or a new meeting may be called. Contemporaneous teleconferencing will count towards quorum and voting with prior notice to the Secretary. Written proxies may be used in voting but will not be counted in determining if a quorum is present. All "votes" prescribed within these bylaws shall require a majority of the quorum, unless the bylaws expressly state that the vote must be by a majority of the full Board of Directors. The requirements of quorum shall also apply to any digital voting in that a simple majority of the current total number of sitting Directors must participate in any vote. If fewer than a simple majority of the current sitting Directors respond to a digital vote, then the result of that vote, regardless of outcome, will be invalid. Votes will be tabulated via emails in which Directors use the "reply all" function. The President will send out a follow up message detailing whether a quorum was met, and if it was, the result of the overall vote.The President or Secretary will retain copies of all digital votes. Section 5: Tenure and Term Limits Each Director shall hold office for two (2) years beginning October 1st following the date of election. Terms shall be staggered so that approximately one half (1/2) of the Board is elected each year. No Director may serve more than three consecutive two-year terms. After six consecutive years of service, a Director must roll off the Board for a minimum of one (1) year. Section 6: Nomination and Election a. Nominations Board of Director nominations shall be made by the Board Development and Governance Committee not less than thirty (30) days before the Annual Meeting, under Article III, Section 12. In making nominations, the Governance Committee shall strive to reflect the demographics and interests of the community it serves. Recruitment efforts shall include persons with diverse minority, racial, and cultural backgrounds, as well as persons with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. b. Elections The makeup of the Board of Directors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by a majority of the remaining Directors. Section 7: Regular Meeting Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at a time and place to be decided by the President. A minimum of nine (9) Board of Directors' meetings shall be held within the fiscal year. Section 8: Meeting of Members of the Board of Directors and Members-elect of the Board of Directors A meeting of the members of the Board of Directors whose term continues through the next fiscal year and members-elect of the Board of Directors shall be held no less than thirty (30) days after the Annual Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to elect Officers for the fiscal year beginning October 1st. Section 9: Meeting Notice, Open Meetings Meeting notices are orchestrated by the Secretary and are given to Directors at least sixty (60) hours before the meeting. Regular meeting notices are to be posted in the OkEq newsletter and website. Any such notice shall contain the time, purposes, and place of the meeting. All Board meetings shall be open meetings except for executive sessions. Section 10: Special Meetings Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or three (3) or more Directors. Section 11: Special Membership Meetings a. The purpose of a Special Membership Meeting shall be to afford Members the right to have specific grievances, concerns, or suggestions discussed and voted upon by the Board of Directors and all Members in attendance. b. Special Membership Meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or by means of a written petition to the Board of Directors signed by not less than fifteen (15) Members as certified by the Secretary of the Board of Directors. Upon certification, the Secretary shall present said petition for a Special Membership Meeting to the Board, which shall then arrange to hold such a Special Membership Meeting within a reasonable period of time after having received the petition, not to exceed forty-five (45) days. Special Membership Meetings may run concurrently with regular Board meetings. c. The Board shall notify the membership of the meeting at least fifteen (15) days prior to its occurrence. Sufficient notice consists of posting the date, time and place of the meeting in a conspicuous place in the Equality Center and giving notice in an OkEq newsletter, website, social media pages, or other such medium. d. Quorum for a Special Membership Meeting shall require the presence of at least fifteen (15) Members as certified by the Board Secretary unless the Special Membership Meeting was called by the Board on its own motion. Quorum at a Special Membership Meeting called pursuant to a petition also requires a quorum of the Board of Directors. e. Only the specific issue(s) addressed in the original written petition submitted to the Board Secretary and noticed to the membership shall be up for discussion in the Special Membership Meeting. No other issues or matters not expressly identified in the petition shall be considered. f. Members shall have the right to make a motion for the Board to take specific action(s) as it expressly relates to the petition at hand. The Board shall be compelled to vote upon any such motion that meets the following criteria: (1) The motion must be presented in writing to the Board Secretary during the meeting. (2) The motion must be seconded by a Member. (3) The motion must be approved by a majority vote of the Members in attendance. (4) Any and all motions satisfying these criteria shall be voted upon by the Board of Directors after discussion of the issue. g. A simple majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required to enact any motion approved by the Members unless restricted by Article III. In the absence of an approval by a majority vote of the Board the motion fails. If the Board is restricted by Article III from voting on the motion the matter fails. Section 12: Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the membership and the Board of Directors shall be held in September subject to inclement weather or on such other date as the Board of Directors may decide. Section 13: Removal from Board of Directors Unexcused absences from two (2) consecutive Board meetings within a Board year or three (3) total unexcused absences from Board meetings within a Board year, is equivalent to resignation from the Board of Directors. Sufficient "excuse" will be at the sole discretion and judgment of the Executive Committee in closed session. The Secretary shall confirm absences and shall provide notice of resignation to the President in writing. Any Director may be removed for cause, including but not limited to violation of the "Board Member Contract," by a twothirds [sic] (2/3) vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors. Section 14: Vacancies/Resignation In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Board Development and Governance Committee shall take suggestions from Directors and Members. The Board Development and Governance Committee shall then recommend a candidate for appointment by the Board of Directors. Appointed Directors shall only fill the unexpired term of the former incumbent up to the time of the next Annual Meeting at which time the Appointed Director may be eligible pursuant to Article III, Section 6 for election by the Board of Directors. The duration of appointment shall not count toward that Director's term limit of three consecutive two-year terms. The Secretary shall keep a record of term expiration dates for individual Directors. Section 15: Compensation Directors, as such, shall not receive any compensation for their services to OkEq. Section 16: Record Keeping Correct and complete records of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, designated committees and all financial accounts shall be kept and maintained at OkEq's principal office or electronically. The last twelve (12) months of Board minutes, the last Annual Membership Meeting minutes, the most recent audited financials, the current financials, and the budget shall be electronically maintained and readily available to Members on the Equality Center’s website. Section 17: Resolutions a. Resolutions of the Board of Directors shall be considered passed when approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors present in quorum at a Board meeting. b. Resolutions shall be consecutively numbered with the year the resolution was passed appearing in the resolution number and then the consecutive number of the particular resolution starting with 2009-1. Example: Resolutions passed in 2010 shall be numbered beginning with 2010-1. c. Resolutions shall have the force of law for OkEq and shall be effective until repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the full Board of Directors, notwithstanding a quorum. d. The Secretary of the Board of Directors shall certify the passage or denial of a particular resolution and note the “yeas” and “nays” on the document which shall be electronically available on OkEq’s website. e. A copy of these bylaws and all resolutions shall be made available for viewing by all Members on OkEq’s website. f. Resolutions may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the full Board of Directors, notwithstanding a quorum. Such amendments shall be attached to the particular resolution being amended and maintained pursuant to Article III, Section 16. Section 18: Confidentiality OkEq Directors, Trustees, Advisors and committee members shall recognize their fiduciary obligation to the membership by ensuring proper protection of confidential information and exercising good judgment in discussing the organization and its activities. At the end of a Director, Trustee, or Advisor's term, or at the end of service by a volunteer or committee member, they shall return all documents, papers, and other materials, regardless of medium, which were provided to them, or created by such person on behalf of the organization, except for those documents or materials which are clearly in the public domain (such as copies of minutes, financials, etc.). Section 19: Director' s Oath of Office Directors shall take an oath of office administered by the President of OkEq or their designee. The oath shall be developed by the Board Development and Governance Committee. ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS Section 1: The Enumerated Officers of the Board of Directors The Officers of OkEq shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors. Section 2: Election and Terms of Office Officers shall be elected by the returning members and members-elect of the Board of Directors by majority vote at the Board meeting held pursuant to Article III, Section 8. All Officers shall serve a one-year term. No Officer may serve more than two consecutive one-year terms in the same position. Section 3: Removal from Office Any Officer may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors. Notice of proposed removal shall be served in writing to the Officer by the President, or the Vice President if the President is the subject of removal, at least ten (10) days prior to a Board meeting deciding the matter. The notice of proposed removal shall clearly state the reasons. The Officer shall have the right to respond to the proposed removal both orally at a Board meeting deciding the matter and/or in writing. A vote by the Board of Directors sustaining the removal shall be effective immediately, and the Officer shall be notified by the President or Vice President as soon as possible. Removal of an Officer does not supplant that person's elected or appointed right to continue to serve their term as a Board Director unless also removed as a Director pursuant to Article III, Section 13. Section 4: Vacancies of Office A vacancy of any Officer position may be filled by appointment and approval by the Board of Directors for the duration of the unexpired term of the former incumbent Officer. The Board Development and Governance Committee shall recommend a successor for Board approval; however, a vacancy of the President's position shall be filled pursuant to Section 5 of this Article. Any appointed Officer shall serve for the duration of the Officer's term. The duration of appointment shall not count towards the Officer's term limit of two consecutive one-year terms. Section 5: President The President shall serve as President of the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Executive Committee. They shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The President shall have such powers and/or perform such duties as are vested in them by the by-laws and such other duties as prescribed by the Board of Directors. If for some reason the President position shall become vacant, the Vice President shall assume all of the duties of the President and shall serve as President of the Board of Directors for the duration of the remainder of the term. The President shall also have the power to call a meeting of the Trustees for the election of new Trustees and/or present for a vote all matters within the Trustees' authority. The President shall be a non-voting member of the Trustee Board. Section 6: Vice President The Vice President performs all duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors and will perform the duties of the President in their absence or incapacity. A Vice President vacancy shall be filled pursuant to Section 4 of this Article. Section 7: Secretary The Secretary shall be the keeper of corporate records and resolutions. The Secretary shall keep a record of attendance and the minutes of all Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings; oversee the timely and accurate notice of all meetings and actions set forth within these bylaws; establish and keep all files and documents necessary to support the operations of the Board and its committees; keep a record of Director contact information; certify the passage of all resolutions of the Board of Directors; certify current membership signatures on petitions; certify the membership; and shall perform all other duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. A Secretary vacancy shall be filled pursuant to Section 4 of this Article. Section 8: Treasurer The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate and complete corporate financial records are maintained; that financial reports are made at each Board of Directors and Executive Committee meeting; that an audited financial report is timely prepared biannually; and that appropriate financial controls exist throughout the organization. The Treasurer shall also serve as a non-voting member of the Trustees and shall perform all other duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. A Director elected to encumber the position of Treasurer shall first be subject to a reasonable background investigation, undertaken by OkEq. The Treasurer shall be bonded by a reputable surety insurance company selected by the Board of Directors at the expense of OkEq, provided OkEq has sufficient funds to pay for such bonding. A vacancy in the Treasurer's position shall be filled pursuant to Section 4 of this Article. ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 1: Number and Qualifications The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one at-large member of the Board of Directors. The at-large Board member selected to the Executive Committee shall be elected by members-elect and returning members of the Board at the Board meeting in September pursuant to the guidelines for Officer election in Article IV, Section 2. The Board member at-large may be removed pursuant to Article IV, Section 3. A vacancy of the at-large Board member shall be filled pursuant to Article IV, Section 4. Section 2: Authority The Executive Committee may act for the Board of Directors between meetings of the Board, within policies established by the Board of Directors, and with such additional authority as may be delegated by the Board of Directors or bylaws. All decisions made by the Executive Committee must be timely communicated to the entire Board of Directors. Any act by the Executive Committee may be vetoed by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors. Section 3: Meetings The Executive Committee shall meet as needed at a time and place to be determined by the President. Section 4: Quorum and Procedure Three (3) members of the Executive Committee serving at the time of any meeting shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the Officers present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings electronically. A report of all actions of the Executive Committee shall be made to the Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting, and the minutes of all Executive Committee meetings shall be available to the Board of Directors and Members upon request by notifying the Secretary. ARTICLE VI: STANDING COMMITTEES Section 1: Standing Committee Membership The President shall recommend all Standing Committee chairs and obtain approval from the Board. Each committee shall consist of at least one (1) Director as chair and additional persons as needed to carry out the work of the committee. Section 2: Standing Committees The Board of Directors shall utilize Standing Committees to assist in running OkEq’s affairs. The Standing Committees shall be: a. Finance Committee The Finance Committee shall prepare and oversee an annual budget, and develop and implement financial operating procedures for approval by the Board of Directors. The Finance Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer. b. Board Development and Governance Committee The Board Development and Governance Committee shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining board recruitment procedures, recruitment and nomination of Director/Officer positions, and vacancies. The committee shall, to the extent possible, in board recruitment and nomination, ensure gender balance and the diverse representation of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The committee shall serve the ongoing duty of Board orientation, development, and evaluation. The committee shall ensure that all OkEq by-laws and policies and procedures are adhered to and kept current. c. Audit Committee The Audit Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the biannual audit of OkEq is conducted in a timely fashion by a qualified licensed professional. Neither the Executive Director nor the Treasurer may serve as a member of the Audit Committee. d. Pride Committee The Pride Committee shall be responsible for assisting OkEq staff and/or contracted designees in planning and executing Pride. The Pride Committee coordinates the annual Pride event and is responsible for providing progress reports and issues encountered during the organization and coordination of the event to the Board. The committee chair will present a report of financial requirements for the event and will submit a budget for approval to the Board of Directors. The committee chair will also present a report of expenses incurred after the closing of the event. The chair can at their own discretion recruit volunteers to help with the coordination and execution of the event. Coordination between the Pride committee chair and employees should be scheduled ahead of time or the employees can be invited to attend the Pride committee meetings to assist the chair with the coordination of the event. Any complaints from volunteers, staff, vendors, or attendees regarding Pride leadership are to be submitted to the Executive Committee or anonymously via an electronic form for the Executive Committee to review and decide if the complaint warrants action by the Pride committee or the Board. No member of the Executive Committee should serve as the Pride Committee Chair. e. Gala Committee The Gala Committee shall be responsible for selecting a theme, venue, and date for OkEq’s annual fundraising event. The committee shall create programming for the evening, secure donations for the silent auction, and work to promote the event in the Tulsa community. f. Advocacy and Policy Committee The Advocacy and Policy Committee shall monitor policy as it pertains to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the local, state, and federal level. The committee shall proactively determine policy issues of focus for each state legislative session, create advocacy alert language to engage community advocates, and draft position statements or responses to 2SLGBTQIA+ policy. The policy issues of focus for each state legislative session should be approved by the Board of Directors. g. Communications Committee The Communications Committee shall assist the Executive Director of OkEq in matters of branding, messaging, communications, and public relations. Section 3: Special Committees The Board of Directors, by motion or resolution, may designate and appoint additional Special Committees. Section 4: Reporting Committee chairs shall report to the Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled meeting or as deemed necessary by the President of the Board. Minutes shall be taken at all committee meetings and copies thereof in a legible fashion should be provided to the Secretary in a timely manner. Section 5: Quorum Unless otherwise provided in a motion or resolution of the Board, two (2) committee members shall constitute a quorum. ARTICLE VII: ADVISORY BOARD Section 1: Advisory Board Constitution The Board of Directors may establish an Advisory Board. Membership may consist of past Officers, Directors, Members, volunteers of OkEq, current members of allied organizations, or others with expertise deemed valuable to the organization. Advisory Board members shall not have the authority to vote during Board meetings. The President and Executive Director may independently or jointly nominate members of the Advisory Board. Section 2: Approval Advisory Board members shall be voted upon and approved by the Board of Directors. Section 3: Conflict of Interest The Advisory Board members shall not be subject to Article XIII, conflict of interest, unless otherwise required by a motion or resolution of the Board. Section 4: Oath of Office Advisors shall take an oath of office administered by the President of OkEq or their designee. The oath shall be developed by the Board Development and Governance Committee. ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Section 1: Executive Director At the Board's discretion and subject to budgetary considerations, the Board may approve the hiring and oversee the recruiting of an Executive Director. The Executive Director has day-to-day responsibility for the Equality Center, including carrying out the goals and policies established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall attend all Board of Directors and Trustees meetings, regularly report on the progress of OkEq, answer questions of Board members, and carry out the duties described in the position description as approved by the Board. The Board can designate other duties as necessary. The Executive Director's compensation, inclusive of any awards from time to time, shall be set and approved by the Board of Directors. Section 2: Background Investigation Subject to a favorable background investigation an Executive Director may be hired by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors. Section 3: Duties of the Executive Director The Executive Director's duties shall be set out in a position description developed by the Board Development and Governance Committee and approved by the full Board. The Executive Director shall have the following powers and duties: a. To manage the day-to-day responsibilities in operating the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and in carrying out OkEq's goals and mission. b. To attend all Board of Directors meetings and Trustee meetings and report on the progress of OkEq in meeting established goals set by the Board. c. To account on a monthly basis at a regularly scheduled Board meeting for all funds received and expended for the month prior to the Board meeting. d. The Executive Director shall not enter into any contract binding OkEq nor execute or deliver any instrument on behalf of OkEq unless authorized in writing by the Board of Directors. To do otherwise will be considered an act outside the scope of the Executive Director's employment by OkEq. e. Unless approved by a motion of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director shall not open or establish any credit card or debit card in the name of or by any account payable by OkEq. f. The Executive Director shall have the authority to hire, supervise, direct, and dismiss all employees. g. The Executive Director shall serve as an ex-officio member on all committees, except the Audit Committee. h. The Executive Director shall have other duties as specifically prescribed in writing by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee. ARTICLE IX: PROGRAMS The Executive Director may authorize such programs as may be found expedient for the provision of services to the community. Each program shall be administered in accordance with the structure, policies, and procedures approved by the Board of Directors. Any fees for participation shall be at the discretion of the Executive Director or designee. The Executive Director shall report to the Board of Directors on the implementation and progress of new and established programs at the Board meetings. ARTICLE X: TRUSTEES Section 1: Composition and Terms of Office The Trustees shall be comprised of not more than five (5) and not fewer than three (3) Trustees consisting of persons who have donated or raised $5,000.00 or more of funds annually by fiscal year, at least $1,000.00 of that having been a capital gift, and who are not currently serving as a Director on the Board of Directors. Any new Trustees must be Members of OkEq and must be appointed and approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. A new Trustee shall also be approved by a majority vote of the then sitting Trustees. The current members of the Trustees shall be notified of the nominee and his or her qualifications at least fifteen (15) days prior to any vote. The Treasurer of the Board of Directors shall serve as a non-voting member. The Executive Director may serve as a non-voting member. The Trustees shall elect a Chair. The President of the Board of Directors shall serve as a non-voting member. The Trustees shall be elected to three-year staggered terms to the extent possible. In the event of a vacancy, the Board of Directors, following consultation with the remaining Trustees, shall appoint a qualified Member by majority vote as successor to complete the remainder of an unexpired term. Such new Trustee appointed shall also be approved by a majority vote of the remaining Trustees. No Trustee may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms (six consecutive years). After one year of being off the Trustees, they may be reappointed for another three (3) year term. Section 2: Duties The Trustee's duties and responsibilities shall be comprised of the following and no more: a. Safeguard the principal endowment held in trust by the Tulsa Community Foundation. No monies from the corpus of the restricted permanent capital endowment may be spent unless approved by unanimous consent of all of the Trustees and the unanimous consent of the full Board of Directors. b. Negotiate, develop, execute, and implement any lease agreement exceeding 30 days for all or any part of the real estate held by OkEq, which shall be enacted upon concurrent approval by a majority of the Board of Directors and the Trustees. c. Approval of any substantive changes to the physical and/or structural appearance of the principal office of OkEq or any real property owned by OkEq. No such proposed improvement shall be enacted without the consent of the Trustees and approval by the full Board of Directors. d. Approval of any encumbrances on the real property owned by OkEq. No such proposed encumbrances shall be enacted without the unanimous consent of all of the Trustees and a three-quarters (3/4) approval by the Board of Directors. e. The Trustees are encouraged to annually enter into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Board of Directors which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws and the limitations imposed on the Board of Directors and the Trustees. Section 3: Removal, Resignation and Appointment A vacancy shall be created by the expiration of the term in office, or by the death, resignation, or failure of a Trustee to attend, without excuse, two consecutive meetings of the Trustees. A Trustee may be removed by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the Trustees and a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors. Section 4: Meetings, Quorum and Voting The Trustees may set such meetings as are reasonably necessary with 72 hours notice as the Chair or a quorum of Trustees determines is appropriate under the circumstances. Notice and purpose of the meeting must be given to all Trustees, the Treasurer of the Board of Directors, the President of the Board of Directors, and any Executive Director. Votes may be recorded by any means that can be authenticated. A quorum shall exist where a majority of the Trustees are capable of casting authenticated votes as determined by the Chair. (By way of example, votes may be cast by telephone email). Any vote of the Trustees shall be by all sitting Trustees. Section 5: Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest The Trustees shall be subject to the confidentiality and conflict of interest policies that govern the Board of Directors. Section 6: Amendment of this Article X This Article may only be amended by a majority vote of all sitting Trustees and a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Section 7: Oath of Office Trustees shall take an oath of office administered by the President of OkEq or their designee. The oath shall be developed by the Board Development and Governance Committee. ARTICLE XI: JOINT RESOLUTIONS BETWEEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES Any mortgage, encumbrance, conveyance, or sale of the real property of OkEq must be approved by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the full Board of Directors and a unanimous vote of the Trustees. No monies from the corpus of the restricted permanent capital endowment may be spent unless approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors and a unanimous vote of the Trustees. Interest generated by the corpus may be expended by the Trustees for mortgage payments, maintenance, improvements, utilities, and renovation of the infrastructure. ARTICLE XII: CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS Section 1: Contracts The Executive Director or Board President may enter into any contract on behalf of OkEq or execute and deliver any instrument on behalf of OkEq under $10,000.00. Such authority is specifically limited to prior approval by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any contracts, executables or delivery of instruments calling for payment of $10,000.00 or more shall require prior-approval from the Board of Directors. Section 2: Checks and Drafts All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money or other evidence of indebtedness in the name of OkEq shall be approved and signed by the OkEq Treasurer or such other Director as approved by the Board of Directors. In the absence of such approval by the Board, such instruments shall be signed by the President and countersigned by the Treasurer following approval by the Executive Committee. Under no circumstances shall an approval by the Executive Committee trump any prior disapproval by the Board of Directors. Section 3: Deposits All funds of OkEq shall be deposited in a timely manner to the credit of OkEq in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select. Deposits on behalf of OkEq or any of its programs may be made by the Treasurer, President, Executive Director or any other Director or Officer so authorized by the Board of Directors to make such deposits. Section 4: Solicitation of Funds Solicitation of funds may be reviewed and restricted by the Board of Directors. All formal grant applications or other written instruments in support of the grant application, whether for operations or capital, must have the approval of the Board of Directors or the Executive Director. ARTICLE XIII: CONFLICT OF INTEREST Section 1: Defined Directors and Trustees must avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. When there is any question about whether any activity, representation, or conduct is a conflict of interest or gives the appearance of a conflict of interest, the Director or Trustee shall make full disclosure to the Board of Directors which shall determine if a conflict exists. A decision by the Board of Directors on any issue of conflict of interest is final. By way of example, conflicts of interest include situations: Where an individual Director or Trustee's private affairs, financial or material interests are in conflict with their duties and responsibilities or result in an appearance that a conflict of interest exists; Where a Director or Trustee's actions compromise or undermine the trust which the public and Members place in OkEq; and which could impair or appear to impair the Director's or Trustee's abilities to act impartially on behalf of OkEq. Section 2: Expected Behavior Directors and Trustees must act in the best interest of the Members of OkEq. Directors and Trustees shall not participate in decisions from which they could benefit financially, materially, or personally, including, but not limited to benefits accruing to immediate family, partners, or closely allied friends as if the Directors or Trustees in question were to receive the benefit. Directors and Trustees shall not use their position or information obtained therefrom to provide an unfair advantage to them, their family, partners, or closely allied friends, including cases involving funding, approvals, and appointments. The term "closely allied friend(s)" shall be interpreted by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XIV: INDEMNIFICATION OkEq may, by resolution of the Board of Directors, provide for indemnification by OkEq of any and all of its Directors,Officers [sic], volunteers, employees, or former Directors and Officers against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in connection with the defense of any action, claim, suit or proceeding in which they or any of them are made parties or a party by reason of them acting within the scope of their duties and/or authority having been a Director or Officer of OkEq, except in matters as to which such Director or Officer or former Director or Officer shall be adjudged in such action, claim, suit, or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty and/or to have been acting outside the scope of their duties and/or authority and to such matters as shall be settled by agreement predicated on the existence of such liability for negligence or misconduct. This clause or any indemnification hereunder shall not be effective if it would increase the liability of OkEq or any Director pursuant to Oklahoma law beyond policy limits and/or coverage of any such insurance. Insurance may be procured at the discretion of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS These bylaws may be amended pursuant to the procedures for a Special Membership Meeting provided for in Article III, Section 11, at the Annual Meeting, or in the event of an exigency the Board may amend these bylaws on its own motion, provided that the amendment is passed by unanimous consent of all the Directors on the Board, not just those present at the meeting. However, any amendment(s) to membership policy shall only comport with Article II, Section 3 and any amendment(s) to Article X shall comport with Article X, Section 6. ARTICLE XVI: BYLAW INTERPRETATION Should the need arise for an interpretation of any provision, language, clause, statement, or conflict between Articles or Sections of these bylaws, the matter shall first be discussed and decided upon by the Board of Directors. Should an impasse arise in an interpretation by the Board, the matter shall be submitted to an independent panel of five (5) Members, not to include any Director, Trustee, or employee of OkEq, to render a written decision on the interpretation which shall be binding, final, and conclusive. Amendment History Approved December 11, 1987 Approved as amended, August 1, 1989 Approved as amended, July 22, 1997 Approved as amended, July 14, 1998 Approved as amended, September 12, 2000 Approved as amended, December 11, 2001 Approved as amended, February 12, 2002 Approved as amended, August 18, 2002 Approved as amended, September 9, 2003 Approved as amended, October 24, 2005 Approved as amended, July 27, 2006 Approved as amended, July 22, 2007 Approved as amended, November 29, 2007 Approved by the Board and Contributing Membership September 24, 2009 Approved by the Membership, Board and Trustees September 25, 2014 Approved by the Membership, Board and Trustees, September 6, 2018 Approve [sic] by the Membership and Board, May 13, 2021 Approved as amended by unanimous vote of the Board on April 20th, 2023 Approved as amended by unanimous vote of the Board on October 19th, 2023 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2023] OKEQ By-Laws Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality By-Laws Effective October 19, 2023 Description An account of the resource 26 pages of Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) By-Laws, approved as amended by unanimous vote of the Board on October 19, 2023. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 19, 2023 2023 Advisory Board Advocacy and Policy Committee Audit Committee Board President Board Secretary Board Treasurer by laws by-laws bylaw amendment bylaws Communications Committee contract executive director Gala Committee OkEq OKEQ Advisory Board OKEQ Board OKEQ Board and Trustees OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ Board President OKEQ Board Secretary OKEQ Board Treasurer OKEQ Board Vice President OKEQ Executive Committee OKEQ Executive Director OKEQ financials OKEQ President of the Board OKEQ Secretary of the Board OKEQ Treasurer of the Board OKEQ trustees OKEQ Vice President of the Board Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Pride Committee https://history.okeq.org/files/original/de069673b469757b8899914e7888df0e.pdf da2f2de28253cf29ef28c6d518c513d7 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document OKEQ Strategic Plan Final Draft 2025 – 2030 For 45 years, Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have faced many obstacles in securing equal rights and a sense of safety and well-being. Over the years, important progress has been made. But recent internal and external issues, including a growing hostile political environment on many levels, are creating unprecedented challenges for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and those organizations providing services and support. In response, OKEQ must adapt to changing circumstances as it continues to support individuals, defend hard-fought rights, and stand against discriminatory policies. We believe the following goals, strategies, and actions will help us create a more resilient and capable organization to meet the moment as we work with others to show strength and a unified voice. Our Mission Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Our Goals GOAL ONE: Complete the reconciliation and restorative justice process started by the Community Relations Committee and Transition Team. GOAL TWO: Implement internal and external changes to increase organizational effectiveness and improve governmental operations. GOAL THREE: Employ highly qualified staff who are mission aligned and have lived experience in proximity to the community being served. GOAL FOUR: Expand programs and partnerships to improve services and outreach. GOAL FIVE: Improve the financial, fundraising, and operational structures to stabilize operations and provide a foundation to respond to future needs and challenges. GOAL SIX: Refresh and reimagine our Center to better serve today’s community. OKEQ Detailed Strategies Action items should be considered a starting place; additional actions may be warranted by the staff, volunteers or committees tasked with the goals and strategies. GOAL ONE Complete the reconciliation and restorative justice process started by the Community Relations Committee and Transition Team. Strategy One: Take actions which demonstrate our durable commitment to the reconciliation work. Action Items: • Engage Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma (RJIOK) for a second phase of culture work with the board, staff and larger community. • With RJIOK help, host a mission / vision / values retreat with the board and community. • Budget for an annual RJIOK board workshop as well as opportunities to share the training with the larger community. • Examine and update our policies and practices, especially related to governance, membership, financial management, fundraising, and partnerships. Strategy Two: Ensure transparency and communicate frequently. Action Items: • Continue quarterly town halls and monthly president’s letter. • Educate community members on our new code of conduct and the feedback mechanisms for handling incidents and grievances. • Reaffirm recent statements regarding organizational challenges and harms; explain the processes completed or in development to address them. • Communicate these updates with the community as they are implemented within the framework of a strategic communications plan. • Utilize targeted communication strategies and innovative methods to engage members and stakeholders in the work. GOAL TWO Implement internal and external changes to increase organizational effectiveness and improve governance operations. Strategy One: Create governance structures that support community involvement at every level. Action Items: • Finalize roles and responsibilities of trustees, board, advisors, including a structure for the financial expectations that ensures buy-in but also creates accessibility. • Launch a revised membership strategy that clarifies benefits and responsibilities of membership and creates mechanisms to pay membership dues either through dollars or volunteer service. • Grow our talent pipelines by engaging more individuals of varying backgrounds and skillsets in committee service. • Review and update policies and processes for selecting and onboarding new board members. • Ensure annual training for board members in the areas of nonprofit basics, board responsibilities, OkEq history, social media organization representation, and DEI awareness and action. • Build new ways for business and funding partners to demonstrate allyship. • Actively engage with CenterLink and other national resources so we can learn from best practices nation-wide. Strategy Two: Review community perceptions of OkEq and make appropriate changes to marketing and branding to address concerns and build on positives. Action Items: • Engage professional assistance to review branding and build layered communication strategies (i.e. website, e-news, apps, social media, print materials, etc.) • Recognize our history and accomplishments as we make appropriate adjustments to respond to current and future challenges and opportunities. • Promote Pride as something that lives year-round and is a visible aspect of our engagement in community. • Use the power of storytelling to uplift the voices and diverse perspectives of the community as we expand our outreach and services. • Ensure our images are representative of the diverse community we serve. Strategy Three: Use data to tell our story of impact, report our outcomes, and make decisions regarding the implementation of our goals and strategies. Action Items: • Develop an annual stakeholder survey to track progress on needs, goals, and engagement. Use this data to determine program priorities. • Develop an annual staff survey to track progress on needs, goals, and engagement. Use this data to make staff related recommendations and in evaluation of the Executive Director performance. • Utilize technology tools to track participation in programs and services. Develop surveys to determine client satisfaction as well as relevant impact. • Engage in annual planning and review processes. o Executive Director creates annual operational plans to establish specific goals and metrics involved in meeting the goals of the plan. o Executive Committee reviews the plan quarterly and updates board on strategic plan implementation status. o The board annually reviews the plan at a summer planning retreat and adopts changes to the plan as needed at the Annual meeting. GOAL THREE Employ highly qualified staff who are mission aligned and have lived experience in proximity to the community being served. Strategy One: Ensure capable executive leadership. Action Items: • Launch an Executive Director search committee to build out position description, identify the qualities and qualifications needed, and lead an effective recruitment and interview process. • Hire and onboard an Executive Director with a track record of inclusive leadership and demonstrable skills to address the needs of the organization and those we serve. Strategy Two: Invest in a staff structure that provides the capacity to implement strategic initiatives and prioritizes ongoing training and development. Action Items: • Review organization needs and create a long-term staffing plan to address fundamental responsibilities including advocacy, programs, outreach, marketing, fundraising and building partnerships. • Ensure up to date job descriptions and clear organization chart with every iteration of staff development. • Develop staff recruitment and selection processes that balance community experience, diversity, mission alignment and technical skillsets. • Examine compensation structures and benefits to assure workplace retention. • Invest in training and accountability to support continued development for team members. • Hire and train paid front desk workers as needed to augment volunteer contributions. Ensure all front desk workers have the training and updates needed to ensure consistent guest experiences, accurate referrals, and exceptional customer service. GOAL FOUR Expand programs and partnerships to improve services and outreach. Strategy One: Engage with community through collaboration and partnerships. Action Items: • Complete community asset mapping to identify potential partners as well as programmatic gaps that may still exist that could be filled by OkEq. • Create structures through which it is absolutely clear and transparent what OkEq’s relationship is with those operating in our space or promoted on our social media (i.e. which are our programs, which are vetted services that are operating under formal agreements, which are given support but operate independently etc.) • Maintain space for hosting third party providers delivering case management, counseling and other important social services on a consistent and widely promoted schedule. • Clarify and strengthen our relationships with existing partners and develop new connections to better serve the community. Update our partnership agreements. • Partner with affirming social safety net organizations to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our community through services such as housing and rent assistance, food security, trans-friendly clothing and other important needs. • Evaluate our clinic operations to determine which services are best done in-house and which can be provided through partnerships. Invite other clinic providers offering different types of affirming services to use our space during hours our inhouse provider is not in residence. • Partner with credible social justice organizations to lend our name and resources to ongoing efforts to defend and expand civic liberties. Expand our engagement with others in the state around advocacy and public affairs. Strategy Two: Be a hub for connecting people to the affirming resources and training they seek. Action Items: • Expand training and resources for our volunteers to ensure consistent and informed information and referrals. • Actively engage at tabling events and Pride celebrations across the state to both promote our own resources and stay aware of the resources being offered by others. • Update our resource guides for affirming faith communities, supportive health resources, legal resources, equality business members, and other allied businesses and social services. Publish the resource guide on our website. • Actively participate with interfaith and community networks that are seeking to improve equity and quality of life for the people of Tulsa, making sure the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are represented at the table. • Expand outreach with local attorneys to provide various legal resources and periodic legal clinics to provide information and guidance to members on relevant topics. • Partner with educational organizations to provide GED classes, language classes, and a variety of professional learning opportunities in our space, targeted to our members’ identified needs. Strategy Three: Offer opportunities to our community members to build leadership, give service, and advocate for positive change. Action Items: • Train a cadre of board and staff representatives to speak to 2SLGBTQIA+ issues with the media and at community events. • Partner with city government, emergency responders, and large institutions to ensure they are considering the needs of Oklahoma’s 2SLGBTQIA+ population when making policy. • Expand the Equality Business Alliance Membership Program. • Offer periodic service-day activities at OkEq and with other service agencies for members. • Work with Leadership Tulsa to relaunch the Lead Together Program. • Provide education, connection, and encouragement to our members and allies, especially those that have the social or financial capital to do so safely, to be advocates within institutions to foster safer spaces overall and push back on efforts to dismantle protections such as GSA’s, BRG’s, DEI offices, and other initiatives that have provided safe harbor. Strategy Four: Always be a safe space where people find community, belonging, and support. Action Items: • Review current safety protocols and security needs and make adjustment as needed to address concerns and potential threats. • Continue and expand our successful line-up of support groups meeting at the center. • Start a program to fill the gap in young adult programming (18-23) that was identified during community listening sessions. • Invest in quarterly community feasts and holiday gatherings to make space for friendship and comradery. • Host, cohost and/or amplify awareness of important community milestones and markers such as Trans Day of Remembrance, World Aids Day and more as appropriate. • Honor those we have lost in our community by hosting an annual memorial service. Strategy Five: Embrace the power of the arts, affirming spiritual traditions, and wellness practices to build community across lines of difference, engage hearts, tell stories, and make powerful social change. Action Items: • Build on the potential of the art gallery with compelling shows and monthly or bimonthly art openings. At least once a year provide a show that highlights some aspect of our shared history. • Support the efforts of the staff and the LRT Advisory Council to maximize the utilization of the black box theater for the benefit of OkEq and the community at large. • Partner with others to offer author talks, lecture series, affirming religious or spiritual programs, holistic wellness workshops and retreats, film festivals, and other types of intergenerational, cultural, and educational programming. • Maintain and expand access to the rich, diverse, and affirming collection provided by the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library. • Continue the work of the History Project to preserve OkEq documents, artifacts, and community donated items which tell the story of OkEq and of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. GOAL FIVE Improve the financial, fundraising, and operational structures to stabilize operations and provide a foundation to respond to future needs and challenges. Strategy One: Complete the substantial investments in technology that have been started by the IT Special Committee Action Items: • Finalize the customer relationship management software conversion process. • Implement Asana project management software organization wide. • Launch the “Let’s all do Good” app. • As funding permits, upgrade technology in the meeting rooms to accommodate today’s virtual meeting landscape. • Develop a secure and comprehensive document storing and sharing protocol so resources are available despite staff and volunteer transitions. • Provide ongoing training to staff and committee chairs on best practices, organizational standard operating procedures, and use of available technology tools. Strategy Two: Create and implement a comprehensive financial plan that diversifies revenue streams, ensures financial stability, expands endowments and operating reserve, and supports sound fiscal decision making. Action Items: • Continue quarterly reforecasting and mid-year rebudgeting protocols. • Annually implement a successful end-of-year giving campaign that engages individuals and small businesses in the mission. • Continuously innovate and improve on the annual gala strategy in ways that maximize proceeds and the participant experience. Prioritize ways that people can be included at a variety of giving levels. • Expand our major gifts and foundation support by improved communication and direct contact with current and lapsed donors while cultivating and developing new funders and growing our base of support. • Identify mission-related special-project giving opportunities in addition to seeking general operating support. • Approve a facility rental strategy that balances earned income with in-kind hosting 2SLGBTQIA+ focused events. Market special rental packages that increase facility rental income. • Improve earned revenue opportunities through a calendar of engaging and entertaining fee-based events. • Create effective campaigns that solicit, cultivate and track paid memberships. • With board and trustee leadership, implement a planned giving program and other funding initiatives designed to add to the corpus of the existing endowments with the Tulsa Community Foundation. Review and update as appropriate the investment and distribution terms of the endowments. • Publish a digital annual report that transparently shares sources and uses of funding while highlighting accomplishments and impact. Strategy Three: Expand the value and positive impact that Pride programming provides to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community while managing financial and liability issues. Action Items: • Explore options and determine if OkEq remains the best organization to host and coordinate the Pride festival and programming for the future. • Continue the community listening process related to priorities and most important aspects of the annual Pride Festival to the queer community members. • To address the growing expense and significant staff and volunteer commitment, adjust the primary festival events to a one or two-day event. • With the Pride committee, discuss the opportunities to include more educational and cultural programming with a Pride theme year-round. GOAL SIX Refresh and reimagine our Center to better serve today’s community. Strategy One: Continue organizing and refreshment of the Center. • Engage staff, board and volunteers along with professional organizers to help with organizing and decluttering activities. • Support the ongoing work of the archivist and volunteers in sorting and preserving meaningful materials that should be kept for historical purposes. • With trustees, develop a budget and funding stream to provide for the maintenance and replacements of physical assets and allow for ongoing improvements to address changing needs. • With trustees, complete an examination of current space usage and implement facility upgrades that improve the quality of the space, enhance user experience, and maximize facility use. • Innovate new uses for old spaces that prioritize flexibility. With staff and stakeholders evaluate needs for spaces such as staff offices, counseling rooms, clothes closet/food pantry, meetings spaces. Consider co-working or coffee house type spaces that members can use during open hours. • Refresh paint, floor coverings, furnishings, and lighting; add new plants, artwork and office furniture as needed. Strategy Two: Plan and execute a capital campaign. • Engage with staff, architects, fundraising professionals, volunteers, trustees, and contractors to plan a renovation of the Equality Center. • Create a budget for capital improvements and add to the endowment if possible. • Conduct a capital campaign starting with major gift solicitation in 2026 and a public fundraising effort that launches with the 20th anniversary of the Center in 2027. • Implement renovation plans with effective construction management in coordination with the needs of the Center. • Plan a grand reopening celebration for the Center. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2025] OKEQ Strategic Plan Final Draft 2025 - 2030 Subject The topic of the resource Final Draft of Oklahomans for Equality Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2030 Description An account of the resource 10 pages of a final draft for Oklahomans for Equality's (OKEQ) strategic plan for the years 2025 to 2030. It contains the organization's mission and goals, and detailed strategic goals with their action items. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Accessed August 7, 2025 2025 Art Gallery Asana board training budget budgeting CenterLink community community engagement community feast community networks community outreach donations EBA Equality Business Alliance Equality Business Alliance (EBA) executive director executive director search executive director search committee fundraisers fundraising gala health clinic history project IT Special Committee Lead Together Leadership Tulsa legal resources Let's All Do Good LRT Advisory Council memorial memorial service mission statement Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board and Trustees OKEQ mission OKEQ staff OKEQ strategic plan OKEQ volunteers Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board Pride celebration pride festival Rainbow Library Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma (RJIOK) RJIOK safety safety protocols security staff recruitment strategic plan support groups TCF Trans Day of Remembrance Tulsa Community Foundation Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF) volunteers World AIDS day young adult programming https://history.okeq.org/files/original/683a4d754ac5db8340bc50dee27bd311.pdf bd8ca451c2a682e4fe218e391f367844 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ –Oklahomans for Equality OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY FAQ The following document answers some questions that we’ve received at the Equality Center over the past weeks and months. As staff, board members, advisors, and trustees we wanted to provide you with this resource as we continue to be as transparent as possible with our members and our community about what’s next for Oklahomans for Equality and the hard work everyone is doing to keep these critical programs and partnerships accessible for our community. We thank you for your patience as we work to stabilize our organization, rebuild trust, and move this organization forward in a way that serves our 2SLGBTQIA+ community for years to come. Our organization is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all our community members. It is important to acknowledge that our community is diverse, with members from various religious, cultural, and political backgrounds. We respect and value this diversity, as it enriches our understanding of the world and strengthens our ability to empathize with others. We encourage our members to engage in respectful dialogue and to seek understanding, even when faced with differing opinions or perspectives. It is through open and honest communication that we can foster a sense of unity and support within our community while still acknowledging the complexity of the world around us. If you have additional questions or concerns to share, we ask you to submit them on our Feedback form where they will be distributed to the proper individuals for awareness and response. Who is currently in charge of the Equality Center? Andi Gunter, who has been involved with the Center since 2019 and has been on staff since 2021, is serving as the Deputy Director of Oklahomans for Equality. Previously, she served as the Health Clinic Operations Manager and has stepped up to lead the organization during this transition. Andi began her work at the Center as a volunteer as she sought resources and better understanding to support her trans daughter. https://okeq.org/faq/ 1/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality Why did you hire Wendy Thomas as a consultant? Why not hire a new Executive Director right away? The OKEQ Board of Directors selected Wendy Thomas to facilitate this transition through a contract of 12 months because of her experience successfully leading a Tulsa nonprofit for more than 20 years and her specific expertise in nonprofit management, leadership transitions, and nonprofit best practices. The Board of Directors wishes to engage in deep, robust community participation in the process of strategic planning and selecting a new permanent executive director. Since this process will take time, the Board of Directors decided Wendy’s expertise would be invaluable for our staff and board while we work toward being ready to hire a new permanent executive director. At Leadership Tulsa, Wendy guided thousands of Tulsans through education, nonprofit, and civic engagement, and she developed programs that successfully educated and engaged underrepresented Tulsans in local nonprot leadership positions including the Hispanic Leadership Institute, New Voices, Tulsa Changemakers, and a partnership with Oklahomans for Equality called Lead Together. Although not a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, she is an ally who is dedicated to supporting us and committed to engaging with everyone in our community through this transition process. What is the role of the consultant? Now through September, our consultant will be leading our Transition Team, assisting with organization stabilization, and conducting interviews with organization stakeholders to guide decision-making. In the fall, our consultant will help us with comprehensive strategic planning. Then, likely in the new year, she will help us launch a new Executive Director search effort. Until a permanent Executive Director is hired, all work will be overseen and reviewed by Andi Gunter, Deputy Director, as well as the OKEQ Board of Directors. https://okeq.org/faq/ 2/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality Why a Transition Team? To allow our staff to focus on the day-to-day needs of running the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, partnerships, and programs, the Executive Committee decided to assemble a Transition Team made up of volunteers, board members, and staff who can help with the extra eorts needed during this time. The Transition Team can focus on this transition period by supporting, supplementing, and guiding the work of our staff, committees, and various stakeholder groups. The Transition Team is made up of 2SLGBTQIA+ people who have served or are currently serving on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board or have volunteered for or partnered with OKEQ. They were asked to assist with the transition due to specific skill sets that can support this work including nonprofit management, communications, health care, fundraising, human relations, and DEI. It is important to note that the Board remains fully in charge of governance, policy setting, fiduciary oversight, and decisions about strategic direction including a new strategic plan, fundraising, and the search for the next Executive Director. How is the organization nancially, right now? We are making progress in nancially stabilizing the organization due in great part to support we’ve received from the community and new and long-time funders. The board has diligently streamlined the budget with additional short-term modications in place as a new budget is developed to align with financial projections. We will be doing quarterly reforecasting and are committed to doing a financial audit every year for the next ten years even though our bylaws only require an audit every other year. We want to be transparent with our financials and cultivate condence in our stakeholders. The I Am Equality Gala was a successful sold out event, and we are building our fundraising and grant-application pipeline to ensure we can continue to provide services, advocacy, community, and programs for and with our community. Financial updates are being provided monthly to our board, and these meetings are open to the public. Additionally, we post all nance reports on our website. Is the organization up to date with all federal lings including 990 forms? https://okeq.org/faq/ 3/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality We are up to date on all federal lings including the 990 forms that go to the Internal Revenue Service. Presently, we have worked with an independent external tax firm, and have timely filed the Form 990 for the 2022/2023 scal year, which was due in February 2024, and which covers our fiscal year starting on October 1, 2022, and ending on September 30, 2023. This form will be uploaded shortly to our public repository on our website. There are also copies of our Forms 990 going back to 2014. The IRS requires tax-exempt organizations to, at minimum, make the last 3 years’ worth of Forms 990 available for public inspection. We have chosen to provide additional years of forms on our website. Did OKEQ lose its accreditation? No. We are not aware of any accreditation required for 2SLGBTQIA+ community centers. We are compliant with all state and federal regulations for nonprots. If you have specific concerns regarding this matter, please contact the Board President at president@okeq.org. Why did the Tulsa Pride including the festival, parade, and Rainbow Run move to October? Amidst a growing nationwide trend, Oklahomans for Equality has elected to move our Tulsa Pride festivities to October in 2024 and subsequent years. While we still celebrate the month of Pride in June and are engaged and supporting celebratory efforts, the Pride festival, parade, and Rainbow Run are tentatively scheduled for the weekend of October 11th through the 13th, which aligns with LGBT History Month and National Coming Out Day. This is still tentative until we denitively secure permitting from the City of Tulsa, which we have been working on diligently. This shift comes as a response to concerns about the scorching temperatures experienced in June that pose signicant health risks for heat-related ailments. By transitioning the event to the fall season, we anticipate Tulsa Pride events will become safer and more inclusive for all attendees. Although historically we have hosted the Equality Gala in late spring and Tulsa Pride in June, this year having both in June created concerns about cash ow for the organization since our two largest events were back-to-back. Another consideration was our staff who tirelessly work to make these large scale events happen. Postponing OKEQ Pride events until the fall gives us a longer runway to raise the funding necessary for a great event, engage more volunteers, and incorporate community feedback. https://okeq.org/faq/ 4/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality What is the status of the investigation into the allegations of embezzlement? We continue to work with authorities to pursue avenues available to us to conclude the investigation and resolve the matter. We spoke to many of these issues in our previous report to the community. Starting in October 2022, OKEQ leadership implemented rigorous nancial controls including engaging a nonprot accounting rm to handle all nances, conducting a forensic audit, and implementing an annual CPA financial audit. Some of the new day-to-day controls include: multiple layers of approval for all invoices, specific approval from the board for the use of restricted funds to ensure that funds are used for intended purposes, elimination of all credit cards, and monthly meetings between the external accounting firm and the Finance Committee. Our audits demonstrate that OKEQ now has all of the needed and recommended financial controls in place. Our latest audit can be viewed here. 08/20/2024 Update: We have been informed that Paul Allen, the former Treasurer of Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), has been charged with felony embezzlement. It is important to note that these charges are allegations, and Mr. Allen has not been convicted of any crime at this time. We are grateful to the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa County’s District Attorney’s Office for their thorough investigation and ongoing efforts in this matter. We trust that the legal process will continue to unfold with fairness and due diligence. Our commitment to transparency and accountability remains unwavering, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as this case progresses. We appreciate the community's support and patience as we navigate this challenging situation. What is OKEQs relationship with the former Executive Director? Dorothy (Des) Ballard served as Interim and then Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality starting in November 2022. In February, 2024, she left OKEQ. She was not terminated nor was she asked to tender her resignation. OKEQ wishes her the best. What is OKEQ’s stance on Indigenous and Two Spirit issues? The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is made up of a diverse group of individuals. OKEQ recognizes that intersectionality (the ways in which queer identities intersect with race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status, class, age, disability, country of origin, religion, languages spoken, and other identities) greatly impacts how certain people are able to move through the world and are perceived. https://okeq.org/faq/ 5/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality In 2023, we changed our mission statement to include “2SLGBTQIA+” in an effort to center Two Spirit identities in recognition of the fact we are in Oklahoma and own a building on Muscogee Nation land. We have heard and understand that some Two Spirit and indigiqueer individuals have been hurt by our organization. We are committed to working in partnership on how to better serve 2SLGBTQIA+ indigenous people. Our staff and board will be undergoing training on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which will include how to be more anti-racist. Did OKEQ really ask the production of HBO’s We’re Here not to film? No. The HBO series We're Here was filmed in Oklahoma and aired this spring. In one of the episodes, an email was sent to the production of the show expressing concern about filming in Bartlesville due to political tensions since the Bartlesville City Council banned public drag performances. This email was not sent by Oklahomans for Equality located in Tulsa, but rather by Bartlesville Equality, a separate entity. While we did not issue this statement to We're Here, we understand the difficult nuances of being 2SLGBTQIA+ in a conservative, rural state where our community is always under threat of harm and violence. We look forward to the day when 2SLGBTQIA+ people and artists in Oklahoma don't feel like they have to choose between visibility and safety. What is OKEQ doing to rebuild trust with the community and answer criticisms about their engagement with parts of our diverse and intersectional community? We take feedback and criticisms about the diversity of our board and our relationships with our community seriously. For the past two years, the Board Governance Committee has utilized a board diversity matrix to help identify identity and skill-based gaps on the board. https://okeq.org/faq/ 6/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality We have also formed a new Community Relations Committee which will soon be launching a series of three community conversation sessions facilitated by our consultant to allow us to hear directly from community members in ways that will affect our decision-making and strategic plan going forward. If you would like to register for this event, please do so here. These are scheduled on the following dates: • Sunday, July 21 | 1 to 3 PM • Tuesday, August 6 | 6 to 8 PM • Monday, August 19 | 6 to 8 PM For those who don’t wish to attend a community conversation session, we are also launching a new feedback form on our website at https://okeq.org/feedback/. Furthermore, we will be putting out a community survey to hear from all members of our community. We commit to reinstituting quarterly town halls. We are reviewing our governance policies including future opportunities for public comment at board meetings. We are also reviewing our purpose and process for selecting advisory board members, engaging in community partnerships, and fundraising. We understand that some members of our community have not experienced the Equality Center as a safe or welcoming place, and we take those concerns seriously. We will be developing norms for all members and building users related to our interactions with others, methods for elevating concerns and filing incident reports, due process, opportunities for restoration, and fair and equally enforced consequences when restoration is not an option. In addition to training around board best practices, we are in the process of sourcing proposals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist training for our board and staff. We recognize that where there is no trust, there is no partnership, and we depend on our community partnerships to allow us to effectively serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are working hard to balance the need to go fast and be responsive to our community’s concerns and going slow and taking the time to be thoughtful and inclusive of multiple perspectives. We are focused on the deep work of self-examination, process improvement, consensus building, and strategic planning. This is not a one-and-done process. It will be work that must be engaged with over time and with great attention. https://okeq.org/faq/ 7/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality If you see ways in which we are coming up short, we welcome the opportunity to do better. Our board members, advisors, trustees and staff are ready, willing, and able to accept your feedback. Should you not feel heard, please reach out to our Board President, Whitney Cipolla, at president@okeq.org or the Community Relations Chair, Yonah Sienna Jasper, at secretary@okeq.org. How can I support OKEQ during this time of transition? If you would like to volunteer at the front desk, please contact hannah.tamplin@okeq.org. If you would like to volunteer for the Pride planning committee, please ll out this interest form. If you are interested in Board committees open to the public, please fill out this form. How will the revenue from Gala be used? Expenditures and revenue numbers from the I Am Equality Gala are being finalized. We will share a report with the Board and public this summer. The budget saving measures were enacted for this year’s gala to maximize protability and honor our commitment to financial responsibility. This included downsizing to a smaller venue while still honoring the contract with Cox Convention and Business Center, and eliminating an open bar in favor of a cash bar for patrons. The revenue generated from the gala directly impacts our operating budget and will be used for payroll, costs of maintaining the building, and community programming and services. The Board will continue to take stewardship of our resources very seriously. The Board will ensure that a budget for FY2025 maximizes the use of this revenue to continue to stabilize and move the Center forward. If you have comments or ideas our Board should consider during the budgeting process, please submit your thoughts via our feedback form. FEEDBACK https://okeq.org/faq/ 8/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality CONTACT 918-743-4297 Phone 918-938-6537 Health Clinic 918-295-6885 Fax LOCATION Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 621 E 4th ST Tulsa, OK 74120 HOURS Sunday – Monday Closed Tuesday – Thursday 9 am to 9 pm Friday 9 am to 6 pm Saturday 12 noon to 6pm OKEQ eNEWS SIGNUP Email * https://okeq.org/faq/ 9/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality First Name * Last Name * I'm not a robot reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms Submit Copyright © 2019 Oklahomans for Equality Powered by UniComm Solutions https://okeq.org/faq/ 10/10 8/7/25, 3:55 PM FAQ – Oklahomans for Equality Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] OKEQ FAQs - August 2024 Subject The topic of the resource 2024 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from Oklahomans for Equality, August 2024 Description An account of the resource 10 pages of a publicly available document posted to the main page of the Oklahomans for Equality website containing 16 frequently asked questions and answers regarding leadership transition, the organization's financial situation, moving Tulsa Pride to October, and the organization's relationship with intersecting communities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Oklahomans for Equality https://okeq.org/faq/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Accessed August 7, 2025; last updated August 20, 2024 2024 Des Ballard Dorothy (Des) Ballard Dorothy Ballard embezzlement Equality Gala Equality Gala 2024 FAQ HBO We're Here I Am Equality Gala leadership transition OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ fundraising Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director Oklahomans for Equality fundraising pride festival pride Parade Pride Parade and festival Rainbow Run transition team Tulsa Pride Tulsa Pride 2024 two spirit We're Here Wendy Thomas https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c4e4ab6a86452eca7ce441241c62a20b.pdf 33021efb3fdc448bab9ce21e290a91e0 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document 2/28/25, 2:45 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory Butler-Stumpff & Dyer funeral home, crematory, cemetery Vernon Leon Jones May 03, 1935 - February 05, 2024 Share:    Obituary Event & Services Charities & Donations Gallery Videos https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 1/4 2/28/25, 2:45 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory Guestbook Send Flowers Obituary Vernon Leon Jones, 88, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, left this earthly plane to be with his late partner Phil Wiley, on February 5th, 2024. He was born in Oklahoma, on May 3rd, 1935. As a gay man, born and raised here, Vernon’s chosen family is vast. He is survived by Hayward Jones, Nekesha Jones, JaKobe Jones, Sue Davis, Fred Hilliard, Arlowe Clementine, Mason Thomas, Rey Thomas, and so many other individuals that claimed Vernon as their friend, family, and elder. Vernon was an active learner, even in his later years. He was always working to understand the world around him and was eternally hopeful for a better world. He was a strong advocate for marginalized peoples and was particularly committed to Queer and Black Liberation. Vernon was a clear Taurus. He was intelligent, dependable, logical, honest, and generous. Vernon spent most of his life focused on making his community better. He was a holder of receipts. A maker of spreadsheets. A true community historian and archivist. Vernon was dedicated to making people safer, both in his career in emergency management and his activist work in the ght against AIDS. He was not a stranger to controversy and was unrelenting in speaking his truth and the truth of the people he loved. In the years before his death, Vernon worked hard to ensure that the legacy of LGBTQ activism in Tulsa was properly recorded and preserved for current and future generations. His substantial archive is now housed in Oklahoma State University’s Archives. This collection will be witnessed by researchers and community members for years to come. Vernon was a connector. He worked hard to bring people together and was always willing to give someone support that needed it. Even in his death, he is connecting individuals over their shared love and respect for him and his life. Vernon fought hard for his community and the legacy of his late partner Phil Wiley. Anyone who knew Vernon was graced with stories of Phil’s life and legacy as well as their love for one another. In lieu of owers, we ask that you remember Vernon by learning something new, taking a stand on social issues that are important to you, and keeping his life and legacy alive through storytelling. https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 2/4 2/28/25, 2:45 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory Vernon’s memorial service will take place March 1 at 11 AM at Butler-Stump & Dyer Funeral Home (2103 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104). ABOUT US Butler-Stumpff & Dyer funeral home, crematory, cemetary “We will always be kind and we will never take advantage of you or your family at your saddest time” is our promise to you. BUTLER-STUMPFF & DYER FUNERAL HOME BUTLER-STUMPFF & DYER FUNERAL HOME  2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104  (918) 587-7000  info@butler-stump.com  Available 24/7 https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 3/4 2/28/25, 2:45 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory VISIT US Butler-Stumpff … View larger map Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home Map data ©2025 Report a map error © Copyright 2025 | Butler-Stump & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory | Privacy Policy | All Rights Reserved | Blog https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 4/4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] Vernon Jones Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Vernon Leon Jones, May 3, 1935 - February 5, 2024 Description An account of the resource Four pages of an obituary for Vernon Leon Jones, who lived May 3, 1935 to February 5, 2024, published by Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home. A service was planned for March 1, 2024 at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 1, 2024 2024 Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home Butler-Stumpff and Dyer Butler-Stumpff and Dyer Funeral Home in memoriam memoriam Obituaries Obituary Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives OSU OSU Archives Phil Wiley Vernon Jones Vernon Leon Jones https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b99d33161d4277b4ec3675081d44639f.pdf 744e34f8ade15ce850b432c712f1601c Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Michael Herbert Green November 20, 1946 - February 17, 2024 Michael HerbertGreen was born November 20, 1946, to Lewis and Juliene Green in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School where he was third in his class of over 900 and played Tuba in the band. Itwas during high school hemetthe love of his life Virginia, and they weremarried in January of 1965. Mikewas an electricalcontractor by trade and part of the IBEW Union 1141. He also had his own real estate company and was always looking for the next business venture. Hewas amaster gardener, planting anything and everything, and sold hundreds of jars of his PawPaws Sneaky Pete Salsa. He loved to work in his shop, enjoyed woodworking, andmaking toys and puzzles. Hewas also a talented oil painter, and painted horses especially well. Hewas a Southern BaptistDeacon, and taught Sunday School for over 45 years. He loved talking aboutthe Lord, and he and Virginia went onmultiplemission trips with theirchurch in their early years. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids with all his heart, and cherished anytime he had to spend with them. Hewas also a big prankster, and loved to make people laugh, oh and HE LOVED sweettea, and always had it with him. He is survived by his forever love,wife of 59 years, Virginia Lee Green, his daughter Laura Manahan, and husband Chris of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter Kristi Dunkle of Guthrie, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Tyler Manahan and his wife Kathy of Edmond, Oklahoma; Shelby Dunkle and her fiancé Michael Brooks Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK; Megan Millsap and husband Matthew of Yukon, Oklahoma; great grandchildren Zoey, Mia, Maverick and Myles, and sister Linda Green of Columbia, Missouri, and other nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Lewis, mother Juliene, and brothers Lewis and David. If he could leave you with any last thoughts they would be, make sure first and foremost, you have a relationship with Christ, enjoy your family and friends, eat dessert first, and bring him some sweet tea when he meets you at the gates. A service to remember and celebrate Michael's life will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00AM at Crawford Family Funeral Service in Edmond. Visitation with the family will be held the evening prior from 5:00PM-7:00PM, Thursday, February 22, 2024. Burial will take place at Knowles Cemetery of rural Crescent, OK. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider making amemorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association in. A link formaking a donationmay be found belowunder "Memorial Contributions". Cemetery OAKLAND-KNOWLES CEMETERY W96H+VF Crescent, Oklahoma, Crescent, OK 73028 Events FUNERAL SERVICE 23 Feb 11:00 AM Crawford Family Funeral & Cremation Service 610 N.W. 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012 VISITATION Feb 22 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Crawford Family Funeral & Cremation Service 610 N.W. 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012 Tribute Wall Bill Darvin I first met Mike in high school in 1963 at Capitol Hill High School. Mike had amischievous side and hewas always playing jokes on his friends. Hewas amost unusual person, friendly, a little reserved,with not a lot to say. He and Virginia met at high school and one day Mike told me they were getting married. I was honored that he asked me to be his Best Man. Even though those firstfewmonths were challenging, going to school, working evenings and week-ends, Mike would often invite me to his and Virginia's small apartment for lunch, to share a bologna sandwich. Mike was like that, reaching out to friends and family, to meet their needs. He made the most of whatever he had,"a life well lived." I'll miss you, Mike. Bill Darvin "Material_candle_green_thumbnail" was lit in memory of Michael Herbert Green Light a candle Show your support by giving a symbol of remembrance Kristi Dunkle Thank you so much for writing this! Our whole family was glad you were at the service. Janet Vlad Knowing Mike changed my life. His generosity and support as a brother-in-lawwere unparalleled. The world cannot be the same without him, but Heaven is certainly improved <3 "Material_candle_green_thumbnail" was lit in memory of Michael Herbert Green Light a candle Show your support by giving a symbol of remembrance Kristi Dunkle Thank you Janet! It was great seeing you at the service! Funeral Home Owner "Funeral Home Owner posted a video"  Watch now Faith Bible Worship and Tech Teams We are praying for peace for your family during this time of mourning. Tribute Store "Beautiful in Blue" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Show your support with flowers Anonymous Reminding those whom you support that your thoughts are with them. "White Florist's Choice" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers Kristi Dunkle Love, Lori and Phil Kristi, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! "Florist's Choice Bouquet" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers Anonymous With love and prayers! "Florist's Choice Bouquet" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers  A tree was also planted in memory of Michael Herbert Green. Anonymous Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Lee and Mary Nirschl, Paul Pope, Kellie Burch, Cliff Pope and Kyle Pope Tribute Store "Florist's Choice Bouquet" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Show your support with flowers Jaared & Jessica Scott May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. John 11:25 "White Florist's Choice" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers Larry & Susie Ziegler A wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be missed. Michelle Keylon Laura and family, praying for your comfort and peace to face the days ahead and for loving memories to hold in your heart. "Purple Florist's Choice" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers  A tree was also planted in memory of Michael Herbert Green. Francis Tuttle Board of Education Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family "Basket of Memories" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers Francis Tuttle Foundation Dear Laura and family, Your Francis Tuttle family is thinking about you. "Serene Retreat" was purchased for the family of Michael Herbert Green Tribute Store Show your support with flowers  A tree was also planted in memory of Michael Herbert Green. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] Mike Green Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Michael Herbert Green, November 20, 1946 - February 17, 2024 Description An account of the resource Six pages of an obituary for Michael Herbert Green, who lived November 20, 1946 to February 17, 2024, published by Crawford Family Funeral and Cremation Service. A service was planned for February 23, 2024 at Crawford Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Edmond, OK. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Crawford Family Funeral and Cremation Service Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.crawfordfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Michael-Herbert-Green?obId=30765360 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 23, 2024 2024 Capitol Hill High School Crawford Family Funeral and Cremation Service Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service Crawford Funeral Service Crescent Edmond IBEW Union IBEW Union 1141 in memoriam Knowles Cemetary memoriam Michael Green Michael Herbert Green Mike Green Mike Herbert Green Oakland-Knowles Cemetary Obituaries Obituary Oklahoma City https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c1fbe5ab5f0233246a55755d0a693b99.pdf 09b9eda8ba412b2ffc86b548c78ac572 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Jack Wagoner III Aug 13, 1961 - Apr 23rd, 2024 Birth Date: Aug 13, 1961 Death Date: Apr 23, 2024 Funeral Date: Jun 15, 2024, 11:00 am Location: Murray Park, Pavilion 1, Little Rock, Arkansas Print this Obituary Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 1 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM Biography: JACK WAGONER III passed away on April 23, 2024, at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 62. Jack, had he awoken, would have been grateful to have spent his last moments in the same house where he once drank his morning coffee (which he took with two sugars and enough milk to nearly defeat the point), taught his baby daughters how to walk, and blasted the Grateful Dead on full volume (much to the dismay of his family). Jack was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in the house in which he caused regular mischief throughout his teenage years – pranking his sisters, skateboarding in a handstand down the neighborhood’s steep hill, and, in one event, taking advantage of his parents’ absence to throw a party that resulted in dozens of cars lined down the street and only minor property damage (but which was cleaned so thoroughly and efficiently that his parents only realized after a neighbor, upset by the noise, informed them upon their return). At 40, he later married his wife Joyce in the same house – the two of them wed in his parents’ living room, clad not in tux and gown, but rather blue jeans and t-shirts, their families packed in around them. Jack worked as an attorney for 34 years, during which time he always positioned himself firmly on the side of the underdog, and fought to improve the circumstances of those who didn’t have much of a fighting chance. Jack’s readiness to help those in need also manifested itself in the form of spasmodic acts of generosity enacted on the behalf of random strangers: such as the time he engaged a Waffle House employee in conversation during the breakfast rush of a Christmas morning, and tipped her a one hundred dollar bill. Jack’s job as an attorney also presented itself in the familial sphere, where he would engage in lively debates with his daughters over anything and everything (and, on occasion, lost). Jack’s family will remember him as a man who laughed a bit too loud and spoke a bit too much. More than that, though, they will remember him as a man who tried very hard, and who loved very much. In lieu of flowers, please consider playing to yourself “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead, and sing along if you know the words. It was his favorite song. All friends and family are welcome to a celebration of Jack’s life at Murray Park, Pavilion 1 on June 15, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. We will laugh, cry, hear from some folks whom Jack admired greatly, and of course have live music. Bring your folding chairs and sit awhile. We’ll all be there to send him off with joy and love. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com Condolences(18) Heather Jun 13th, 2024 8:17 pm # 18 My family and I were one of those “underdogs” Jack represented, fighting for us and winning against one of the most corrupt attorneys in Little Rock. I’m forever indebted for the kindness he showed toward me and my case. This news just shook me. We need more Jack Wagoners in the world. Rest in peace, awesome soul. Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 2 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM Josh Coleman Jun 13th, 2024 4:58 pm # 17 We miss you Jack. “Would you hear my voice come through the music? Would you hold it near as it were your own?”. It’s been a tough few months without you here. I’ve thought about you many times along my adventures. I miss checking my phone to see enthusiastic texts or voicemails from you to keep me informed about something new and exciting going on. I kept feeling like I’d run into you at the sphere Vegas shows. I won’t be able to make it to the memorial, but you’ll live on in my memory forever. RIP Jack. Much love to you and your family. Bobby Hamilton May 29th, 2024 9:06 am # 16 I knew Jack for about 47years. We grew up not far from each other though never spent a lot of time together. He was someone I wanted to be around more as we shared an enthusiasm I can only describe as a zest for life and the need for inclusiveness. I would run into Jack from time to time as my family negotiated the foster care system. He was always doing what I thought a real lawyer would want to do, representing the less powerful. Thank you Jack, for fighting the good fight with a gleam in your eyes and a belief that it was working. I believe it too. Susan Jones Boe May 27th, 2024 9:39 am # 15 My brothers and I grew up with the Wagoner family and witnessed first hand the wonderful mischief of Jack! We are all so sorry for your loss. May his memory and the admiration of those who knew him bring you comfort in the years to come. Sandy Lewis Roberts May 20th, 2024 10:47 pm # 14 I’m so sorry to hear that Jack is gone. He was smart, witty, and absolutely one if a kind. He also had a huge and generous heart that he could not always hide. He was loved very much and will be missed by so many people, including me. My heart goes out to Joyce and his girls who I know, without a doubt, he loved so much. My prayers are with you and your daughters, Joyce. Please know I’m there for you on any day at anytime. Love you so much, Sandy Jean Blume May 16th, 2024 1:03 pm # 13 Jack my heart is broken, I love you! My thoughts and prayers to Joyce, Erin and Kylie, the ones you loved the most. You are now part of the Ripple in Gods Heavenly Kingdom. You will be greatly missed by all you have touched here on this earth. R.I.P. and love Jack. Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 3 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM Trey Moore May 14th, 2024 1:29 pm # 12 Jack was a good man and a good friend and he is missed by many. Love you Jack, see ya on the flip side. Dave Wilson May 14th, 2024 12:45 pm # 11 Always moving to hear of your love for wife and daughters. Rest in peace, and God Bless your loved ones. Candice Murphy May 13th, 2024 8:36 pm # 10 I knew several of Jack’s family members from many great years at Trinity United Methodist Church. But I met Jack through our mutual friend Sean Harrison, who invited Jack over to see him perform at our first Home Concert in Leawood a year ago. It was such a special night and Jack let me know multiple times afterwards how much he enjoyed it. Sean’s performance was awesome, the weather was perfect, and I loved seeing those good friends spending time together. I’m so sorry he left too soon. Too many of the good ones do.Love to the family, Sean, and others who will miss him. — Candy Murphy Jill B May 13th, 2024 6:53 pm # 9 Jack helped me and drove me crazy all at the same time. RIP Terry Barket May 13th, 2024 6:13 pm # 8 My late husband, Gary, so enjoyed “Jack time”, both professionally and leisurely. Recently, I became reacquainted with Jack and he helped me with a legal problem…with a good result. I shall miss him deeply and remember him fondly. I hold Joyce and the twins close in my heart and prayers. Buzz Plumley May 13th, 2024 5:00 pm # 7 Loved to hear Jack share his experience , strength and hope in AA meetings . Evans family May 13th, 2024 4:48 pm # 6 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you. Thinking of you all. Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 4 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM Tom Kelly May 13th, 2024 1:51 pm # 5 Gone too soon. Rest in peace Jack. Love to your family. Robin Mays May 13th, 2024 1:42 pm # 4 So glad I got to spend some time with you, Jack and your girls in Charleston last year. Jack and I had such a good visit while you and girls were shopping. I know what a shock it was to you as well as to his friends and sisters. He will be missed by many, and I know his daughters will carry his memory in everything they do. Greg BRUCE May 13th, 2024 11:48 am # 3 Thank you for everything you for our community. Cathy Jones May 13th, 2024 9:59 am # 2 "Ripple" is my favorite as well. Rest in peace. Roger Amick May 12th, 2024 11:11 pm # 1 Rest in peace. Leave your Condolence * Your Name * Your Email (will not be published) Condolence * Enter verification code Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 5 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM SUBMIT Jack Wagoner III https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 6 of 6 2/21/2025, 3:11 PM Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] Jack Wagoner Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Jack Wagoner III, August 13, 1961 - April 23, 2024 Description An account of the resource Six pages of an obituary for Jack Wagoner III, who lived August 13, 1961 to April 23, 2024, published by Ruebel Funeral Home, including comments left by guests. A memorial service was planned for June 15, 2024 at Murray Park in Arkansas. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ruebel Funeral Home Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 12, 2024 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://ruebelfuneralhome.com/obits/preview.php?id=3388 2024 Arkansas in memoriam Jack Wagoner Jack Wagoner III Little Rock memoriam Obituaries Obituary Ruebel Funeral Home https://history.okeq.org/files/original/3fb8c41a62ae84cb5481a62b96914dd0.pdf 2ce75f7fef49928ca38893b4c6fb7c75 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document (/) 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135 918-743-6271 (tel:1-918-743-6271) Share this obituary  (mailto:?subject=Obituary for Nancy McDonald&body=Obituary%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0AView%20details%20at%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com%2Fobituary%2Fnancymcdonald%0A%0ABrought%20to%20you%20by%20Stanleys%20Funeral%20%26%20Cremation%20Service%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com)  (tel:9187436271) Privacy - Terms 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 1/4  Sign Guestbook  View Guestbook Entries (/guestbook/8721811)  Print Obituary (/obituaries/print?o_id=8721811) Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma June 4, 1936 - October 24, 2023 Nancy McDonald, a longtime Tulsa community volunteer and activist, died Tuesday. She was 87. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at All Souls Unitarian Church, with a reception to follow. Per McDonald’s wishes, her family invites everyone attending the reception to bring homemade cookies. Known for her vision and tenacity, McDonald was a force for change in Tulsa for well over 50 years, embracing a variety of causes including public school integration, the arts and LGBTQ rights. Notably with the latter, her inuence extended throughout Oklahoma and beyond. McDonald and her husband, Joe, were the founders of the Tulsa chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the rst in Oklahoma, and she later served as president of the national PFLAG organization. It was during her tenure as president, in 1998, that the organization extended its mission to include transgender people. McDonald was active on a state and national level in promoting legislation that advanced LGBTQ rights. And when a proposed law threatened that advancement, she was there to ght it. That included testifying before Congress in 1996 in opposition to the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Toby Jenkins, former director of Oklahomans for Equality, said McDonald was a source of needed encouragement for her fellow LGBTQ rights advocates, assuring them that “incrementally, bit by bit, relationships would form and change would come.” “Nancy taught us to show respect and civility to everyone, even if they were hateful to you,” Jenkins said. “If they spoke that way, she believed it was just that their hearts and minds had not been opened or challenged. Eventually the change of heart would come. I will miss that most about her.” A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska, McDonald moved to Tulsa with her family in 1966. She didn’t waste any time getting involved in her new community. As a parent of school-age children and PTA member, she joined a small group of Tulsa Public Schools parents in helping with voluntary integration, starting with Burroughs Elementary School. Then, in 1973, district ocials turned to McDonald to help integrate Booker T. Washington High School. Chairing a committee for volunteer recruitment, McDonald led the successful eort to recruit white student volunteers to attend the previously all-Black school, holding a series of meetings with students and parents. Her volunteering led to a full-time job with TPS, coordinating volunteers and leading the further development of the magnet school concept. Motivating more community volunteers to get involved in their public schools was at the heart of McDonald’s love for the Partners in Education program. She participated in a related White House Symposium and wrote the guidelines for PIE groups that were published as a book. She remained involved with PIE through the end of her life. McDonald was also passionate about scouting. She was a former board member and president of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In that role, she helped guide the organization through the tumultuous time following the 1977 murders of three girls at summer camp. McDonald was recipient of a number of honors and awards. They included induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame and the dedication of the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library in her and her husband’s honor at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. McDonald’s commitment to the LGBTQ cause began in the 1980s when one of her daughters came out as a lesbian. The experience of supporting her daughter would shape McDonald, and later she became a mother gure to many LGBTQ people who found themselves facing alienation from friends and family. “We called her ‘everybody’s mother,’” Jenkins said. “She was a surrogate parent for so many whose families had rejected them or had not accepted or understood them. There are national LGBTQ leaders who came out of Oklahoma who Nancy mentored about family relationships.” And her motherly inuence didn’t end with the LGBTQ community, Jenkins said. “If anyone was marginalized, it became her cause,” he said. Morva McDonald, McDonald’s daughter, said her mother was “just so good at seeing every individual.” “At her core, she was always trying her best to help people be seen, be recognized for who they were. And that’s what allowed her to reach across so many different causes and arenas.” SEND A CARD Show Your Sympathy to the Family (https://www.stmcdonald/cardscampaign=obitucards-ctaleftside) SEND FLOWERS Order Flowers for the Family (https://www.stmcdonald/flowercampaign=obituowers-ctaleftside)  (tel:9187436271) 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 2/4 “The issue for her was always helping people be seen. It was a tremendous gift.” For her mother, part of valuing people as individuals included helping them nd ways to participate, Morva added. “That’s why we’re asking people to bring homemade cookies to the reception. It was her idea. Baking was a favorite activity of Mom’s with her grandchildren. “Even at the end she was thinking about how everyone could share and participate.” McDonald’s survivors include her husband, Joe McDonald; four children, JoElyn Newcomb, Paul McDonald, Jason McDonald and Morva McDonald; eight sgrandchildren; a brother, Howard Nellor; and a sister, Sharlene Clatano. Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation for Tulsa Schools’ Partners in Education program. Services Celebration of Life Sunday, November 12, 2023 4:00 PM All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S. Peoria Ave Tulsa, OK 74114  Open Google Maps  Email Details (mailto:?subject=Celebration%20of%20Life for NancyMcDonald&body=Celebration%20of%20Life%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0ASunday%) Sign Guestbook Name:  Name (required) Location: Location Video: Link to Video (Youtube or Vimeo) Image: Choose File No File chosen Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email:  Email (required) Personal Message:  Personal Message (required) Confirm:  (tel:9187436271) 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 3/4 reCAPTCHA I'm not a robot Privacy - Terms Submit Guestbook entry 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135  918-743-6271 (tel:918-743-6271)  918-743-5790  Join our mailing list (/subscribe)  info@stanleysfuneralhome.com (mailto:info@stanleysfuneralhome.com) © Copyright 2019 - 25 Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service. All Rights Reserved. | Funeral Home Website by Batesville® (https://www.batesvilletechnology.com) | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources (https://www.batesville.com/for-families/) |Terms of Use (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/conditions) | Privacy Policy (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/privacy) Home (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/) | About Us (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/about-us) | Cremation (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/section/cremation) | Burial (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/section/burial) | Veterans (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/section/veterans) | Obituaries (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obits) | Contact & Location (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/section/contact-location) | Blog (https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/section/blog) |  Admin (/admin)  (tel:9187436271) 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 4/4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2023] Nancy McDonald Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Nancy McDonald, June 4, 1936 - October 24, 2023 Description An account of the resource Four pages of an obituary for Nancy McDonald, who lived June 4, 1936 to October 24, 2023, published by Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service. A service was planned for November 12, 2023 at All Souls Unitarian Church. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 12, 2023 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 2023 ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH Booker T. Washington High School Burroughs Elementary School Defense of Marriage Act Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Equality Center Foundation for Tulsa Schools Partners in Education Program Girl Scouts Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma in memoriam Joe McDonald memoriam Morva McDonald Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Nancy McDonald Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library Obituaries Obituary OkEq Equality Center Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Partners in Education Partners in Education (PIE) Partners in Education Program PFLAG PIE Rainbow Library Toby Jenkins TPS Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) Tulsa Schools Partners in Education University of Nebraska https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fc1bfc45488d1e358856894ddc159604.pdf f5736a974b6870b949c3192ece087cfe Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h2>Gary Kelley’s Add’Vantage Funeral Service</h2> <h3>Dwight Alan Kealiher</h3> ( August 27, 1937 - August 15, 2024 ) <div> Dwight Alan Kealiher, 86, certified public accountant and resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was born Friday, August 27, 1937 in Checotah, Oklahoma to Paul Kealiher and Zadee (Wessinger) Kealiher. Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 South Peoria, Tulsa, Oklahoma. </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] Dwight Kealiher Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Dwight Alan Kealiher, August 27, 1937 - August 15, 2024 Description An account of the resource One page of an obituary for Dwight Alan Kealiher uploaded by Gary Kelley's Add'Vantage Funeral Service. Dwight lived August 27, 1937 to August 15, 2024. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gary Kelley's Add'Vantage Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.garykelleyafs.com/obituary/dwight-kealiher Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 4, 2024 2024 ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH Dwight Kealiher Gary Kelley's Add'Vantage Funeral Service Gary Kelley's Funeral Service in memoriam memoriam Obituaries Obituary https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f3f1c9294f85795138455775d154780c.pdf 873a286679843ca4173a354fad9b1479 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document <h1 class="Box-sc-ucqo0b-0 HeadingBase___StyledBox-sc-1jlt23t-0 cTwbCP cNDfOi">Robert Cisar Obituary</h1> <div class="Box-sc-ucqo0b-0 kbVUcj ObituaryText___StyledTextBase-sc-12f7zd1-0 inFMmj">CISAR -- Robert S., Jr., began his life's journey February 18, 1942 in Oklahoma City. His "fabulous" journey ended Friday, March 10, 2006, in Tulsa, OK which had been his home since the early 1970s. Robert was preceded in death by, his loving parents, Zelma and Dr. Robert S. Cisar, Sr. He is survived by: his life partner of 21 years, Kirk Holt; cousins, John and Jim McArdle and their families of Tucson and Phoenix, AZ; 3 cousins, on the west coast; and lifetime friend, Paul Thomas and his family of Oklahoma City. Robert also leaves many wonderful friends who traveled with him as he made his life's journey. During his brief illness, Robert was able to celebrate his life with those he dearly loved. After serving in the Army and a tour in Vietnam where he was a Surgical Nurse, Robert started interior home painting, then paper hanging, then home remodeling before realizing that he had a gift for interior design. Thus evolved into his and Kirk's business, Cisar-Holt, Inc. He loved his work and cherished the relationships they made with their many clients across the United States and abroad over the years. Robert will be remembered and celebrated as a man who loved life, as a humanitarian, a man of vision and integrity who deeply believed in equality. He was always supportive of his friends. He generously and willingly lent his support to many local organizations that are about helping others. It had been Robert's gift of sharing and giving back to others that endeared him to so many. In lieu of flowers Robert had requested contributions be made to Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Robert was one of the founders of TOHR. Recently, the TOHR organization purchased its first building. Robert had looked forward to being a part of the team which will transform the building into a community center. Please send contributions to TOHR, Pyramid Project, P.O. Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 and note Robert Cisar Memorial Fund. Service will be 4 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at All Souls Unitarian Church. Stanleys, 743-6271.</div> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] Bob Cisar Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Robert S. Cisar Jr., February 18, 1942 - March 10, 2006 Description An account of the resource Two pages of an obituary for Robert S. Cisar Jr., who lived February 18, 1942 to March 10, 2006, published by Tulsa World on March 14, 2006. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tulsaworld/name/robert-cisar-obituary?id=6865448 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 14, 2006 2006 Bob Cisar Cisar Holt Inc Cisar-Holt Inc. in memoriam Kirk Holt memoriam Obituaries Obituary Pyramid Project Pyramid Project fundraising Robert S Cisar Robert S Cisar Jr Robert S. Cisar Robert S. Cisar Jr. Stanley's Funeral and Cremation Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service TOHR TOHR Pyramid Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa World https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5ec5cfc91ad354158984d17c00b85e0c.pdf 8e19216935206d5e73c3194ad6301e64 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document <h1 class="print-name">Rex Ball</h1> Rex Martin Ball was born June 14th, 1934 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Ralph Martin and Sarah Mae (Kellner) Ball. Rex, an internationally known architect, urban designer, and champion of historic preservation efforts is also remembered as a beloved mentor and staunch human rights advocate, who was as intent on improving the lives around him as he was on improving society. A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. A visitation is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Rex, graduated at the age of 16 valedictorian of his class at Kemper Military School. He then attended Oklahoma State University obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in architecture. His education continued at MIT where he obtained a Master of Architecture degree. He served two terms on the University of Oklahoma's Board of Visitors for the College of Architecture (regional and city planning, landscape architecture, construction management). His artwork is in the permanent collections of his alma maters, OSU and MIT. Rex was married to Margie Crowley Ball in 1960, with whom he shared many good times, many laughs, and four wonderful daughters. The couple began their married life in Oklahoma City where he began his career following in his father's footsteps at HTB, Inc. an international architecture-engineering-planning firm. They then moved to Tulsa where he founded the Tulsa branch in 1962. In 1976 Rex became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, one of the youngest up to that time to have earned the Institute's highest honor. Marge and Rex's union ended in 1983, but they remained close friends until his death. Rex met Stephen Edwards in Oklahoma City in 1984. The same day they formed an inexplicable connection, a beautiful relationship that has endured for 26 years. Their connection was so complete that they finished each other's sentences and heard each other's thoughts. Through their bond, Rex gained a 5th wonderful daughter. Rex and Stephen have traveled the world sharing their love of architecture, interior design, and their zest for life. On the 24th day of October 2008 they were finally able to legally marry in Palm Springs. Mr. Ball has uniquely served as President of the local AIA Chapters in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City, as well as the State Council. He is a registered planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He has served on the Board of Directors of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City Chambers of Commerce. Within the U.S. Mr. Ball has involved himself directly in a number of award-winning designs which utilized the public/private partnership concept: the National Press Building in Washington, D.C. with the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, One Bell Central in Oklahoma City, the ingenious Mid-Continent Tower in Tulsa, and the Tulsa Community College conversion of the Sinclair Building and Central High School Shops. All of these illustratively incorporate the design values of accessibility and people-orientation that are Ball's trademarks. Mr. Ball's intense interest in our Nation's urban areas found expression through personal participation on committees in Tulsa and on similar committees within the National Trust for Historic Preservation/Preservation Oklahoma, the American Consulting Engineers council, the U.S. Jaycees, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) national component and local chapters, and the Society of American Military Engineers of which he was a sustaining member. In 1994, Ball was appointed by President Clinton to serve on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. He had also chaired the White house Small Business Conference's Federal Procurement Task Force, in addition to being listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. In 1994, after 37 years of professional practice, he became Chairman Emeritus of HTB, Inc. HTB has since been purchased by Dewberry Design, Inc. Right up to his death, Mr. Ball was in popular demand as a speaker, panelist, and author. Consistently honored by his peers during his 12-year tenure as CEO of HTB, the firm received over 50 awards nationally and locally. His honors include the Governor's Business in the Arts Award, the Curt Schwartz Business in the Arts Award, and the Gannet Foundation's Five Who Care Humanitarian Award for long-standing commitment to economic development, education, cultural enrichment as well as efforts to help the handicapped and the needy. In November 1995, OSU singled him out for its Distinguished Alumnus Award for significant service plus personal and professional achievements. In recent years, he has focused his attention on Tulsa's magnificent collection of Art Deco buildings by chairing the 6th World Congress on Art Deco; was chair of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies; former president of the Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission; co-founder and president of the Tulsa Art Deco Society. In addition , Rex was a founding commissioner and chairman of the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority and a member and former president of Downtown Tulsa Unlimited. Rex is remembered as a devoted friend, loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be dearly missed. Rex is survived by his husband, Stephen Edwards, his daughters, Julie Kay Willingham, Linda Carol Ball, Sharon Louise Corbin and her husband, Clarence, Renee Marie Boehnen and her husband, Craig (all of the Dallas area) and Tiffany Gail Bjorlie and her husband, Jeremy of Tulsa; his grandchildren, Michael Ball, Cheyenne Corbin, Elyse Glass, Serene Corbin, Derek Corbin, Matthew Willingham, Aleigha Boehnen and Josh Corbin; his children's mother, Marge Crowley Ball; his special friends, Dwight Kealieher, Mike Tedrick, Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sarah Mae (Kellner) Ball and his brother, Leonard Frank Ball. Rex left his body peacefully, family by his side, with Stephen holding him and singing the show tunes that Rex famously adored. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Rex Ball Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Rex Ball, June 14, 1934 - 2010 Description An account of the resource Two pages of an obituary for Rex Ball, born June 14, 1934, who passed away during 2010, uploaded by Ninde Funeral and Cremation. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ninde Funeral and Cremation Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://ninde.com/tribute/details/1539/Rex-Ball/obituary.html#content-start Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2 -3 , 2010 2010 AIA AIA Tulsa American Institute of Architects American Institute of Architects (AIA) American Institute of Architects Tulsa architect art deco Boston Avenue United Methodist Church Brent Ortolani Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Tulsa Commission of Fine Arts Dwight Kealiher Gay marriage gay marriage in Oklahoma HTB HTB Inc HTB Inc. HTB Inc. Tulsa HTB Tulsa in memoriam Kemper Military School Margie Crowley Ball Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) memoriam Mike Tedrick MIT Ninde Brookside Funeral Home Ninde Funeral & Cremation Ninde Funeral and Cremation Ninde Funeral Home Obituaries Obituary Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma State Council Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) OSU OU Rex Ball Stephen Edwards Steve Aberson TCC Tulsa Art Deco Tulsa Art Deco Society Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Tulsa Community College Tulsa Community College (TCC) Tulsa Historic Preservation Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission U.S. Commission of Fine Arts United Methodist Church United States Commission of Fine Arts University of Oklahoma University of Oklahoma (OU) US Commission of Fine Arts World Congress on Art Deco https://history.okeq.org/files/original/8962e17a9843b20cc46b751f0c04cba6.pdf 11eedde5dcac0140952fec99d70b32c1 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document <div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a"> <div> <div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"> <div class="html-div xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd"></div> </div> <div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"> <div class="html-div xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1q0g3np">Carrie Fleharty April 15, 2022 Agnes Patricia Spurgin was born on January 6, 1941 at Morningside hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Paul Eugene Spurgin, Sr., and Madeline Kime Spurgin. Some people knew her as Pat Spurgin, her family called her Tish, and some of her closest friends knew her as Trish.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"> <div>Trish passed away peacefully in the afternoon at her home. She was surrounded by her devoted partner, neighbors, John and Dusty, and her closest friend, Christiane on June 27, 2021. She had been diagnosed with a bacterial lung infection, and COPD. Weakened by a lengthy illness, Trish’s body was not able to overcome these two diseases.</div> </div> <div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"> <div>Trish graduated from Central High School in 1959. She briefly attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio which is now part of Miami University. She then took classes at the University of Tulsa and Tulsa Community College studying accounting and Human Resources. She was an all-around bookkeeper for various businesses in and around Tulsa.</div> </div> <div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"> <div>Her favorite place to work was for her stepfather at Logan Concessions. She loved the smell of fresh roasted peanuts and fresh-popped popcorn. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and being outdoors. As a youngster, she spent many summers at the Spurgin ranch in Osage county. She would tell stories of helping the mother pigs with their babies. She helped with the cattle drives, and getting the cattle vaccinated. She spoke very fondly of her time on the Spurgin Ranch. She always wanted to be a rancher. She had a deep respect and love for Nature. Trish really loved her dogs and cats. They were her children.</div> </div> <div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"> <div>Trish was preceded in death by her parents Paul Eugene Spurgin Sr., Madeline Kime Spurgin Logan, and her brother Paul Eugene Spurgin Jr. She is survived by her beloved and cherished partner of 20 years, Carrie Fleharty.</div> </div> <div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"> <div>A memorial will be held on April 30, 2022, at 2 pm at Bluff Landing east of Broken Arrow at the shelter. You will need to bring a chair. This was one of the spots that she went to visit often. In lieu of flowers, you may send a memorial to Tulsa Equality Center or the Tulsa Garden Center.</div> </div> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2022] Agnes Spurgin Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Agnes Patricia Spurgin Obituary Facebook Post Description An account of the resource One page of a Facebook post of an obituary for Agnes Patricia "Trish" Spurgin, by Carrie Fleharty, Trish's partner, on April 15, 2022. Trish lived from January 6, 1941, to June 27, 2021. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Carrie Fleharty Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19u8QukcYy/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 15, 2022 2021 2022 Agnes Patricia "Trish" Spurgin Agnes Patricia Spurgin Agnes Patricia Trish Spurgin Carrie Fleharty Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Equality Center Facebook in memoriam memoriam Obituaries Obituary OkEq OkEq Equality Center Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Patricia "Trish" Spurgin Patricia Spurgin Patricia Trish Spurgin Trish Spurgin Tulsa Garden Center https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2ba0854d31555f052589ee6f8f30d589.pdf c075226804ee57c66ba45d915a484f5e https://history.okeq.org/files/original/cae0cab67dbba006859779f324fcbc61.mp4 e71dbd9d5040432cf3641c9dd2b8169e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [ND] Bill Francisco Interview Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcription of Toby Jenkin’s November 13, 2011 Vintage Series Interview. Bill was born on September 5th, 1931, on a dirt farm outside of Catoosa, Oklahoma. He passed on December 25, 2024, in Tulsa. He made his first stage appearance in a school play in Tuls at the age of 7. At that moment, he was attracted to the theatre and applause. From being a high school cheerleader to playing the accordion to forming Green Country Cloggers, Bill was a ham. He served in the Army, spent time in Los Angeles learning dance and ballet and lived and worked in New York City before returning to Tulsa. He witnessed the first Gay Pride Parade in New York City in 1969 following the Stonewall Riot. He was locally famous as the “Dancing Santa,” exciting children throughout the Tulsa area. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Toby Jenkins, Bill Francisco Subject The topic of the resource Bill Francisco Vintage Series Interview Bill Francisco Green Country Clogger Green Country Cloggers interview oral history Oral History Project Toby Jenkins video Vintage Vintage Series https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e915ff569d0f81f04e06d10cabcafed6.pdf 405ea1456b6f8f2ff9f05cb6926582e1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2015] OKEQ Audit from Briscoe, Burke, and Grigsby Subject The topic of the resource 2015 Oklahomans for Equality Independent Audit Statement from Briscoe, Burke, and Grigsby LLP Description An account of the resource 4 pages of audited financial statements from public accountants Briscoe, Burke, and Grigsby LLP, including an annual trial balance from a period ending on August 30, 2014. Independent audit sent September 1, 2015. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Briscoe, Burke, and Grigsby LLP Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 1, 2015 2015 annual balance audit Briscoe Burke & Grigsby Briscoe Burke & Grigsby LLP Briscoe Burke and Grigsby Briscoe Burke and Grigsby LLP OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ financials Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c84f36f81a3101a7617a2a6b2e2e8138.pdf f4655daa4827ebba81040fb28947277f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024] Twisted Arts 2024 Annual Report Subject The topic of the resource Twisted Arts 2024 Annual Report Description An account of the resource 10 pages of an annual report of Twisted Arts' accomplishments over 2024, including an OKEQ fundraiser and the Twisted Arts Film Festival. Transcript: 2024 ANNUAL REPORT LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER Reflecting on the past year at Twisted Arts, I am deeply grateful and proud. Twisted Arts began as a vision to create an inclusive and vibrant arts community in Tulsa, and this year, we saw that vision come to life in impactful ways. Through the dedication of our community, the support of our generous sponsors, and the hard work of the Board of Directors, we've built a space that celebrates the richness of 2SLGBTQ+ voices and brings people together through the power of art. From the Pride Kick-off and Two-Spirit Fest to the Transgender Day of Visibility, our year-round initiatives have provided a platform for local artists, fostered essential conversations, and celebrated our community’s resilience. Twisted Arts is more than an arts organization; it’s an economic contributor, with four years of activities adding over $640,000 to Tulsa’s arts economy. As we look to the future, your continued support ensures we can keep providing these vital experiences, honoring our commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and community empowerment. Together, we are building a legacy that will uplift artists and allies. Thank you for standing with us and being part of this journey. With gratitude, [Kevin Lovelace's signature] Kevin Lovelace Founder, Twisted Arts YEAR-END REVIEW Accomplishments: • Gayest Dog In Tulsa Fundraiser: Raised $750 for Pause4Paws. • Fundraising for Oklahomans for Equality: Raised $1,300. • Community Engagement: Hosted two screenings at The Starlite. • Drag Me to the Movies: Hosted three sold-out screenings featuring nine local performers • Trans Day Of Visibility: Featured eight local performers. • Pride Kickoff: Welcomed over 400 attendees on the rooftop of Tulsa Artist Fellowship. • 2-Spirit Festival: The Harmony Of Duality exhibition at Oklahomans for the Humanities drew over 725 attendees, showcasing nine 2-Spirit artists, making it the venue's third highest attended opening. • Drag the Voter: An event focused on registering new voters for this election. • Total 2024 attendance: Over 2,000 attendees to all of our events. • Tulsa Visual Arts Economic Impact Calculator: $158,145 TWISTED ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2024 Accomplishments OKEQ Fundraiser February 21, 2024 - Screening of PUMP UP THE VOLUME to raise$1,300 [sic] for Oklahomans for Equality. Gayest Dog in Tulsa Fundraiser June 22, 2024 - The inaugural Gayest Dog in Tulsa Pageant at Belefonte raised $750 for Pause4Paws animal foster shelter. Drag Me to the Movies Our newest program, all sold-out shows, pairs parody performances with the films: But I’m a Cheerleader, Steel Magnolias, & Death Becomes Her. TWISTED ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2024 Events Community Screenings at the Starlite Free community screenings bringing underground films, typically unavailable in theaters, to enthusiastic audiences at the Starlite. Transgender Day of Visibility This year’s Transgender Day of Visibility event at OKEQ featured eight talented local transgender artists, performers, and musicians. 2-Spirit Fest Our First Friday exhibition showcased nine 2-spirit visual artists on Friday, followed by 20+ performers, artists, and panelists on Saturday. TWISTED ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2024 More Events Pride Kickoff We kicked off Pride with eight local performers, 15 vendors, and empanadas from Que Gusto on the rooftop of Tulsa Artist Fellowship Drag the Vote New voters were registered at the Colony’s first-ever Drag the Vote event, encouraging civic engagement and community involvement. Twisted Arts Film Festival The Twisted Arts Film Festival hosted over 350 attendees and featured two directors, engaging Q&A panels, and a memorable closing night party with a special performance by Kalup Linzy. FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2024 Financial Summary In 2024, Twisted Arts operated on a budget under $50,000, reflecting our commitment to maximizing impact with limited resources. Our total revenue was $49,135, composed of $4,000 in sponsorships, $40,000 in grants, $2,635 from ticket sales, and $2,500 from individual donations. Expenses totaled $47,109, with key allocations including $9,899 for artist fees, $8,772 for venue rental, and $3,909 for publicity and advertising. Despite modest funding, we successfully supported a variety of festival programs and events, including artist travel, lodging, and outreach activities, all within a lean budget. 2024 Economic Impact 2024 Twisted Arts programs generated substantial economic benefits for the Tulsa community. By using the Economic Impact Calculator and applying a multiplier of seven to the original figures, our festival’s total economic impact for the year is estimated at $158,145. This includes support for seven full-time equivalent jobs, $88,529 in resident household income, $11,571 in local government revenue, and $15,190 in state government revenue. These figures underscore Twisted Arts’ vital role in contributing both culturally and economically to the Tulsa area. FUTURE OUTLOOK 2025 GOALS In celebration of our fifth anniversary, Twisted Arts is setting ambitious goals to expand both our programs and community impact, aiming for a total income of $110,000 in 2025 through increased sponsorships, grants, ticket sales, and donations. This funding will allow us to allocate $40,000 toward artist fees, supporting more local artists and elevating program quality. Additional resources will enhance outreach, publicity, staffing, and fundraising, sustaining growth and expanding our reach. With a total budget of $100,000, we are excited to mark this milestone year with innovative programming, deeper community engagement, and expanded opportunities for local talent. FIFTH ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH Twisted Arts is excited to present Margaret Cho live at Cain's Ballroom on April 9, 2025, as part of our fifth-anniversary celebration and our first-ever fundraiser! This event aims to raise funds for Girls Rock!, a new youth-centered arts and social justice program empowering young people through music and creative expression. Margaret Cho’s "Live and LIVID" tour promises a night filled with humor and bold commentary, tackling issues like homophobia, sexism, and racism. As Cho celebrates 40 years in comedy, she invites audiences to “come through” for an unforgettable experience. This fundraiser will set the stage for Girls Rock! to provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and creative opportunities for Tulsa’s youth, helping to cultivate the next generation of artists and activists. We look forward to making this night one of impact, connection, and celebration. Thank You SPONSORS! We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors for making the Twisted Arts fourth-anniversary celebration and our first-ever fundraiser a reality. Your support is instrumental in helping us continue our core programs, including the Twisted Arts Film Festival, 2-Spirit Fest, and community outreach events that bring LGBTQ2S+ arts and voices to the forefront. Thanks to your commitment, we are able to provide impactful programming, foster connections, and celebrate diverse stories that inspire and unite our community. Your partnership fuels our mission and encourages a future filled with creativity, inclusivity, and cultural enrichment. We are truly grateful for your belief in our vision and for standing with us as we grow and make a lasting impact. Presenting Sponsor GEORGE KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION A supporting organization of Tulsa Community Foundation Executive Producers OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL VISION TULSA Producers oklahomans for equality Ralph and Frances McGill Foundation The Anne & Henry Zarrow FOUNDATION CONTACT US EXPRESS. REPRESENT. SASHAY. TWISTED OCTOBER 2-5, 2024 TWISTED ARTS Phone/ (918) 221-5565 Email/ kevin@twistedfest.org Website/ www.twistedarts.org Address/ P.O. Box 14476 Tulsa, OK 74159 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Twisted Arts Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kevin Lovelace https://history.okeq.org/files/original/376dcc682418d2ff1fbc1eda495e0331.jpeg 3b6eed65b5b7f5b17821e0b502abb85d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Margaret Cho Promotional Poster Subject The topic of the resource Margaret Cho Live & Livid Comedy Tour Presented by Twisted Arts Promotional Poster Description An account of the resource A promotional poster for Margaret Cho's performance at Cain's Ballroom on April 9, 2025, as part of her Live & Livid Comedy Tour, presented by Twisted Arts. Transcript: APRIL 9, 2025 SINCE 1924 Cain's BALLROOM TULSA MARGARET CHO LIVE & Livid COMEDY TOUR Presented by TWISTED ARTS Follow us for more info: @twistedartstulsa / twistedarts.org Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Twisted Arts Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 9, 2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Margaret Cho Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2024-2025] Twisted Arts Subject The topic of the resource Twisted Arts Related Materials Description An account of the resource Materials related to the Twisted Arts organization. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Twisted Arts Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 - April 9, 2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Margaret Cho, Kevin Lovelace 2-Spirit Fest 2024 2024 pride 2025 Anne and Henry Zarrow Family Foundation annual report Cain's Ballroom Drag Me to the Movies Drag the Vote Film film festival films financial statements Gayest Dog in Tulsa Fundraiser George Kaiser Family Foundation Kevin Lovelace Margaret Cho McGill Foundation OKEQ fundraising Oklahoma Arts Council Ralph and Frances Starlite The Starlite Transgender Day of Visibility Tulsa Artist Fellowship Twisted Arts Twisted Arts Film Festival two spirit two-spirit Two-Spirt Fest Vision Tulsa https://history.okeq.org/files/original/386e661746689c370ed2778f6c708546.jpg b118be5a890bb797e17cb3d63abb3540 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource {ND] Photo of Drag Performer and Patron Description An account of the resource A photo of a drag performer leaning down to a patron. Undated. Subjects currently unidentified. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown photographer Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource N/D https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1d1c62b699fd1175c9c6e4402ca2c14d.pdf e81b1f1467ab76f9dcfe20d6fac7ee0b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] The Pyramid Project > Strategic Planning & Leadership Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Box 5, Folder 5 - Meeting Materials Box 5, Folder 8 - Strategic Planning & Leadership Digital Media: Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [ND] Pyramid Project Presentation Subject The topic of the resource Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Presentation Description An account of the resource A 6 page presentation provided by OutGiving, a Gill Foundation project. Addresses how to organize and campaign a capital project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gill Foundation campaign fundraisers fundraising Gill Foundation outgiving OutGiving Gill Foundation presentation Pyramid Project Pyramid Project campaign Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Pyramid Project fundraising Pyramid Project planning TOHR TOHR Pyramid Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f2fc995ad92078b27785da2142b5d89d.pdf 59f35decacadaa190822f28f6255af77 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Sub-Series] The Pyramid Project > Meeting Materials Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2001] Pyramid Project Email and Fundraiser RSVP Card Subject The topic of the resource 2001 Pyramid Project Email and Fundraiser RSVP Card Description An account of the resource 1 page printed copy of a forwarded email from Sue Welch on April 20, 2001, forwarded on April 26, 2001, regarding an upcoming Pyramid Project Committee meeting and topics to discuss with some handwritten notes, and 1 page of an invitation to a fundraiser event at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 26, 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Sue Welch 2001 David Hoot email Fernando Este Fundraiser fundraisers fundraising Howard Nix invitation Kerry Lewis Marc Frieden Mark Bonney Pyramid Project Pyramid Project Committee Pyramid Project Committee meeting Pyramid Project fundraising Pyramid Project planning Sue Welch Theresa Bernard Tulsa GLBT Community Center Vance Reed https://history.okeq.org/files/original/30a44e7afb2942c4d0e18484464ac461.pdf 0d492146535c7f6906d70378a63590e2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Sub-Series] The Pyramid Project > Meeting Materials Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [ND] Pyramid Project Tasks to be Done Subject The topic of the resource Pyramid Project Grant Committee Tasks to be Done Description An account of the resource 4 pages listing 11 items to be completed in preparation of opening the new building, handwritten notes and floor plan sketches included. floor plans Gill Foundation Pyramid Project Pyramid Project campaign Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Committee Pyramid Project Committee Pyramid Project floor plans Pyramid Project fundraising Pyramid Project Grant Committee Pyramid Project planning TOHR TOHR Pyramid Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)