Oklahoma’s largest coalition of labor Unions and labor activists, the Central Oklahoma Labor Federation (COLF), today announced its plans for the first ever “Oklahoma Laborfest.”
“The purpose of this festival is to create greater awareness of Oklahoma’s working class culture and to build pride in the state’s rich labor history through music, the arts, and community,” said COLF President Tim O’Connor. “Our youth should know about Oklahoma labor heroes like Kate Barnard and Pete Hanraty. They should know our state motto ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ which means ‘Labor Conquers All.’ We should appreciate Oklahoma’s history of fighting for workers’ rights since the beginning of statehood.”

by Courtney Gilman. I first found about Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA) in September 2009, after deciding to take the plunge and try my hand at home ownership. The City of Norman offers a grant for first time home buyers for those who qualify, with certain contingencies. One of those was a first-time homebuyer’s class, which happened to be partnered with COCAA.

As Norman city sales tax revenue declines, Cleveland Area Rapid Transit will be focusing on proposed changes to four bus routes and its disability service at an upcoming public meeting on Thursday.

by Gene Perry

A resolution passed by the Norman City Council on Tuesday has completed the final step to make Norman the first official Fair Trade Town in Oklahoma and the 17th in the United States.

by Courtney Gilman. I first learned about Employment and Residential Centers (EARC), an Edmond-based non-profit that works with people with developmental disabilities, from a good friend and former employee. EARC combines two of my greatest interests: helping people in need and second-hand consumption. The idea has been working for them for more than 40 years. I spoke with Kim Pittman, who manages the organization’s two Edmond thrift stores.

by Brenda Wheelock

More than 30 schools, faith groups and other organizations from across the state will participate in a “Pennies for Peace-Oklahoma” presentation to renowned author and humanitarian Greg Mortenson when he visits the University of Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 21.