The General Membership Meeting on September 12, 2017 was a great kickoff to the JLOC year. It opened with an inspiring video from AJLI, “Disrupt Convention,” which reminded us, as President Tracey Frederick said, that “disruption is not a bad thing – we can be the agents of change.”

OKCPS Superintendent Aurora Lora and JLOC President Tracey Frederick

Aurora Lora, Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools, was the guest speaker for the night. She shared her story of coming into the education field as a teacher for Teach for America in Houston, TX. Her inspiring first year of teaching made her realize the “power and responsibility educators have to shape lives.” From that first year to now, Aurora has fought to make a difference for kids. In OKCPS, she has faced challenges, but has seen progress being made: more students taking AP exams; free access to SAT prep classes; suspensions have decreased; funding for new buses; and free meals for all students. Aurora encouraged everyone to take part in helping teachers and kids change what education looks like in Oklahoma through Partners in Action or Donors Choose.

As one of the initiatives to commemorate the 90^th anniversary of JLOC, Marcikus Long with Be The Match was on hand to help in our goal to register 90 members for the national bone marrow registry. She answered questions from the audience and shared the story of Kamryn, one of the many children waiting on a donor match. Join the registry today at https://join.bethematch.org/JLers.

Tina Izadi, Community Project Manager for Car Seat Safety Checks, shared a bit about what goes into making this project a success. Volunteers team with Safe Kids OK and Infant Crisis Services to distribute free car seats and assist technicians in making sure they are installed properly. Tina commended the volunteers who start at 6:00am on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, and work until all of the seats have been installed.

Mistletoe Market is just around the corner! Market Chair Alex Brady spoke about the fun special events that are happening this year, including a Ladies Night Out and the ever-popular Breakfast with Santa. More info is available at www.mistletoemarket.org.

To help the victims of the recent hurricanes, JLOC is accepting donations of baby and adult diapers of all sizes, new/packaged underwear for children and adults in all sizes, and feminine hygiene products. Items were collected at the meeting and can be dropped off at the JLOC headquarters through September 22^nd.

Finally, kudos to members who were awarded for their work in the League.

STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition) Awards went to:

• Megan McGinnis – for her work bringing therapy dogs to the YWCA
• Kayla Coffey – for volunteering with the Healthy Pets project and the pet food pantry
• Stephanie Josefy – for her proactive volunteer style and positive attitude

ABC (Above and Beyond the Call) Awards went to:

• Chelsea Rickett and Azadeh Adlamini – for their work on the Project Development Committee
• Jenn Tupps – for her contributions as part of the League Link Committee
• Kristin Van Nort – for her service as the Strategic Planning Chair