OUR VISION: An engaged, equitable community where all people have power to influence public decisions. OUR MISSION: To strengthen institutions, build power, and advocate change by acting collectively to improve our quality of life in the Tulsa area.
Click here to sign the Pledge to support the ACTION 2021 Agenda!
Protect the Health of Tulsans
Provide Funding for Public Schools
Guard the Economic Capacity of Residents
Balance the Rights of Landlords and Tenants
Build Racial Equity
Currently working on: Utility Assistance
Tulsa World reports on utility relief program
Channel 6 shares utility assistance information
Rental Relief application deadline Nov 30! Channel 6 story
Student Loan Debt Help -
The Student Loan Borrower’s Bill of Rights overwhelmingly passed the house, and had bi-partisan support in the Senate, but was not heard before the 2020 session ended. This bill requires loan servicers to give accurate information to borrowers, including their full range of payment options if they have trouble paying back a loan, rather than just forbearance. It is imperative that student loan borrowers have the right to fair lending practices. The bill will be presented again in the 2021 legislative session.
There are over 44 million people who owe more than $1.5 trillion in the U.S. simply because they sought an education. Learn about a Tulsa woman who has been grappling with student loan issues for years:"I beat cancer, but I can't beat my student loan problems!"
IAF Network Supports Help for Families
ACTION, and the 65 other members of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) network to which we belong, urged Congress to deliver an economic stimulus plan that protects those who urgently need help the most: American workers, families, and small businesses on the front lines of this national emergency. We ask our leaders to focus on Urgent Principles for Maintaining Economic Stability
We stand together!
Taking Action-
Holding candidates accountable -
ACTION drew more than 500 attendees to two online city candidate accountability ahead of the August city elections. The accountability sessions were framed with stories told by Tulsans about how they are impacted by the Health crisis, Economic recovery efforts, Racial inequity, and Eviction worries. City Council and Mayoral candidates were asked how they would address challenges like these for Tulsa families, and to pledge to work with ACTION for long-term solutions. “We are looking for bold leaders who are HERE for our families,” said Deanna Tirrell, ACTION president.
Candidates for state and federal office joined local education and community leaders for In the Shadow of the Pandemic: A Conversation with Candidates on Schools, Debt, and Eviction in October. Watch here
Eviction Relief:
Love your neighbor, don't evict him: Tulsa World Editorial from Rev. Greg Taylor
The state of Oklahoma ranked in the bottom fifth of the nation in their response to the eviction crisis during the pandemic, receiving zero stars out of 5 from Eviction Lab. On June 1, Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) and Voices Organized In Civic Engagement (VOICE) invited elected officials to help address the issue by pausing evictions and using CARES Act funds for rental assistance to tenants and landlords. At ACTION's urging, the city council of Tulsa unanimously approved a resolution asking the governor to extend the moratorium as requested.
In response, the Governor allocated $10m in CARES Act funding for rental relief, with $5 marked for Tulsa. In addition, meetings with County Commissioner Ron Peters resulted in another $15m to boost the program. ACTION held several in-person clinics across the city to help renters with the online application process. Over 3,800 renters received relief from overdue rent.
Terminating 287(g) in Tulsa County
Candidate Accountability Sessions Present Concerns of Families
Member Institutions in action:
