The topic at last week’s Lunch and Learn, sponsored by Main Street Guymon and the Texas County Health Department, was advocacy. Attorney Dave Petty gave the presentation. Attending the workshop were people representing the public library, Catholic Charities, Oklahoma Family Network, Guymon Chamber of Commerce, Oaks of Mamre, literacy, OPSU, education, Hispanic American Leadership Organization, health care, YMCA, all from Texas County; and the Latino Power organization in Oklahoma City.

          Grassroots advocacy is the support of a person or purpose, distant from the political center. The beginning of an effective grassroots movement, explained Petty, is when someone gets organized. They seek out people with similar interests, knowing that the more voices, the more apt you are to be heard. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is an example Petty brought up of the power of one person who gathered the voices of many and made changes. He also cited prohibition and the group that Roy Ehly organized to get Highway 412 designated through Guymon.

          Often the first step is having group meetings. “Invite, invite, invite,” said Petty.

          Clear goals and definitions of the issue need to be laid out early. Collaboration and cooperation with groups that have similar interests is important. You have to trust your partners to be truly effective.

          When elected officials hear from a significant number of people they are more willing to listen, to welcome input. The people need to have a main point of view that they all agree upon. Communication is always a key throughout the work of an advocate.

          Petty also brought up for discussion the issue of Seaboard coming to Guymon. There were those who pooled together for community growth and development and there were those who grouped together to fight the advent of Seaboard. Both were advocating for their cause.

          Advocacy is not always emotionally based. One example brought up was the beginning of Pioneer Days in Guymon. Orville Nash and several others decided they wanted a celebration and began inviting other people.

          Advocacy is also more than reaching out and telling, it is persisting, pushing to have your opinions heard and acted upon. At all times advocacy is an active endeavor. “Often the most successful are those who held on the longest,” added Petty.

          There needs to be continuity for an advocate group to stay together and be strong. “You can kill a program if you waste a lot of time,” said Petty. “Don’t consume time. Plan and get things done.” There has to be a reason and it has to hold on to the goal. Consistency is very important through meetings and communication. Stay persistent. Keep good notes and establish yourself as a positive group.

          The Advocacy Lunch and Learn is part of a series of workshops being brought to the community through a grant of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Seventeen people attended the Advocacy workshop, which was held during lunchtime at the Acapulco Restaurant, Guymon.

          Upcoming Lunch and Learns include “Community Assessment” by Stan Ralstin of the OSU Extension office, Stillwater, on Dec. 15. This class shall address how to gather and organize information about the community. There is a $10 fee, which includes lunch, and is held at the Acapulco Restaurant from 11:00 – 12:30.

          “Policy” is being taught by Guymon Attorney Dave Petty, explaining the role of public and private policy; development, implementation, and enforcement. The class fee is $10 and includes lunch. It is being held on Jan. 26 at the Acapulco Restaurant from 11:00 – 12:30.

          On Feb. 13 – 14 is a workshop on Spokesperson Training. Here the participants in the class shall learn more about the skill of speaking to the public, decision-makers, and media. The class fee is $20 and includes a lunch on both days. This class is held at the Main Street Guymon office from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.

          “Networking Opportunities” is the topic discussed at the Mar. 1 Lunch and Learn. Leading the discussion is Melyn Johnson, Jess Nelson, and Teri Mora. The fee for the class is $10 and includes lunch. This class is held at the Acapulco from 11:00 – 12:30.

          The last Lunch and Learn topic is “Marketing” on Mar. 15. Linda Ward shall teach about enhancing the visibility and recognition of your organization through marketing. The fee is $10, including lunch. It is being help at the Acapulco from 11:00 - 12:30.

          For more information about the classes or to register, contact Melyn Johnson, 580-338-6246 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Preparing to learn more about advocacy is (left side of table, front to back) Axel Anchondo of the Guymon High School Hispanic American Leader Association and the sponsor Teri Mora, (right side of table, front to back) Bob Post of Oaks of Mamre, Attorney Dave Petty, Bryan Armendariz of the OPSU Hispanic American Leaders Organization, and Phyllis Stokes of Guymon Home Health. They were part of the 17 folks that gathered for the Nov. 17 workshop.


JoAnne Graham and Axel Anchondo both participated in the Advocacy Lunch and Learn at the Acapulco. Axel represents the Guymon High School Hispanic American Leadership Organization.

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Aurora Torres, representing OPSU Hispanic American Leadership Organization, visits with Sharon Morgan who is a member of the City of Guymon Library Board and also represents Pioneer Showcase. Both took part in the Advocacy Lunch and Learn.