A new local nonprofit, Okmulgee Bridges Inc., is bringing the nationally recognized Bridges Out of Poverty workshop to Okmulgee for a citywide learning event on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Green Country Technology Center. The half‑day program will feature Treasure McKenzie, a national speaker who has led Muskogee Bridges for more than a decade and helped that community earn the Bridges Out of Poverty Community of the Year award. Organizers say the workshop is designed to give residents practical tools to understand the causes and complexity of poverty – and, more importantly, to work together on solutions that strengthen families, workplaces, schools and civic life. Participants will:
• Examine poverty through the lens of economic class, gaining insight into how background and access to resources shape opportunities and choices.
• Learn the “unspoken rules” that often differ between economic classes and can lead to misunderstanding or missed connections at work, school and in public services.
• Analyze the resources – financial, emotional, social and more – needed for stability and discuss ways communities can help residents build those resources.
• Explore practical tools and strategies that improve relationships and outcomes for individuals, organizations and the broader community.
• Consider how economic environments influence language and storytelling and how building empathy can lead to more effective communication and support.
McKenzie’s track record in Muskogee will anchor the discussion in real‑world experience, showing how coordinated community efforts can “move the needle” on local poverty rates and outcomes.
This workshop is intentionally broad in scope and is appropriate for nearly anyone who lives, works, serves, studies, or does business in Okmulgee County, including: business leaders, educators, law enforcement, attorneys, policy makers, service club members, homeowners, students, agricultural professionals, church groups, volunteers and – organizers emphasize – “those who work and play hard every day.” There will be plenty of room for participants to attend with colleagues, friends, or family members. Okmulgee Bridges Inc. encourages organizations to bring small teams so they can immediately apply shared language and strategies in their day‑to‑day work. Community leaders across the country have used the Bridges framework to improve graduation and attendance, reduce workplace turnover, strengthen public‑safety interactions and coordinate local services more effectively. Okmulgee Bridges Inc. believes the same approach can help local stakeholders align efforts, reduce duplication and focus on the barriers residents face – transportation, childcare, housing stability and access to
SEE BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY, PAGE A5 supportive relationships – while building on the community’s strengths.
“Okmulgee Bridges needs you to hear this important conversation,” organizers note, calling on residents from all walks of life to help build a stronger, more supportive community.
Please reserve your seat today to help organizers plan materials and seating:
• Email: Okmulgee-Bridges@gmail.com
• Facebook: Message the Okmulgee Bridges Facebook Page For more information, contact Mickey Baldwin at 818‑815‑2430.
Seats are limited please RSVP now via email or Facebook to be part of this important community conversation on Oct. 25.
