A nonpartisan civic leadership program for individuals interested in learning more about appointed and elected positions that serve and support Tulsa.
If you’ve ever considered running for office, just figuring out where to begin can be daunting. What office would best suit you? What are the skills you’ll need? How can you develop a gameplan for running a campaign? What are the key dates you need to know? How can you make connections with party leaders and constituents alike?
After completing the LT Represent program, you’ll know what steps to take next on your civic leadership journey.
The purpose of LT Represent is to engage a greater number of diverse and capable leaders in the process and systems of governance.
Applications are closed.
OUTCOMES FOR INDIVIDUALS
- Knowledge of political systems and the elected positions at every level of government in Tulsa.
- Skills related to building a narrative and campaign to support their own candidacy or the candidacy of others.
- Connections with the formal systems of electoral politics.
- An understanding of how to plan for a career in public service.
OUTCOMES FOR THE COMMUNITY
- Fewer unopposed candidates across all types of elected positions.
- Capable and prepared elected leaders from a diverse set of perspectives.
- To ensure the debate of a variety of perspectives that lead to better policy outcomes.
LT Represent Process
Learning in Groups
We strive to create a learning community where group members share a common value of developing new ways to lead change in Tulsa. We actively learn from one another so that we can practice, grow and take risks within a supportive environment. We also believe that to bring about change in a complex city such as Tulsa, it is critical to work effectively in groups and to expand our networks.
We strive to create a learning community where group members share a common value of developing new ways to lead change in Tulsa. We actively learn from one another so that we can practice, grow and take risks within a supportive environment. We also believe that to bring about change in a complex city such as Tulsa, it is critical to work effectively in groups and to expand our networks.
Experiential Learning
Our sessions and activities are designed to involve participants in such a way so that we learn from ourselves and each other. Participants are active in the learning process and there is dedicated time spent to processing experiences in order to generate learning and encourage application to other situations.
Our sessions and activities are designed to involve participants in such a way so that we learn from ourselves and each other. Participants are active in the learning process and there is dedicated time spent to processing experiences in order to generate learning and encourage application to other situations.
Direct Exposure to Institutions, Communities & Subject-Matter Experts
Through the class sessions, we aim to connect participants directly with individuals representing multiple perspectives where inquiry skills can be practiced. This equips participants with a broad understanding of how to address complex policy and governance challenges facing Tulsa.
Through the class sessions, we aim to connect participants directly with individuals representing multiple perspectives where inquiry skills can be practiced. This equips participants with a broad understanding of how to address complex policy and governance challenges facing Tulsa.
LT Represent Class 5 Tentative Schedule
| Online Orientation | |
|---|---|
| January 28, 2026 6:00-7:00pm (Wednesday) |
Purpose, Scope & Expectations |
| Leadership Retreat: Purpose | |
| January 30-31, 2026 9:00am-5:00pm (Friday)8:30am-12:00pm (Saturday) |
Explore the role of Public Leadership & Governance in your life; identify the landscape of governance in Tulsa and the different leadership opportunities; set the stage for civil discourse throughout the program. |
| Excursion 1: City Council – How Local Governance Works | |
| February 11, 2026 2:00pm-6:30pm (Wednesday) |
Learn about how municipal governance works; observe a City Council meeting. |
| Session 1: Campaign Plans and Messaging | |
| February 21, 2026 9:00am-3:00pm (Saturday) |
Understanding and applying the initial campaign planning steps and crafting your campaign stump speech. |
| Session 2: Utilizing Data and Fundraising | |
| March 7, 2026 9:00am-3:00pm (Saturday) |
Explore the impact and significance of data in governance, policy, and advocacy. |
| Excursion 2: School Board – How Public Education Works | |
| March 9, 2026 2:00pm-6:30pm (Monday) |
Learn about the public education system in Tulsa and how it impacts elections; observe a Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting. |
| One-on-Ones | |
| Ongoing in March | Check ins with LT Represent staff and alumni. |
| Session 3: Building a Team and Media Training | |
| April 11, 2026 9:00pm-3:00pm (Monday) |
Explore the impact and significance of community voices in decision-making and policy development; practice how to present your message effectively when media are present. |
| Closing & Reflection | |
| April 22, 2026 4:30pm-7:00pm (Wednesday) |
Reflect on our program experience both as a group and an individual and look ahead to our community’s future; present your civic action plan to the group and receive feedback. |
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