National Resource Center for Youth Services: Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program

Application Information

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be between ages 18-26 at the time of application to be considered
• Live in Oklahoma
• Have current or past experience with Oklahoma Child Welfare (e.g., child protective services, foster care, adoption)

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

• Serve a two-year term to represent and advocate for youth and young adults impacted by child welfare involvement in Oklahoma.
• Collaborate with other LEx Leaders to provide strategic guidance and facilitation for all bi-monthly Child Welfare Youth Advisory Board (CW YAB) Meetings in Oklahoma City.
• Be able to arrange reliable transportation to attend bi-monthly CW YAB meetings in Oklahoma City.
• Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings, including virtual preparation meetings, in person CW YAB meetings, annual trainings, and initial orientation training.
• Have access to a phone, tablet, or laptop with internet access to participate in virtual planning meetings.
• Maintain an email address for all LEx Leadership matters and responds to emails within 48 hours.

Time commitment

• Commit to serving 2-8 hours per month.
• In-person attendance is required at Child Welfare Youth Advisory Board Meetings which are held on the 2nd Thursday of every other month from 4:30 – 8:30pm. Please note that more than 2 absences may result in dismissal from the LEx Leadership team.
• LEx Leadership Team preparation meetings are usually held virtually, 1-3 times per month (details provided after selection). Please note that failure to attend regularly scheduled meetings may result in dismissal from the LEx Leadership team.
• Annual orientation (approximately 6-8 hours) designed to support relationship building, learning, and leadership development.
• Leadership activities may include typing notes, reviewing materials, or completing short assignments between meetings.

Details about meeting schedules, formats, and the annual orientation will be shared in advance.

Compensation

• OKSA LEx Leaders are paid $20-40 per hour, depending on the activity, subject to available program funding. OKSA will notify members in advance of any changes to compensation rates.
• Travel expenses may be reimbursed for leaders who drive 50 miles or more (round trip) to attend OKSA-sponsored activities.
• Compensation is provided through the OKSA payment process, which will be explained during the orientation process, and you will be given guidance and support with completing the required paperwork.

What support will you receive?

OKSA is designed to be a supportive and youth-centered space. We will provide:

• Orientation and onboarding where you will learn the fundamentals of advocacy and working with a team.
• Support in facilitating conversations and discussing sensitive topics.
• Opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills.
• Accommodation and accessibility support as needed.

What are the benefits of serving on the LEx Leadership Team?

• Build relationships with other young adults from across the state.
• Inform statewide child welfare initiatives and policies.
• Improve youth-facing programs and services.
• Elevate youth voice in decision-making spaces.

Application Requirements

• Completed application: The application can be completed electronically or printed, handwritten, and scanned.
• Optional resume: If you have one, you are welcome to include it. Your resume can include school, volunteer, or other experiences, even if you do not have previous work experience.

OKSA LEx Leadership Team Application Form (PDF)

How to Apply

• Complete the above application and email it to OKSAevents@ou.edu. If you choose to include a resume, you can attach that as well.
• You may complete the application electronically, or print it and write your responses by hand, and scan it before submitting. All application materials must be emailed to OKSAevents@ou.edu.

Things to consider before you apply

• Consider your schedule
  Think about your schedule for the next year. Would serving on this team fit with your other commitments and goals?
• Talk with your support network
  Talk with the people who you are close to about the opportunity and the responsibilities you'll have if you’re selected. Often, other people can give us different perspectives to help us make up our mind about something.
• Consider your readiness
  Lived Expert Leadership means spending time in a space where foster care experiences and the child welfare system will be discussed regularly. Before applying, consider whether you feel ready to engage with these topics while taking care of your own well-being. It's okay if now isn't the right time to step into this role.

Important LEx Leadership Dates

• October 1, 2026
  Application period opens
• October 29, 2026
  Deadline for LEx Leader application submissions
• November 2, 2026
  Selected applicants invited to interview
• November 16-19, 2026
  Virtual interviews with selected applicants
• November 23, 2026
  LEx Leader notifications sent to all applicants
• December 10, 2026
  Virtual LEx Leader Orientation (details sent in email)
• December 17, 2026
  Virtual LEx Leader Meeting (details sent in email)
• January 7, 2027
  Virtual LEx Leader Meeting (details sent in email)
• January 14, 2027
  Child Welfare Youth Advisory Board Meeting in OKC

Questions?

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page here:

LEx Leadership Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, contact:

Liz Brillhart, MSW
Senior Training Coordinator
OKSAevents@ou.edu