Join us for an approachable breakdown of how Oklahoma plans to spend its money in 2026. Our guest speaker, Aanahita Irani Ervin from the Oklahoma Policy Institute, will walk us through where state dollars go, why budgets matter, and how fiscal decisions affect everyday young Oklahomans.

Whether you’re a student, first-time voter, young professional, or just someone trying to understand your paycheck and your state, this conversation is built for you.

What You’ll Learn

• Where Oklahoma’s 2026 state budget money actually goes
• How fiscal policy impacts education, healthcare, public safety, and your daily life
• Why the budget is one of the most powerful tools in public policy
• How Gen Z can make sense of, and influence state decisions

Special Guest Speaker

Aanahita Irani Ervin – Fiscal Policy Analyst, Oklahoma Policy Institute

Aanahita joined OK Policy in 2024 and brings experience in public policy, engineering, and data-driven research. Raised between Oklahoma City and Mumbai, she earned a Chemical Engineering degree from OU and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University. Her work focuses on how fiscal policy shapes issues like poverty, food insecurity, and criminal justice reform. She’s passionate about using clear, accessible information to help build a better Oklahoma.

When she’s not working, she enjoys Oklahoma sunsets, cooking, and restorative naps.

Schedule

5:30pm – Doors open
6:00pm – Welcome & Icebreakers
6:25pm – Presentation by OK Policy
7:00pm – Q&A / Open Discussion

Lawton has been donating like a city with something to prove. We set a goal of 500 pounds, and at this point it’s pretty clear… we’re right on track to hit it (and likely more)

Now it’s time for the final moment.

Join us at 12 PM on Monday, November 24, at Lawton Food Bank (1819 SW Sheridan Rd) for the official Food Drive Weigh-In. Every can, box, and bag gets sorted and weighed so we can share the real impact this community created ❤️

Can’t make it in person?

We’re livestreaming the weigh-in on all OKYFC pages, so you won’t miss a thing.

Whether you donated, volunteered, helped spread the word, or just want to watch the moment the final number drops, you’re part of this.

Join us for a community evening exploring the roots and impact of the First Amendment. The program includes short presentations, interactive discussions, and dialogue on civic engagement and the importance of voting.