OPEA

July is almost over and the OPEA Delegate Assembly is just around the corner.  An important part of this annual event are the OPIE Awards.  Nominations for this opportunity to honor your fellow members are due Friday, August 1. 

“Take time to look around and see who in your group has gone above and beyond for OPEA and state employees,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “State employees work hard for very little compensation and recognition.  OPEA members who participate actively in the association give their valuable time to forward the interests of all state employees. This is an opportunity to recognize their service.”

To nominate a colleague for an OPIE award, download a nomination form by clicking here, or contact Trish Frazier at trishf@opea.org, (405) 524-6764 or (800) 880-6732. Board members are not eligible to receive awards. 

The Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the following honors:

Gaines Stout Award: This award is presented to the member who has exhibited leadership in promoting the goals and objectives of the association. The nominee must be an OPEA member in good standing. The following criteria will be considered: positions held in the association; activities he or she has been responsible for organizing; attendance at OPEA Legislative Lobby Days; attendance at previous year’s annual Convention; attendance at OPEA functions and meetings; involvement in recruiting new members; years of OPEA membership.                                            

Art Jackson Award: This award is presented to the chapter that has excelled in organizing their workplace and participating in OPEA activities. The following criteria are considered: number of new members signed up during the previous year; legislative events held by the chapter and chapter members’ attendance at OPEA Lobby Days; chapter meetings; activities held to recruit new members; special projects and programs.

Volunteer of the Year: This award goes to a person who is not an OPEA leader but serves the association. The following criteria will be considered: activities the nominee has helped organize; OPEA events the nominee attended; the nominee’s recruiting activities; the nominee’s role in the development of OPEA; a special quality of the nominee; community activities in which the nominee has been involved; ways that OPEA has benefited by the nominee’s actions.

Retiree of the Year: This award is presented to a retired member. The following criteria will be considered: OPEA activities in which he or she has participated; attendance at OPEA Retiree Legislative Lobby Day; attendance at last year’s OPEA annual Convention; whether he or she is politically active.

Council Improvement Award: This award is presented to the council that has met regularly and worked to improve conditions in their workplaces. The following criteria will be considered: number of new members signed up during the previous year; legislative events held by the council; council meetings; activities held to recruit new members; special projects and programs.