Organize
Build your own watchdog. We'll show you how.
Most of the fights we cover started with a handful of neighbors who refused to go away. Here is the playbook we use, free guides you can print and hand out, and a direct line to ask for our help.
The playbook Eight steps, in order
- Name the decision.
Pick one decision and the body that makes it: a zoning vote, a contract, a school policy. "Stop the data center" is a goal. "Vote no on the rezoning at the May 12 council meeting" is a target.
- Build a core team.
Three to five reliable people with clear jobs: a records lead, a meeting watcher, a researcher, a spokesperson and an organizer. Meet weekly. Keep notes.
- Follow the paper.
File Open Records Act requests (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.) for contracts, emails, agendas and minutes. Be specific about dates and subjects. Our request builder drafts the letter for you. Log every request and every response.
- Watch every meeting.
Public bodies must post agendas at least 24 hours ahead (25 O.S. § 311). You have the right to record public meetings (25 O.S. § 312(C)). Executive sessions must appear on the agenda and fit a purpose the law allows (25 O.S. § 307).
- Speak on the record.
Sign up for public comment, keep it to the time limit, stick to facts and documents, and hand the clerk a written copy for the record.
- Document everything.
Save agendas, recordings, screenshots and letters with dates. Evidence wins arguments, and it is what we need to report a story.
- Escalate.
Send a formal letter citing the law. Report Open Meeting Act violations to the district attorney; actions taken in willful violation are invalid (25 O.S. § 313). Use petitions, elections and, when needed, the courts.
- Stay safe and lawful.
Stay peaceful, stay in public areas, never trespass, and talk to a licensed attorney before legal action. We are journalists, not your lawyers.
Education Everything you need to know before the next meeting
Free guides to print and share
Document Library Filings, orders, records requests and responses
Court documents are public records. We redact personal identifiers before posting. Nothing here is legal advice.
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