Organization and membership – Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

OK-CADP 2026-2027 Executive Board:
Chair – Dr. Elizabeth Overman
Vice Chair – Leslie Fitzhugh
Secretary – Donita Douglas
Treasurer: Tena Jefferson
Chair Appointed Member – Randy Bauman

Mission Statement

The Oklahoma Coalition was formed in 1976 and incorporated in 1987 by many of the individuals and organizations that are still active members today. We work together to end capital punishment in Oklahoma through public education, community connections, advocacy and research. We are affiliated with the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

We also seek to support persons who are under a sentence of death, their families and friends; victims of violent crime, their survivors and families; and sponsor/endorse other congruent organizations’ events. We assist in soliciting monetary contributions for executed prisoners alternatives to burial in the Oklahoma State Prison cemetery when requested.

Article 1: Purpose

1.01. Purpose. This Corporation is a nonprofit corporation and is not organized for the

private gain of any person. It is organized under the Oklahoma law for public

educational, charitable, and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section

501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or corresponding

provision of Federal tax laws.

The purpose of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (Coalition)

is stable, established abolition of the death penalty in Oklahoma, which means a

state of affairs in which the death penalty is repealed and sufficiently discredited

in the legislature and public’s mind so that reenactment seems very unlikely.

To achieve its purpose, the Coalition’s strategic objectives are to:

A. Maintain an organization composed of groups and individuals opposed to

the imposition of the death penalty.

B. Promote and provide public education on the subject of capital

punishment and related subjects.

C. Encourage and conduct scientific and scholarly research on capital

punishment and related subjects.

To such extent that the Coalition Purpose and Objectives are not adversely

affected, the Coalition will engage in closely related activities to:

A. Assist and support persons who are under a sentence of death, their

families and friends.

B. Assist and support the victims of violent crime, their survivors and families.

C. Sponsor and/or endorse other congruent organizations’ events

Structure and Operations

As a nonprofit, membership corporation (501(c)(3) we operate through individual and organization contributions and are managed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of one member selected by each Organization Member and seven At-Large members who are elected by the membership at our Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Dinner held each spring.

Membership is open to any person or organization that opposes capital punishment.

Individual Members

Any Oklahoman who opposes the death penalty can join. Joining does not require dues or a donation, though we encourage members to help with our financial needs. We ask for a donation of $25 if possible Join and subscribe to our mailing list.

Organizational Members

Over 20 organizations are currently members, including ACLU of Oklahoma, Amnesty International OKC, Brennan Society, Council on American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma Chapter, Catholic Conference of Oklahoma, Catholic, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries of United Methodist Church OK Conference, Disciples Christian Church Edmond, Divine Wisdom Worship Center, Ending Violence Everywhere Coalition, Julius Jones Coalition, KS-OK Conference United Church of Christ, Peace & Justice Commission of Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, Joy Mennonite Church, Murder Victims Families for Human Rights, NAACP OKC Chapter, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, National Association of Social Workers OK Chapter, New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City First Church, Oklahoma Faith Network, Peace House of Oklahoma City, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Peace & Justice Committee and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church Tulsa.

Again, a membership fee is not required, but we ask for an annual donation of $100 for organizations.

If your organization would like to join us, please follow these guidelines.

Meetings

Any member is welcome to attend our monthly board meetings.

ORGANIZATION BY-LAWS