Public Square: What are your hopes for Oklahoma in 2022?

This week, we asked readers and community leaders to reflect on their hopes for Oklahoma in 2022. Here are some of their responses:

• "Although the role of women in our economy has shifted over the last 100 years, our systems have not similarly evolved to support them. This was proven throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which upended the labor market, with disastrous consequences for working women and their families. These realities have the potential to set back the labor force participation and wage gains women have made in the labor market over the last several decades.

"My hope is that as we begin the new year, we — private sector leaders, policymakers and government officials — can come together to create solutions that provide more than just temporary support for working women. Solutions that truly help close the wage and wealth gap, improve working conditions and family leave options, and better align the childcare and school systems to the needs of working parents.

"The so-called Great Resignation gives me hope. People are rethinking how they work and live — and how to better balance the two. This is forcing us to have a broader conversation about work and out-of-the-box careers. It’s also encouraging more and more women to take control of their future and make decisions on what is best for them. Women are launching businesses at a faster rate than male peers, taking on passive and active income opportunities and raising their standard on the type of company they want to work for. This isn't something to fear, but rather an exciting indication of what's to come."

— Erika Lucas, Edmond

• This past year, I ran for public office. I put myself out there and… I lost. But I’m glad I did it. Nationwide, Latinos are underrepresented on local school boards, city councils and statewide offices, but more so in this state. My hope for Oklahoma is more Latinos will make the commitment to run for office, vote and actively participate in political campaigns to help move this state forward. Running for office is both a grueling and rewarding experience that will take you out of your bubble and comfort zone. However, I learned more than I lost. I love this state and my hometown of South Oklahoma City. My parents and grandparents always taught me, you work hard and you show up for people you love. That’s what I tried to do because it’s important for people to see representation in their government. When you have people who understand your community, it changes how you look at policy decisions and your experiences can add to the discussion. According to the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, there are currently 6,700 Hispanic elected officials nationwide, out of more than half a million total positions. Oklahoma City has never elected a Latino to City Council. Yet, Latinos represent 20% of the population in OKC. At the Capitol, there are four Latinos total. I believe there is a strong need for more Latino voices at the table and we need to increase that power at the ballot box.

— Jessica Martinez-Brooks, Oklahoma City

• "My hope for 2022 is that the Hispanic community in Oklahoma becomes better represented. US NEWS tells us that the 2020 census shows that, 'The percentage of people in Oklahoma who identify as white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, dropped from 68.7% in 2010 to 60.8% in 2020, while those who identify as Hispanic or Latino jumped from 8.9% to 11.9% during the same time period and remained the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the state.' This means that 2022 should bring more representation for the Hispanic community in Oklahoma. As the executive director of SW 29th Street District, I know that a large concentration of the Hispanic population is located in south central OKC. Therefore I hope to see more state and city funding directed towards this area as well. And lastly, for the same reasons, I hope to see more small business support for minority businesses. I am excited for our future if all my hopes become reality."

— Elizabeth Larios, Oklahoma City

• "My hopes are for Oklahoma to become more diverse and to hopefully invest in proper COVID-19 precautions and reinforce them."

— Xiclali Villa, Edmond

• "My hope is that Oklahomans will start educating themselves on the issues and vote. Too many eligible Oklahomans do not vote."

— Teri Green, Oklahoma City

• "I am hoping for kindness. Be kind to those you work with. Be kind to those who work at the store you shop in. Be kind to your family, even if you don't get along with them. Be kind to animals. Treat people as you would wish to be treated. Happy New Year!"

— Lesley Riddle, Blackwell

• "My hopes for 2022 include:

1. COVID finally seeing its way out of our lives.

2. People with differing views being able to get along with each other again

3. And, Northwestern Oklahoma State University continuing to bring a quality and affordable education to its students."

— Valarie Case, Alva

• "My wish is that we find a cure for COVID and cancer so we don’t lose anymore lives. Plus, I hope for peace and unity among all mankind and to end world hunger. Also, I wish for economic growth in our great state."

— Reba Newton, Blackwell

• "A rekindling of a sense of civic calling for the actual benefit of each other."

— Richmond Adams, Pawnee

• "I hope for leaders who will listen to the people, and obey federal guidelines to help end the pandemic."

— Patti Carmack, Ponca City

• "My hopes are for a more stable economy, greater faith in mankind, and to be more proactive instead of reactive to disasters, diseases, and tragedies. I believe we should create more positivity and kindness in our news, social media, and social networking outlets and less negativity, cancel culture, and political agendas. I also pray for rain!"

— Katie Carnott, Calumet

• "I hope for the fighting to mask or not mask or vaccinate or not to vaccinate to stop. We are called to love and not judge. Seeing friendships end and families divided is heartbreaking."

— Amy Stout, Mustang

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Public Square: What are your hopes for Oklahoma in 2022?