The Spirit of OIL
Jessica Zimmerman (OU)
November 14, 2021
The 53rd Session of OIL is wrapping up, and it has been a success! There were several challenges to overcome, from the return to in-person session, the new venue, and recruitment. However, with the hard work from the executive branch and the enthusiasm of so many delegates, none of these issues stifled the true spirit of OIL.
In the press conference on Friday, Governor Barnett, Lt. Governor LeVan, and Attorney General Slagle had lots to say about the legislation and debate they have seen this week. However, as they discussed some of the challenges they faced this session, the conversation took on a more sentimental tone. OIL holds a special place in the hearts of many delegates, and this is especially true for members of the executive branch. They opened up about some of the reasons they work so hard to make OIL possible.
For the Lt. Governor, the executive branch provides an opportunity to serve the OIL delegates.
“I like the facilitation aspect of the executive branch. I like making sure you guys have a really good experience in OIL. It’s a lot more satisfying and enjoyable to me,” LeVan said.
Governor Barnett expressed similar feelings.
“I definitely miss the excitement of the floor, but if someone said you can go be a senator now, I would rather stay here.”
Getting Session back in person was a great accomplishment for Barnett. He said that up until the Sunday before, he was still worrying about whether it would be possible.
LeVan explained some of the concerns.
“We weren’t really sure what numbers were going to look like in the fall…there was kind of some uncertainty on behalf of leadership.”
They did not want to spend large amounts on the event only to have to cancel.
“You’re going to see a lot of people who might not have come to in-person session out of an understandable fear to stay safe.”
Recruitment continues to be a concern. Governor Barnett described it as the greatest challenge.
“It’s definitely a hit…we’ve definitely fallen below a hundred [delegates] before, but it’s going to be a challenge to get back to where we were pre-covid.”
The governor wants to focus on sustaining recruitment. Holding the first-ever press conference was one way he hoped to do this.
LeVan had similar comments to make.
“I think that advertising that we have more things to do here beyond just working in the chambers…you guys are full-time journalists while that really wasn’t the case two years ago.”
“I’m not a political science major,” Governor Barnett said. “But I like what this organization is about, and that’s why I’m here.”
LeVan described it as a common passion.
“Being around people who believe that it’s possible to make a difference…people who believe we can work to make a better world, community, or college campus. OIL has a really good aura that draws people in like that.”
Barnett agreed.
“[You can] meet people you can actually have conversations about it with respectfully,” he said. “We can talk about those things and work together, and we both want to make a difference even if we don’t agree on what that difference is .”
Attorney General Slagle provided a final word encouraging current delegates to spread the spirit of OIL by inviting others to join.
“If you’re already passionate, find someone who needs a little passion in their life.”