New Coalition Aims To Bring Growth To North Tulsa

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A new coalition is hoping to bring new opportunities to North Tulsa. Two groups are teaming up to encourage growth in the area.

Blue Jackalope Grocery and Coffee is a rarity in North Tulsa. It's a small community grocery store.

The store opened two years ago and is an example of the development the North Tulsa Leadership Development Council would like to bring to the rest of the community.

"The North Tulsa Leadership Council is really a necessary thing to help people develop the skills to navigate, sorry to say it, the bureaucracy of the city, and get things accomplished," Scott Smith, Blue Jackalope Grocery, said.

Recent graduates of the program discussed their ideas with Owner Scott Smith Monday. There was also a meeting held for those interested in joining the development council.

"It's vital for the North Tulsa community," Thamera Barthelus, North Tulsa Development Council, said. "North Tulsa cannot survive without leaders, equipped leaders, leaders with resources."

The eight-month program focuses on teaching student's leadership skills. The council is now partnering with Leadership Tulsa, a group with 30 years of experience and 1,000 volunteers.

The goal will be to encourage students to undertake projects that will improve the education system, health care, social services and economy in North Tulsa.

"The change in my life as a whole is having a passion for my community," Ramal Brown, Development Council Graduate, said. "I don't think I would have had a passion as much if I wouldn't have joined this class."

Competition to get in this class will be stiff. Only 25 applicants will be accepted, and given an opportunity to make a difference.

"I just want to see North Tulsa catch fire," Julie Yeabower, Bulldog Film and Video, said. "I want to develop all the resources that have always been there. They just need a little more direction."

The Development Council was launched back in 2007. Applications for this year's class, which starts in September, are due by June 15th, 2010.