50th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 50 years of people power
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Ohio Citizen Action celebrated our 50th anniversary surrounded by the people who make our work possible. More than 200 staff members, board members, advocates, and allies gathered to honor five decades of grassroots organizing and to recognize two extraordinary champions for Ohio with our highest honor.

Photo gallery from the event

📸 Historical Photo Slideshow

Explore five decades of Ohio Citizen Action’s history through photos capturing our campaigns, victories, staff, and the thousands of advocates who have been part of our work.

🎤 Event Speeches
Hear from the leaders who have shaped OCA’s legacy and continue to drive our mission forward

Ira Arlook, executive director, 1975-1993: Power to the Workers

Sandy Buchanan, exexcutive director, 1993-2013: Power to our Neighbors

Rachael Belz - executive director/CEO, 2013 - present: Powering the Future

Howard M. Metzenbaum Award Recipients

We were proud to present the Howard M. Metzenbaum Award to Connie Schultz and former US Senator Sherrod Brown — two fierce advocates whose unwavering commitment to Ohioans embodies the spirit of principaled tenacity” that Senator Metzenbaum championed.

The award was presented by Shelley Metzenbaum, daughter of the late US Senator Howard Metzenbaum, for whom the award was established in 1994. “These two fierce advocates for Ohioans, for constructive change, for progress have consistently answered the call to promote hope and belonging, as my father did,” said Metzenbaum. “He knew and they know that you cannot give up fighting for what is right.”

💭 Remembering Those We’ve Lost

We also took time to honor the staff members, board members, and friends who are no longer with us. Their dedication and passion continue to inspire everything we do. Their legacy lives on in every campaign, every victory, and every new advocate we train.

50th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 50 years of people power
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Ohio Citizen Action celebrated our 50th anniversary surrounded by the people who make our work possible. More than 200 staff members, board members, advocates, and allies gathered to honor five decades of grassroots organizing and to recognize two extraordinary champions for Ohio with our highest honor.

Photo gallery from the event

📸 Historical Photo Slideshow

Explore five decades of Ohio Citizen Action’s history through photos capturing our campaigns, victories, staff, and the thousands of advocates who have been part of our work.

🎤 Event Speeches
Hear from the leaders who have shaped OCA’s legacy and continue to drive our mission forward

Ira Arlook, executive director, 1975-1993: Power to the Workers

Sandy Buchanan, exexcutive director, 1993-2013: Power to our Neighbors

Rachael Belz - executive director/CEO, 2013 - present: Powering the Future

Howard M. Metzenbaum Award Recipients

We were proud to present the Howard M. Metzenbaum Award to Connie Schultz and former US Senator Sherrod Brown — two fierce advocates whose unwavering commitment to Ohioans embodies the spirit of principaled tenacity” that Senator Metzenbaum championed.

The award was presented by Shelley Metzenbaum, daughter of the late US Senator Howard Metzenbaum, for whom the award was established in 1994. “These two fierce advocates for Ohioans, for constructive change, for progress have consistently answered the call to promote hope and belonging, as my father did,” said Metzenbaum. “He knew and they know that you cannot give up fighting for what is right.”

💭 Remembering Those We’ve Lost

We also took time to honor the staff members, board members, and friends who are no longer with us. Their dedication and passion continue to inspire everything we do. Their legacy lives on in every campaign, every victory, and every new advocate we train.