
Our work.
LEAD Agency works at the intersections of environmental justice, public health, and community resilience.
Our projects range from toxic site cleanups to youth empowerment, flood advocacy to scientific research.
Every effort we lead is guided by the people most impacted—rural, tribal, and working-class Oklahomans.
Projects
Annual Tar Creek Conference
Each year, LEAD Agency hosts the Tar Creek Conference to bring together residents, researchers, tribal leaders, youth, and environmental experts to share knowledge and build momentum for change. It's a space for learning, organizing, and honoring the ongoing fight for environmental justice.
BF Goodrich Cleanup
LEAD Agency has worked for years to expose and address the toxic legacy left behind by the former B.F. Goodrich plant in Miami. Our advocacy helped trigger asbestos cleanups, media attention, and community protections—while pushing for long-term accountability from Michelin, the current parent company.
Environmental Justice Summer Camp for Kids
Our annual youth camp teaches kids about water, environmental science, storytelling, and advocacy. Campers engage in hands-on activities, meet local leaders, and even create their own campaigns—building the next generation of environmental justice champions.
Flood Mapping
LEAD Agency’s flood mapping project documents flood-prone areas in Miami and nearby communities. Led by Gina Manders, this work visualizes historic and recent floods to support local planning, inform residents, and push for stronger protections against future disasters.
Flooding and Dam Management
LEAD advocates for upstream communities impacted by Grand River Dam Authority’s mismanagement of water levels. Our work includes submitting federal comments, supporting residents, and challenging plans that increase flooding risks for Miami and surrounding areas.
Grand Lake Watershed Mercury Study
We partnered with researchers to conduct a groundbreaking study on mercury contamination in Grand Lake. This data helps inform fish advisories, public health decisions, and our broader campaign for environmental protections in the watershed.
Movie and Music Series
Our free community events combine storytelling, film, and music to build awareness around environmental issues. These gatherings spark conversation, bring people together, and inspire action in a relaxed and creative setting.
Research & Academic Partnerships
LEAD Agency partners with universities and colleges across the country to support research, student learning, and environmental justice. From Harvard to the University of Oklahoma, students and scholars work alongside us on theses, dissertations, and community-based projects. We're currently digitizing decades of collected research for public access.
Statewide Coalition Building
LEAD is helping build a State Organizing Committee (SOC) to unite environmental advocates across Oklahoma. Together, we’re forming a powerful coalition of tribes, towns, and groups committed to clean water, climate action, and frontline justice.
Storymapping
Through our “Air, Water & Works” storymapping project, LEAD collects local stories, environmental data, and history to show how pollution, poverty, and injustice intersect. These digital maps help visualize harm and empower advocacy grounded in lived experience.
Tar Creek Superfund Site
One of the most toxic sites in the U.S., Tar Creek remains a public health crisis. LEAD Agency has fought for decades to ensure a full cleanup, hold polluters accountable, and protect future generations from mining-related harm.











