By Tim Priebe
November 19, 2024
Turning tragedy into change with VIP
Four years ago, the Victims Impact Panel (VIP) of Oklahoma was the very first nonprofit featured in our series. At the time, we highlighted its unique approach to combating impaired and distracted driving: using personal stories to transform lives and prevent tragedies. Now, as we revisit this incredible organization, it’s clear that its mission has only deepened, its reach has expanded, and its impact remains as vital as ever.
From statistics to stories
The VIP mission is simple yet profound: end impaired and distracted driving in Oklahoma. For over 30 years, this nonprofit has gone beyond statistics to create personal connections, hosting panels that bring together three powerful perspectives: first responders, victims or their family members, and offenders who have served time for their actions.
“Our goal is to make the message personal,” said Sean Rose, VIP’s executive director. “It’s not about blame or shame. It’s about humanizing the consequences of impaired driving.”
Every month, VIP hosts 40 to 50 panels across the state, ensuring no one has to travel more than 30 miles to attend. Whether in metropolitan hubs or rural towns, these panels change lives—not just for the attendees but also for the panelists themselves.
New leadership, new challenges
Since stepping into the role of executive director in 2021, Sean Rose has overseen significant changes in the organization. With a background in nonprofit leadership and government relations, Rose brought fresh perspectives to VIP during one of its most challenging periods: the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID almost cost us everything,” Rose shared. “We had to completely rethink how we operated, including hosting parking lot panels where attendees listened from their cars or truck tailgates.”
Despite these challenges, VIP’s adaptability and resilience allowed it to continue its work. Today, Rose remains optimistic about the organization’s future. “We’ve seen an uptick in distracted driving and drug-related DUI cases, but we’re also seeing more advocacy and community involvement. It’s going to take all of us working together to tackle this issue.”
Healing through storytelling
One of the most powerful aspects of VIP’s panels is their impact on the panelists themselves. First responders, victims, and even offenders find healing in sharing their stories.
“Many of our speakers don’t realize how much they’ve been holding onto until they step up to speak,” said Rose. “It’s cathartic. It helps them process their grief or guilt and turn it into something meaningful.”
Offender speakers, some of whom have served time in prison, often use their stories as a way to prevent others from making the same mistakes. Similarly, victims and their families find solace in knowing their experiences might save lives.
This commitment to healing and education has proven effective. VIP reports a 90% success rate in preventing reoffenses among panel attendees—a testament to the program’s transformative power.
Growing the mission
As VIP continues to expand its reach, the organization faces ongoing challenges in recruiting panelists, particularly in rural areas. “We always need more first responders, victims, and offenders willing to share their stories,” Rose explained.
Additionally, donations play a critical role in sustaining VIP’s work. Every dollar goes directly into programming, ensuring panels remain accessible across the state. “Our rule of thumb is that no one should have to drive more than 20 miles to attend a panel,” said Rose. “Donor dollars make that possible.”
VIP also reinvests in the communities it serves by donating back to local venues like libraries and community centers. “We want to turn negative experiences into positive impacts for these communities,” Rose added.
How you can help
For those in the Edmond area or beyond, there are many ways to support VIP’s mission. Donations are always welcome and directly fund programming and outreach efforts. Volunteering as a panelist or helping with community outreach can also make a significant difference.
“Whether it’s sharing your story, donating, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps us save lives,” said Rose.
Looking ahead
From its early days as a pilot program to its current statewide reach, the Victims Impact Panel of Oklahoma continues to be a beacon of hope and healing. With Sean Rose at the helm, VIP is building coalitions, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring that no one else has to become a statistic.
If you’re interested in supporting VIP, visit their website. Together, we can help turn stories of tragedy into lessons of hope—and make Oklahoma’s roads safer for everyone.
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About Tim Priebe
Tim is a public speaker, author, publisher of Edmond Business, and the owner of Backslash Creative. He helps businesses that are worried they don’t have the expertise or time required to invest in doing their own digital marketing. He helps them plan where and how much to invest and often helps execute the plan.
Tim started the Edmond Business online magazine in May 2020 to fill a need in the community when The Edmond Sun shut down and stopped publishing their monthly magazine, The Business Times.