Orleans Public Education Network

Orleans Public Education Network equips and inspires the people to support Black and low-income children through local leadership development and data-backed education advocacy. We believe: • Equity is necessary to justice. • Systemic racism, generational poverty, and community disadvantage are failing schools - not a lack of choice. • Progress comes through changing the conditions, not the people. • Policy should reflect the people's commitment to equity, progress and justice.

OPEN holds that policy must be driven by the people, and political systems must be held accountable to the people. We provide policy education, training and leadership development for individuals and communities to navigate systems and correct inequities through policy.

Individual-level changes must also be accompanied by institutional and cultural shifts that solidify and perpetuate the work that's happening on the ground. OPEN's great task is to build a structure for that shift - partnering with institutions and system actors to advance the well-being and education of Black children and families on a population level.

Our programs include:

• Community Educators, a citywide collaborative learning series equipping people of all backgrounds and income levels with the skills, connections and perspective to advance progressive and equitable public policy
• The Education Policy Fellowship Program, building the pipeline of Louisiana's future education policy leaders through an intensive cross-sector professional training program in contemporary education issues, policymaking, leadership, strategy and more
• Policy For The People, a weekly up-to-the-minute report on the latest policy moves impacting Louisiana children and families, and an accompanying Annual Policy Breakfast convening advocates for real-time discussion with the experts
• The Early Development Instrument and New Orleans Equity Index initiatives, providing detailed data so decision makers can direct resources where they're needed most

With a state budget crisis, a new set of federal education requirements, and a new school system, it's never been more important for the public to be present for public education. We need a bigger, more comprehensive conversation that brings people, data, and lived experience into policy and practice.

OPEN envisions a world where every citizen creates local solutions for the next generation. Will you join us?

Testimonials

"For me, [OPEN] is 'if not you, then who?' And what I mean by that is who better to advocate for a community than those who live in it?"

"I found my place in policy."

"It's just such a positive energy. You're dealing with people who are passionate about helping young people - educators, advocates, leaders. This is what I see my colleagues as."

"It's really enabled me to think through what it means to be a parent in terms of the community, social issues, and getting involved in the things that really matter to me."

"My Fellowship has equipped me with the tools to become a change agent in the education arena, and opened up important lines of communication at the local, state and national levels."