Our programs and research provide resources for the community so that they may participate more actively in the public education conversation. By fostering collaboration, increasing awareness of best practices, and shining a light on the landscape, we believe that transformative change is possible.

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” - Thomas Jefferson

We believe there is a tremendous amount of wisdom within the New Orleans community, and seek to draw out this wisdom by “meeting the village in the village.” OPEN strives to bring all stakeholders to the table in making decisions about public education. To achieve our vision of an equitable and excellent public school system, OPEN is committed to reaching across barriers and connecting the public to the issues through events, programs and publications.

“Those closest to any change must be involved in the change in order for the change to be effective.” -Kurt Lewin

Sustained and systemic change must result from meaningful community engagement. OPEN is committed to connecting community voice and values to substantive policy change. Everything we do is in service of setting the stage for community members to collaborate with stakeholders & policymakers to produce the education reforms that Orleans Parish needs.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” -Maya Angelou