In light of the current global landscape, it is evident that our mission takes on heightened significance in facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and solutions that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of populations encountering adversity. The Global Programs Office acknowledges the challenges faculty have faced in securing visibility within major media outlets. Recognizing that overcoming these hurdles is integral to our strategic plan, we are excited to announce a unique opportunity: The Global Programs Office is sponsoring memberships in the OpEd Project, with funding for four global faculty at the Brown School. It is our hope that this collaboration not only represents a significant step forward in our efforts to break through current barriers, but also underscores our commitment to share our collective expertise, foster dialogue, and amplify the impact of our work on a global scale.
The OpEd Project scouts and trains under-represented experts to take thought leadership positions in their fields (through op-eds and much more) by connecting them with an international network of high-level media mentors; and vetting and channeling the best new ideas and experts directly to media gatekeepers across all platforms. This is done through customized multi-day and multi-week programs and fellowships for faculty.
Funding includes one workshop led by professional journalists on how to write op-eds, coaching on how to place op-eds, and ongoing mentoring provided by the journalists. Participants emerge with concrete results (e.g. op-ed drafts), and access to a national network of journalist mentors for individual follow up. The workshops are also designed to inspire and cultivate a greater sense of social responsibility by clarifying our potential impact on the world. Fellows will be expected to try to place at least 2 op-eds in major news outlets within a year of completing the training.
In order to share this expertise, selected faculty will be asked to offer a hybrid online recorded lunch and learn for other interested colleagues and doctoral students. GPO and Brown School Communications will also sponsor an event where the fellows can discuss the experience and share what they have learned, and facilitating knowledge transfer to those interested.
The faculty participating in the Op-Ed Project for 2024 are as follows:
- Heather Cameron
- Mitra Naseh
- Ilana Seff
- Ozge Sensoy Bahar