The OpEd Project

"This wasn’t the morning we hoped for, but it’s the morning we have—and in many ways, the one we were made for. Don’t forget that long ago we set out to make long-term change, and we have done that, and we will continue to do so. "Take care of yourselves today. For those of you meeting partners, participants, and fellows this week, don’t forget to remind them of who we are, what we have accomplished, and what we will continue to achieve TOGETHER. "I’m grateful for all of you fierce, brilliant humans." - Katie Orenstein, Founder and CEO of The OpEd Project

It's not too late to get that op-ed published before year's end! Join us for a #WriteToChangeTheWorld workshop and get your ideas onto the page and into the world. We welcome everyone, regardless of means. Scholarships are available for all those who would benefit. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eMn7v7su

A new OpEd today in Illinois Times! My passion for Lincoln inspired me to write this letter to my neighbors. Thanks also to the wonderful people at The OpEd Project. https://lnkd.in/gC2CTXef

Parents of children on the autism spectrum face an uphill battle. Bridget Haney, PhD., a Public Voices Fellow in partnership with The OpEd Project, shares the reality for parents whose children have special education needs, where access to inclusive learning is often more of a matter of luck than a civil right. Inclusive learning means creating classrooms where students of all abilities have the resources they deserve to fully participate in the classroom alongside their peers. However, many public schools are failing to meet the needs of neurodiverse students. With 1 in 36 children in the U.S. on the autism spectrum, school should be a place of opportunity, not a challenge. We can do better. We must join forces to create pressure for systemic change and environments where all students can thrive. Read Bridget’s message here: https://bit.ly/4hPd47p

Today marks a somber occasion, the 10th anniversary of the tragic shooting of Tamir Rice by a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio. The loss of Tamir, who was a 12-year-old boy holding a toy gun while playing in a park, serves as a painful reminder of the broader issues of systemic racism, police violence, and the urgent need for reform in our society. This tragic incident also highlights the challenges Black youth face navigating pubertal transition and captures the intersection of gender, race-ethnicity, and?perceived?pubertal timing among Black boys. Tamir was a child full of potential, and his untimely death highlights a harsh reality: Black boys in America often do not have the same opportunities to thrive and grow as their peers. They deserve the chance to experience life fully, to have dreams, and to pursue them unapologetically. Every Black boy deserves to grow old, to reach milestones like graduation, to explore their passions, and to contribute positively to their communities. As we remember Tamir today, we must also reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by Black youth and communities nationwide. It is essential to advocate for justice, accountability, and meaningful changes that ensure safety and equality for all. We honor Tamir's memory by committing to building a world where every child, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to live long, fulfilled lives—far beyond the 12 years that Tamir was afforded. Let us work toward a future where no parent has to grieve the loss of a child due to violence, and where every child is protected, valued, and given the chance to shine. Proud to be a #PublicVocies Fellow in Racial Justice in Early Childhood with The OpEd Project and National Black Child Development Institute

Thanks Katie Orenstein, Anjelica Fraga Escalante, and The OpEd Project for hosting me and for the incredible work you do. So much great synergy in the things we care about.

The OpEd Project #publicvoices fellow, Megan Thiele Strong, continues to publish important ideas. Dig in! https://lnkd.in/gJsHRacK

Excited to share my first Op-Ed - writing and publishing this was a refreshing departure from the heavier style of academic medical writing :) Digital Doctors Are Coming. Regulators Need to Catch Up. — We must ensure AI advances in medicine in a way that's safe, fair, and beneficial for all https://lnkd.in/e9ZW6e2J Thank you to The OpEd Project for guidance and support in transforming this idea into a published piece, and to MedPage Today for offering the platform to share my perspective. MedPage Today and?Genevieve Friedman

For Intervenxions at The Latinx Project, I wrote about PRIMOS, the Disney+ animated series: https://lnkd.in/era2Ynhm What promised to be an "authentic and inclusive" show featuring a Latinx family drew backlash from Latin American audiences. The cruel paradox, I write, is that in responding so vehemently to the show, Latin Americans affirmed what they sought to deny: the show was about them, whether they liked it or not. PRIMOS has lessons for both Latin American and U.S. Latinx audiences on what we can learn from each other across languages, nations, and borders - and what the brown cartoon can teach us about animation as a medium. Thanks to The OpEd Project and The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans for the support! #publicvoices #animation #standwithanimation

Imagine being surrounded by brilliant, award-winning writers, journalists, academics—experts—only to discover that we all share similar (and unique) mental barriers that hold us back from expressing our expertise. I had the honor of attending The OpEd Project's #WriteToChangeTheWorld workshop to explore these barriers and strengthen my voice—not just as a professional, but as a storyteller and a person with a lot to say. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to grow their voice and share their ideas with the world!