Work With Us
With the common goal of addressing social problems in Providence, BIP collaborates with community partners to find policy-based solutions. BIP research teams and partners may jointly write a report about the mental healthcare system, lobby for education policy change, or advise the governor’s office.
Who do we work with?
We work with all different kinds of stakeholders. In the past, BIP has collaborated with government officials, public policy-oriented NGOs, and state legislators, among others.

What role do we play?
In the past, BIP analysts have fulfilled roles in the realms of research, policy writing, and advocacy. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Data collection through database research and/or conducting of surveys
  • Writing of white papers / issue briefs on topics relevant to stakeholders
  • Organizing of public events / rallies to amplify advocacy efforts
  • Testifying in support of a given policy initiative before the state legislature
Past Collaborations
Our Partners
Collaborated Projects
Completed
Basic Emergency and Response Skills
In collaboration with the RI Parity Initiative, we are advocating for new RI legislation that will ensure that teachers across the state are trained in a series of “Basic Emergency and Response Skills” (BEARS).
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Completed
Refugee Education
In collaboration with the Refugee Dream Center, we are tackling the systemic failures of the Providence public school system. This marks the state's first ever takeover of the school district.
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Completed
Water Quality
In partnership with Providence Water, we have an ambitious goal to advocate for equitable full lead pipe replacement.
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Ongoing
Mental Health
In partnership with the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI), BIP’s Mental Health research team operates with the ambitious goal of assessing the state of behavioral healthcare in Rhode Island.
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Ongoing
Confession Accountability
In collaboration with the Providence Student Union and the Rhode Island Public Defender's Office, we aim to investigate the impact of student interrogation tactics and use our findings to enact change.
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Ongoing
Sexual and Reproductive Access
In partnership with the Womxn Project, our goal is to expand sexual and reproductive health services in Rhode Island.
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Contact Us
To get in touch with us, inquire about a potential collaboration, or submit proposals for prospective projects, please email us at bip@brown.edu. You can also follow us on Instagram at @brown_policy to see more about what we are up to.

Frequently Asked Questons

Although time commitment varies based upon the nature of the collaboration, BIP research teams typically meet with community partners either weekly or once every two weeks.

BIP research teams typically include between 6-10 analysts.

The degree of control exerted by a given BIP research team over the project on which it is working varies depending on factors including the nature of the end product and the number of other stakeholders. However, our research teams have found in the past that projects are most enriching and successful when all parties involved function in synergistic collaboration, as opposed to strictly delegated roles of varying authority.

There is no cost associated with a partnership with BIP. Our analysts choose to engage with the projects they do because they are eager to develop their skills in policy analysis, and - most importantly - because the goals of the projects resonate meaningfully with them.

Not at all! We encourage any individual students or organizations interested in pursuing a partnership with BIP to reach out and schedule a meeting with a member of our Executive Board.