Reimagining the Future of Policy in Providence
Brown Initiative for Policy is a student-run, non-partisan think tank. We propose and advocate for sensible solutions to problems in our community.
Explore our Mission
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Current Projects
Our Purpose
Our main goal is to translate quantitative and qualitative research on problems in Brown's community into solutions. We strive to assist local leaders in the work they are already doing to realize change in their community, so we partner with local non-profits, advocates, and even politicans to design and implement projects. Along the way, we build meaningful relationships and train critical thinkers, who we hope will be the next generation of public policy-shapers in their local communities.
Featured Project
Mental Health
BIP’s Mental Health research team operates with the ambitious goal of assessing the state of behavioral healthcare in Rhode Island and advocating for data-driven policy prescriptions to improve upon its shortcomings.
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Featured Project
Confession Accountability
The focus of the Confession Accountability team is to research the use of coercive interrogation techniques against minors in Rhode Island, trace their unequal impact and connection to wrongful convictions, and advocate against their use.
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Our Research Approach
What differentiates BIP from most think tanks is our focus not only on producing research, but our ability to translate the research into tangible benefit for Providence and Rhode Island communities.
The foundation of BIP is the network of collaborators with whom we source projects, ensuring they are useful to the community.
01: Establishing Partnerships
02: Community Research
With the aid of partners, we collect local data (i.e. surveys and focus groups) to tailor policy ideas to the community.
We conduct analysis on data collected, review policy literature, and develop ideas that, in the long run, can be solutions.
03: Developing Policy Proposals
04: Impact
We determine which ideas are feasible in the short term, from legislation to information campaigns, and advocate to see them implemented by stakeholders.
Our
Research
Approach
What differentiates BIP from most think tanks is our focus not only on producing research, but our ability to translate the research into tangible benefit for Providence and Rhode Island communities.
01
Establishing Partnerships
The foundation of BIP is the network of collaborators with whom we source projects, ensuring they are useful to the community.
02
Community Research
With the aid of partners, we collect local data (i.e. surveys and focus groups) to tailor policy ideas to the community.
03
Developing Policy Proposals
We conduct analysis on data collected, review policy literature, and develop ideas that, in the long run, can be solutions.
04
Legislation Implementation
We determine which ideas are feasible in the short and long term, from legislation to information campaigns, and advocate to see them implemented alongside our community partners.
A student-run team passionate about change in the Providence community.
Members of BIP come from a broad number of backgrounds, united by a common goal. From computer science concentrators to history concentrators, Rhode Island-natives to international students, first-years to seniors, we bring a myriad of experiences and thinking styles to the work we do.
Want to Join or Partner With Us?
Find out how.