OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 266

OneRouge
Aug 1
3 min read

Summary

On August 1, the OneRouge coalition gathered for a powerful and emotional conversation focused on what “back to school” really means this year for students, families, educators, and advocates. With major policy shifts underway—especially related to federal education oversight—community members came together to spotlight where support systems are rising, where they’re unraveling, and what we must do next.

Dr. Jaleesa Thompson emphasized the critical importance of educating parents and caregivers on school policies, especially as protections for special education and multilingual students become more uncertain. Tramelle Howard called on fellow advocates to break out of silos, collaborate more intentionally, and use the power of storytelling to ensure real student experiences drive change. Dr. Ashlyn Harrison reminded everyone that learning doesn’t start or stop at the schoolhouse door—it’s shaped by access to healthcare, food, safety, and trusted community support.

The call closed with a major announcement: after 266 consecutive Fridays, the Walls Project and Metamorphosis will pass the torch and invite new leadership to guide the next phase of the OneRouge movement. On August 8, a special “Build Session” will open the floor to organizations ready to carry this collective work forward. The Friday calls aren’t ending—they’re evolving.

Whether you’re an advocate, educator, parent, or community leader, this is your moment to plug in. Join the conversation, bring your ideas, and help shape the next chapter of OneRouge.

Meeting Notes:

OneRouge Community Call – August 1, 2025

Topic: Back to School & The Big “Blank” Bill – Education, Advocacy, and Action

Facilitators: Jordan Howard, Casey Phillips

Featured Speakers: Dr. Jaleesa Thompson (Coach on the Go Consulting & Louisiana Rural Education Association), Tramelle Howard (The Education Trust – Louisiana), Dr. Ashlyn Harrison (The Walls Project)

Opening Reflections & Icebreaker

Dr. Jaleesa Thompson opened the call with a moment of personal inspiration, recalling a conference lesson about perseverance and the spiritual/emotional strength often required of women and caregivers.
Participants shared joyful back-to-school memories, including new shoes, supplies, and community rituals. This lighthearted discussion set a tone of connection before diving into heavier educational topics.

Featured Presentation Highlights

Dr. Jaleesa Thompson

Shared concerns about the impact of reduced federal oversight on education, especially for special education (SPED), gifted, EL (English Learner), and 504 plan students.
Emphasized the urgent need for parents to understand local education policies and student handbooks to protect their children's rights.
Recommended table talks, community-based open houses, and flexible parent meetings as strategies for more inclusive engagement.
Encouraged parent and community advocacy in the absence of formerly funded programs and support services.

Tramelle Howard

Called for renewed collaboration across advocacy groups and direct accountability for school leaders—regardless of personal relationships.
Urged community groups to elevate storytelling as a tool for influencing local and national policy, citing recent wins in unlocking federal funding through public advocacy.
Criticized systemic decisions made for adult convenience instead of student benefit, especially regarding dual enrollment access and high school pathways.
Challenged the group to become more proximate to the people they serve, not just operate from a policy or nonprofit lens.

Dr. Ashlyn Harrison

Called attention to the intersections between education, healthcare, and basic needs like food and housing as school resumes under shifting federal aid.
Advocated for continued cross-sector collaboration and deeper investment in youth-centered programming and community listening sessions.
Pledged that The Walls Project would help develop systems of support for students and families affected by legislative rollbacks.

Community Reflections

Sherreta Harrison sparked a nuanced dialogue around teacher wellbeing versus student-centered approaches, noting that burnout and systemic pressures are real, but should not eclipse student outcomes.
Marcela Hernandez urged the group to be vigilant about the real-time trauma immigrant students face under current policies. She emphasized the need for school-based advocacy and safe spaces for vulnerable children.
Conversation closed with multiple voices affirming the power of unity, transparency, and reimagined accountability in education spaces.

OneRouge Transition Announcement

Casey Phillips announced that after 266 consecutive Fridays, The Walls Project and Metamorphosis will transition leadership of the OneRouge Friday calls to another organization or coalition.
A Build Session will take place next Friday, August 8, to introduce potential partners, share the OneRouge playbook, and begin the transition process.
The team affirmed their commitment to continuing community impact through new, solution-oriented strategies while ensuring the Friday call space remains open and thriving.

Action Items & Next Steps

Interested organizations should attend the Build Session (same Zoom link) on August 8, 2025 to explore co-hosting or leading the future of the Friday calls.
Attendees were encouraged to reflect on how they can deepen their proximity and effectiveness within their own communities, especially in response to educational policy changes.
Stay connected via Walls Project social media and newsletter updates for ongoing announcements and opportunities to engage.

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