Walter Rand Institute Open House

Building Solutions for South Jersey, Together.

Join the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) for a half‑day Open House designed to bring together State and local agencies, legislators, county representatives, community organizations, and cross‑sector partners who care about strengthening the eight South Jersey counties. As one of the region’s most trusted research partners, WRI conducts policy and practice-relevant research about social and community issues in South Jersey and Statewide. WRI’s mixed methods approaches lead to rigorous and reputable research and data analysis across a variety of content areas, including transportation, public health, education, food insecurity, workforce development, and more.

During this highly interactive session, attendees will learn more about the Institute’s work and how to partner with WRI to meet critical research goals, such as: (1) needs assessments that help you understand communities better, 2) project and program evaluations, 3) gathering community and stakeholder input, and more. Attendees will also learn more about how to use WRI’s research as a trusted resource for data, research, and information about South Jersey that supports timely, informed policymaking.

Are you:

A State or local policymaker or policymaking staff member looking to inform policymaking and strengthen communities?
A State or local agency wanting to use data (especially community perspectives and input) to drive decision-making about programs and priorities?
A nonprofit or community-based organization with research and/or data analysis questions or needs now or in the future (e.g. as part of a grant requirement)?
A member or leader of task force or coalition in need of research partnership?

This event is for you!

The event planning process is currently underway and we will share more information about the date, location, and registration process in the coming months. Please fill out the below form to express your interest in learning more about the event and to be added to a listserv that will receive Open House information.

Learn more about what to expect from this event and read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.

Express your Interest

What You’ll Experience

Attendees will hear engaging presentations that highlight how WRI collaborates with partners to:

deepen understanding of communities through qualitative and quantitative research
conduct evaluations of programs, projects, and initiatives
deliver demographic profiles, needs assessments, and community surveys
produce accessible, public‑facing briefs and analyses that support timely, informed policymaking
gather community and stakeholder input

This convening will introduce WRI’s work, emphasizing its role as a partner to agencies, legislators, nonprofits, coalitions, and community providers.

WRI’s Approach

non‑English speakers
older adults
low‑income residents
LGBTQIA+ communities
military veterans

We know South Jersey and its eight counties incredibly well, which enhances our work in invaluable ways. WRI staff are consistently out in communities, engaging with them and our partners to deliver high-quality research and data analysis.

We Want to Hear from You!

The convening will include dedicated time for participants to:

share emerging needs
highlight on‑the‑ground insights
discuss challenges and opportunities
identify areas where WRI can support their priorities

Whether you’re shaping policy, evaluating programs, responding to community issues, or coordinating cross‑sector initiatives, this session is designed to connect your work with WRI’s regional expertise.

Why Attend?

Are you:

A State or local policymaker or policymaker staff member?
A State or local agency?
A nonprofit or community-based organization?
A member or leader of task force or coalition?

This event is for you!

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of:

ways to bring community voice into policy and practice
how to partner with WRI
available research and evaluation supports
how WRI interprets and applies data to real-world decisions

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Express Your Interest

Be among the first to receive full event details and registration information.

Join the interest list today.

Event FAQs

Who is this event for?

This convening is designed for State and local agencies, legislators, county and municipal leaders, community‑based organizations, non-profit organizations, coalitions, and cross‑sector partners working toward a healthy, thriving South Jersey. WRI regularly partners with government agencies, community providers, and stakeholders across sectors to produce actionable research.

What will I gain by attending?

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how WRI can support your work. Through mixed‑methods research, needs assessments, program evaluations, data analysis, and community‑informed insights, WRI can partner with you to support your goals and priorities as it relates to informed policymaking and making data-driven enhancements to service delivery programs and projects.

What makes WRI's approach unique?

WRI centers community voice and uses mixed‑methods research, meaning both qualitative and quantitative, to inform policy and practice in the region. The Institute is known for ensuring representation from populations that are underrepresented in research, such as non‑English speakers, low‑income residents, LGBTQIA+ community members, older adults, and veterans. Additionally, as we’re based in Camden city, we know South Jersey and its eight counties incredibly well, which enhances our work in invaluable ways. WRI staff are consistently out in communities, engaging with them and our partners to deliver high-quality research and data analysis.

What will the program look like?

The morning includes presentations about WRI’s work, examples of cross‑sector partnerships between WRI and external partners, and opportunities for networking. The focus is on two‑way information sharing, learning from partners while showing how WRI supports regional needs. Light breakfast and lunch will be served.

I’m not currently working with WRI. Should I still attend?

Absolutely. This event is ideal for organizations exploring research partnerships for the first time or who might be unfamiliar with WRI’s work. Attendees will come away from the event with a clear understanding of WRI’s work, various partnership models, and how to partner.

How does WRI engage communities in its work?

WRI uses community‑sensitive methods such as interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, and other mixed‑methods designs to ensure the lived experiences of residents, service providers, and other stakeholders inform research findings and recommendations.

Can WRI help my organization interpret or use our own data?

Yes. WRI frequently assists external partners in analyzing and understanding internal data to improve decision‑making and strategic planning.

Will the Open House provide information about how to explore a formal partnership with WRI?

Yes. Attendees will learn more about various partnership models and how to operationalize them.

Is there a cost to attend?

No. The event is free for those interested in attending.

How do I register for the Open House?

The event planning process is currently underway, and we will share more information about the date, location, and registration process in the coming months. Please fill out this form to express your interest in learning more about the event and to be added to a listserv that receives Open House information.