Online Progressive Engagement Network (OPEN) is a left-of-center global network dedicated to quickly organizing campaigns for various causes including climate change activism, “stripping right-wing organizations of financial services,” and “strengthening antiauthoritarianism in Europe.” ^{1 2}

Background

The Online Progressive Engagement Network (OPEN) was designed to organize digital campaigns and initiatives. ³ OPEN claims a presence in 20 countries with 26 million members. ⁴ One of the stated goals of the Network is “shifting power from the global north to the global south.” ⁵

OPEN provides incubation services for start-up campaigns, including fundraising, assisting in communications, risk management, and partnerships. ⁴ The group campaigns on “climate change, migration, racial injustice, global authoritarianism and the rise of the alt-right,” according to a statement from OPEN’s executive director. ⁵

MoveOn.org is a partner of the Network based in the United States. MoveOn.org is a left-of-center organization focused on advocating policies and organizing protests. ⁶

Activities

The Online Progressive Engagement Network focuses on climate change activism, expanding organizing capabilities in the “Global South,” and “strengthening anti-authoritarianism in Europe.” ^{1 2}

One of the efforts undertaken by the Network is building its reach in the developing world. Examples of this include partnering with Nossas, a left-of-center Brazilian group, to counter the rise of “reactionary values” brought about as a result of the rise of Evangelical churches in the country and rising urban violence, according to the Network. ²

The Network also focuses on breaking up collaboration between right-of-center organizations and financial institutions in Europe. The Network described how one of its partner start-ups, Le Mouvement, “challenged payment processor Stripe to stop providing services to right-wing outfit Generation Identitaire.” The Network participated in ad campaigns, media op-eds, and letter campaigns sent to multiple banks. In response to OPEN’s efforts, 10 banks and payment providers closed accounts with right-of-center organizations in Europe. ⁷

Funding

In 2023, the Open Progressive Engagement Network received $650,000 from the Foundation to Promote Open Society; in 2021, the Network received $500,000 from the Open Society Institute. ⁸

The Network has also received funding from NEO Philanthropy, a New York-based nonprofit that serves as a fiscal clearinghouse for left-of-center causes; MoveOn.org, a partner organization of OPEN that organizes left-of-center campaigns; and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. ^{9 10 11}

Staff

Giovanna Negretti is the executive director of the Online Progressive Engagement Network. Previously, Negretti worked as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts Senate, and co-founded a statewide Latino political organization. She was elected as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Negretti has worked as the Middle East regional director for the American Friends Service Committee. ¹²

Matt Blizek is the deputy director of the Network. Blizek has developed training programs for left-of-center campaigns including MoveOn.org and Democracy for America. ¹²

1. “The Online Progressive Engagement Network (Open).” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/.
2. “Case Studies – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/case-studies.
3. “What Makes Open Unique – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/what-makes-open-unique.
4. “Achieving Impact – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/achieving-impact.
5. “10th Anniversary Celebration Speech – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://coyote-grapefruit.squarespace.com/10annivspeech.
6. “Global Members – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/our-members-1.
7.   “Case Studies – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/case-studies.
8.  “Open Society Foundations – Awarded Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships.” Open Society Foundations – Awarded Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships – Open Society Foundations. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/past?filter_keyword=Online%2BProgressive%2BEngagement%2BNetwork.
9. “NEO Philanthropy,” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990) 2022. Schedule I.
10. “Moveon Org Civic Action,” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990) 2023. Schedule I.
11. “Rockefeller Brothers Fund,” Return of Private Foundation Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990PF) 2022. Page 11 Part XIV.
12.  “The Open Team – Open.” OPEN Website (Alpha Version). Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.the-open.net/the-open-team.