We’re taking action at the county and state level this fall! Here’s a recap of our recent work and a look ahead:
- ACT Countywide Meeting (Sept 30)
- Housing Updates & Actions
- Statewide Action (November 17)
- Summer Training Series Recap
1. ACT Countywide Meeting
Please join ACT for our Countywide Meeting on Monday, September 30th!
During this meeting, we’ll receive updates and discuss next steps on Attainable Housing MPDU legislation, descendant African American communities, statewide action with PATH & AIM, and more.
We would like at least 2-3 people from each member congregation or organization to attend.
ACT Countywide Meeting
Monday, Sept 30, 7:00–8:30 pm
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis
2. Housing Updates & Actions
This month, the County Council introduced a new MPDU (Attainable Housing) bill. This bill would increase affordable housing across the county, and it’s thanks to our persistent efforts that it’s been re-introduced with improvements from last year. Great work!
Our work isn’t over. We need to keep up the pressure to make sure this bill passes this year. Please join us at the County Council hearing on October 7th when the council will hear public testimony on the bill. We want to fill the room to show our support for attainable housing.
Support Attainable Housing at County Council
Monday, Oct. 7th, 7:00 pm
Arundel Center (44 Calvert Street, Annapolis)
3. Statewide Action November 17
Save the date for our Statewide Action on November 17th from 3:00–5:00 pm at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia!
Together as ACT, AIM, and PATH, we are bringing 500-600 people to meet with our state legislators, Maryland Secretary of Housing, Comptroller, and more to put forth our agenda for the 2025 legislative session. We’ll call on our state leaders to help us achieve our priorities, including:
- Diverse, attainable housing options
- Renters’ rights
- Clean energy for healthy communities
- Pre-K for every child
Help us show our power to make change statewide! Please register here and invite your congregation or community:
4. Summer Training Series Recap
Our Summer Training Series, “Building Diverse Teams for Justice,” was a success! Leaders across ACT, PATH, and AIM learned how to organize core teams in their congregations and communities.
A total of 199 people from PATH, ACT, and AIM registered to attend at least one of the 6 sessions between June and September. We had fun together and connected with each other between and across organizations through one-on-one and small group conversations. Together, we explored:
- How core teams make up the key power base of our organizations.
- How to hold listening sessions and one-on-one meetings to build relational power.
- How to create and strengthen our core teams.
- How we experience the divine as we work in community.
- How to use communications to strengthen our teams.
As a result of the series, many leaders said they feel equipped to build stronger teams in their congregations, host listening sessions, and more. Stacy Burvant from Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church said, “With the assistance of ACT, I am now more optimistic than ever in our potential to form core teams in the near future!” This power within our member organizations will be crucial as we act together at the state and county levels this year.