Uniting for Action on the Maryland Economy
 
Uniting for Action on the Maryland Economy is a nine-month, non-partisan initiative that brings people together to build relationships, strengthen collaboration skills, explore different views on economic issues, and work together to address economic challenges in MD.

​We are forming a select cohort of Maryland Uniters ages 18+ with wide-ranging views and a commitment to collaborating across divides on economic issues from September 2021 to June 2022. In other words, it's for YOU!

Maryland Uniters are on a mission to:
​​1. Build relationships across geographic, political, racial, and other divides
2. Increase understanding of economic challenges across MD
​3. Strengthen individual skills for communicating and collaborating across divides 
4. Tackle economic challenges that impact all communities across MD
5. Make civic participation of ordinary Marylanders possible, probable, and powerful 
6. Contribute to improved civic health and democracy in MD

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Who is leading this effort?

Program Overview
​Uniting for Action on the Maryland Economy will follow three phases. During each phase, the Maryland Uniters cohort will gather for mandatory planning and skill-building meetings (dates below) and voluntary learning sessions. We'll also keep the cohort conversations going online throughout the program. Phase 1, 2, and 3 dates are tentative, to be finalized in coordination with Maryland Uniters.

The Application period is now closed

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Timeline​	Application Process Milestones
April 11 - Aug 8, 2021	Apply to join Maryland Uniters cohort
Rolling until Aug 8, 2021	Selection decisions
Aug 13, 2021	Registration deadline for admitted applicants

FAQ

Q: What will I get out of this experience?

A: Based on the experience of participants in previous programs, we expect you will walk away with the following:

• Professionals skills in a) communicating effectively with people who have different views than you do, b) analyzing complex interconnected societal challenges, and c) community project design
• Relationships with people with whom you wouldn't otherwise engage
• A stronger understanding of the economic challenges that face communities different from your own
• Meaningful contributions to a project that addresses economic challenges in Maryland

Q: How will we be doing this?

A: Maryland Uniters will meet regularly on Zoom for structured discussion, small group brainstorming, and collaboration. We will also meet for in-person workshops to the extent possible based on the latest public health guidance. We will communicate throughout by email and Slack. See detailed schedule above.

Q: What do the economic projects look like?

A: Projects can take many different forms and will depend on a) your group's analysis, and b) the priorities of the organization with which you're partnered.

​Here are examples of community projects implemented by participants in previous UR Action programs:

• Improving mental health
• Reducing food waste
• Advancing racial justice
• Increasing education equity​

Q: What is the cost?

A: The cost is $25, all of which supports implementation of the program. No one is turned away because of an inability to pay, so if you have difficulty paying the registration fee, please let us know.

Q: Do I need to be available to participate in all of the required events above?

A: Yes, every session will build on previous ones. Because a key goal of the program is building relationships across divides, participation in all sessions is required. The exception to this rule is if there is only one Zoom session you can't make AND you notify us during the application process. 

Q: How much time and effort are required?

A: The program requires participation in all of the gatherings laid out in the schedule above, as well as effort to implement your team's project. While level of effort may vary, you might expect to commit 4-8 hours / month over the 9-month period.

Partner Organizations

Each Maryland Uniters team within the broader cohort will partner with a Maryland organization to design and implement a project that 1) addresses an economic challenge (either local or statewide) identified by the group and 2) advances an initiative or goal of the organization.