Uniting for Action on the Maryland Economy

Complete the following 3 steps to register 

• This is a NON-PARTISAN initiative to build new connections among Marylanders across geographic, political, racial, and other divides, strengthen individual collaboration skills, tackle local and state economic challenges, contribute to improved civic health, and make democratic participation of ordinary Marylanders possible, probable, and powerful
• ​We'll conduct several in-person and Zoom workshops for structured discussion, small group brainstorming, and collaboration. ​​
• You'll work with a team of Marylanders on an economic issue. Your team will design a project and decide together (and with your partner organization) on what effort is required and how you can each contribute.

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 in person and regularly on Zoom for structured discussion, small group brainstorming, and collaboration. 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.