Advocacy Opportunities for Community Organizations

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Information and Links to

Organizations
Legislative Priorities
Calendars
Speaker Series

LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL

ACLU of Maryland

Action Center:  https://www.aclu-md.org/
The Maryland ACLU works to ensure that all people in the state of Maryland are free to think and speak as they choose and can lead their lives free from discrimination and unwarranted government intrusion. We are guided in our work by the United States Bill of Rights and the Maryland Declaration of Rights. The Maryland ACLU acts without partisanship to achieve these goals.

Baltimore County Government

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/

City of Baltimore Government

https://www.baltimorecity.gov/

League of Women Voters

Baltimore City – https://www.baltimorecity.gov/
Baltimore County – https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/

The League of Women Voters of Baltimore City is a nonpartisan political organization, which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women

https://mdlegagendaforwomen.org/

A statewide coalition of women’s groups and individuals formed to provide a non-partisan, independent, voice for Maryland women and families. The group advocates for progressive legislation and policy that promotes and protects the well being of Maryland women and their families and provides them opportunities to develop their full potential.

Maryland State Board of Elections

https://elections.maryland.gov/

Elections, Voter Registration, Voting, and other election related topics

Project on Government Oversight

https://www.pogo.org/

U.S. Congress

Legislative activities

https://www.congress.gov/

NONPROFIT ASSOCIATIONS

Maryland Nonprofits

Advocacy:  https://www.marylandnonprofits.org/what-we-offer/advocacy/

National Council of Nonprofits

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/


CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Advocacy for Children and Youth

https://www.acy.org/

ACY’s mission has remained unchanged since its founding–to identify problems, promote policies and programs that improve results for Maryland’s children in measurable and meaningful ways, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies for the state’s children and youth.

Maryland Family Network

http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/

Maryland Family Network (MFN) is an advocate and catalyst for the development of a strong system of quality childcare, early education, and family support.


EDUCATION

Afterschool Alliance

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/

Working to ensure that all youth have access to affordable, quality after-school programs

Arts Every Day

https://www.artseveryday.org/

Arts Every Day strengthens learning by making arts education and cultural experiences an integral part of classroom instruction for all students in Baltimore City Public Schools. Serving as a catalyst for creative learning, Arts Every Day builds and sustains long-term partnerships with schools, artists, and cultural institutions while working to connect and empower teachers as leaders within their school communities.

The Baltimore Education Coalition (BEC)

http://becforourkids.org/

A partnership of more than 20 schools, organizations and religious institutions united by a mission and vision for public education in Baltimore City. The coalition organizes and mobilizes the Baltimore community, including organizations, parents, teachers, and students, and advocates for effective education reform policies and practices.

Maryland Education Coalition

https://www.marylandeducationcoalition.org/

Dedicated to raising the academic achievement of students in Maryland public schools by promoting adequate funding and systemic accountability for improving results.

Maryland Out of School Time Network (MOST)

http://mdoutofschooltime.org/

A statewide youth development organization, dedicated to more and better opportunities in the out of school hours for all of Maryland's young people.


HOUSING and HOMELESSNESS

Citizens Planning & Housing Association

http://www.cphabaltimore.org/

CPHA brings about a healthy, inclusive Baltimore by Bringing together people and neighborhoods to create innovative solutions to challenging, community-wide problems; empowering citizens with information and skills for advocacy and organizing; and, championing solutions through legislative and policy reforms.

Health Care for the Homeless (HCH)

https://www.hchmd.org/

Mission: works to prevent and end homelessness for vulnerable individuals and families by providing quality, integrated health care and promoting access to affordable housing and sustainable incomes through direct service, advocacy and community engagement.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

http://hprplaw.org/

Mission: to end homelessness in Maryland by providing free legal services, including advice, counsel, education, representation and advocacy, for low-income persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Journey Home - Mayor’s Office of Human Services

https://human-services.baltimorecity.gov/homeless-services

Overseen by the Continuum of Care, a coalition of over 70 service providers and advocates working together to make homelessness rare and brief.

What you can do:

  • Organize a household collection drive
  • Become a Continuum of Care Member
  • Attend a Continuum of Care Meeting
  • Join a Continuum of Care Committee

Marian House

https://www.marianhouse.org/

Marian House is a holistic, healing community for women and their children who are in need of housing and support services. We provide a safe, sober, and loving environment that challenges women to respect and love themselves, confront emotional and socioeconomic issues, and transition to stable and independent lives.

Public Justice Center

http://www.publicjustice.org/

The Human Right to Housing Project - current actions in this project focus on two distinct groups of low-income tenants: those who face eviction in Baltimore City’s rent court and those who face eviction because their landlord is in foreclosure.

The Resource Exchange - St. Vincent de Paul Church Social Action Committee

http://www.stvchurch.org/justice-service/the-resource-exchange/ or call 410-657-5874

Mission is to turn empty rental units into homes by providing basic furniture and household items - new bedding, towels, mat, and shower curtain. Provide living room furniture, kitchen table and chairs, pots, dishes, and utensils.

Youth Empowerment Society – YES - Drop-In Center

http://www.yesdropincenter.org/

Baltimore City’s first and only drop-in center for homeless youth. YES Drop-In Center is a safe space for youth who are homeless and between the ages of 14-25, to get basic needs met and establish supportive relationships with peer staff and allies that them make and sustain connections to long-term resources and opportunities.

IMMIGRATION

International Rescue Committee

https://www.rescue.org/

The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America.

Open Society Institute – Baltimore

https://www.osibaltimore.org/

As the Open Society Foundations’ U. S. Programs only field office, Open Society Institute-Baltimore focuses on the root causes of three intertwined problems in our city and state: drug addiction, an over-reliance on incarceration, and obstacles that impede youth in succeeding inside and out of the classroom. We also support a growing corps of social entrepreneurs committed to underserved populations in Baltimore. Before we make a single grant, we analyze the root causes of a problem and examine research and innovative practices. Because we aim for lasting, sustainable solutions, we engage public and private partners from the start. It is only then, with a clear picture of the problem, that we begin to focus our approach and diligently craft a roadmap for change.

SPEAKER SERIES AND ONLINE CALENDARS

ACLU

https://www.aclu-md.org/

Baltimore County Public Library – Towson

https://www.bcpl.info/locations/towson/index.html

Citizens Planning & Housing Association (CPHA)

http://www.cphabaltimore.org/

Enoch Pratt Free Library

https://www.prattlibrary.org/