Kirwan: Deep Dive into Advocacy

This legislative session, we have a once in a generation opportunity to build a world-class education system in Maryland. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, widely known as the Kirwan Commission, is slated to bring $255 million into classrooms this coming year. But where will these funds go and what systems of accountability are in place? How can you strategically and impactfully leverage your resources and networks to support the equitable implementation of Kirwan?

Join us to hear education advocates discuss their strategies for approaching Kirwan. Richard Madaleno, Montgomery County’s Budget Director and Former Vice Chairman of Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, will start off the program by painting the current political landscape around Kirwan and he will share policy priorities in education for the coming legislative session. This will be followed by a panel facilitated by Senator Bill Ferguson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Panelists will include Shamoyia Gardiner, Education Policy Director for Advocates for Children and Youth, Joe Francaviglia, Executive Director of Strong Schools Maryland and Kimberly Humphrey, Public Policy Counsel for ACLU Maryland.

By attending this program, you will:

1. Hear each advocate’s strategy in approaching Kirwan;
2. Recognize what is at stake (for both inaction and action);
3. Understand the political feasibility of appropriate funding for each issue area;
4. See how education dollars are currently being used;
5. Leave with specific actions to help shape a world-class education system in Maryland.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only; lunch will be served.