Join Maryland Philanthropy Network's Education Funders Affinity Group to learn more about the Science of Reading movement broadly and the critical elements for effective implementation. We’ll also learn from the co-directors of the Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity about the key findings and recommendations from their comprehensive review of literacy instruction in public school districts across the state, and from Maryland READS about their work to support, advocate for, and amplify change initiatives throughout Maryland focused on meaningful Science of Reading reforms.

Foundations and nonprofits create more resilient and impactful change when their strategies are shaped by the communities most harmed by inequities. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us invaluable lessons about the importance of community listening and nimble response. In the face of the social sector's recent turmoil, re-applying and building upon those lessons is more urgent than ever. This virtual session will explore how to carry forward best practices from the pandemic to meet today’s challenges. We’ll share strategies–including timely use cases–for responding to shifting community needs. Fellow funders and Listen4Good, a subject matter expert, will share about their successes, challenges, and best practices for centering community voice in grantmaking.