Giving circle leaders are invited to the twelfth annual Giving Circle Connector Gathering. The dozens of giving circles in our region will gather virtually to connect and learn from one another about a variety of issues important to giving circles. This year's theme will be “We’re all in this Together” with a special presentation by Sara Lomelin, Executive Director of Philanthropy Together focused on leading a movement to diversify and democratize philanthropy and support Race Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work within giving circles.

Through a presentation and discussion with Stuart Clarke, Edgar Villanueva will outline his provocative analysis of the dysfunctional colonial dynamics at play in philanthropy and finance and offer a prescription for restoring balance and healing our divides.

A new demographic analysis of 2021-22 school year chronic absence data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that the pandemic-induced dramatic increase in chronic absence affects students from all backgrounds and localities and is widening inequities. Join Hedy Nai-Lin Chang, Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works, Larry C. Simmons, Senior Fellow with Attendance Works, and Dr. David Heiber, Founder and Executive Director of Concentric Educational Solutions, to learn about current interventions and innovations, what working, and necessary systemic changes to shift the current high tide of absenteeism. Moreover, participants will learn the role of funders in advancing strategies and recommendations throughout Maryland.