As we find ourselves halfway through the month of June, it's a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to our shared values. With Juneteenth just around the corner and Pride events in full swing, we have important milestones to honor and opportunities to come together in solidarity.

In the spirit of celebration and solidarity, we are thrilled to announce that more Pride events have been added to our Pride Events section. These events serve as reminders of the vibrant and resilient spirit within our community, as we come together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. However, amidst this joyous occasion, it is crucial to acknowledge the urgent state of emergency facing the LGBTQ+ community, as highlighted by the recent Human Rights Campaign report. The report sheds light on the alarming increase in hate crimes, discriminatory policies, and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals across the country. It serves as a poignant reminder that while Pride events celebrate progress, they also stand as a testament to the ongoing need for activism and advocacy to protect and advance the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. Together, let us not only revel in the festivities of Pride, but also channel our collective strength and determination to address the pressing challenges that our community faces, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

While the summer season may bring with it warm weather and well-deserved relaxation, we must not lose sight of the importance of grassroots organizing and staying engaged in Maryland politics. This summer, let us harness our collective energy to push for progressive policies, amplify the voices of the marginalized, and fight against the injustices that persist. Together, we can make meaningful change and build a brighter future for all Marylanders. 

Read on for more updates, events, state news and opportunities to make a difference!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• PM Updates
• PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF & RCTF
• Pride Events
• Events from Allies
• State & National news

PM UPDATES:

Now accepting applications: Maryland People's Leadership Institute (MPLI)! Supported by Progressive Maryland, MPLI is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools to become community leaders in politics or campaign management. Be part of shaping Maryland's political landscape. Acquire invaluable knowledge and abilities in economic and social justice, organizing, advocacy, and beyond. Don't miss out! Application deadline: July 7th. Take action today to make a positive impact in your community. Click here to apply!

Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns 

Healthcare Justice Campaign: What a Great Week For Healthcare Organizing!

Our Care Over Cost campaign is exposing the greed and serious shortcomings in this country’s private for profit health insurance system–we’re working to help patients with claim denials and to make a strong  case for Medicare For All. Sign our petition demanding a halt to the harm and strain  that denials of care are causing. Here’s yet another report on the exorbitant amounts of compensation that CEOs in the health insurance industry are raking in. 

Help us organize our growing grassroots campaign! Join us this weekend and on upcoming weekends to door knock and get the word out to other Marylanders. Drop Patty a note to get the schedule and locations or check our Mobilize links. We provide training, logistical support, and the materials. Have some fun in the community and make a difference this summer. You can also help us build the case: answer a few questions about your experience with health insurance coverage in a short survey here. 

Returning Citizens Task Force

Tonight, RCTF will hold what is planned to be a regular monthly meeting of Faith leaders who are part of FACE – Faith and Community Engagement – where we will discuss ways of reaching out to returning citizens in our communities. The virtual meeting will take place between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. We are also coming to the successful end of our first year of a regrant program in which Progressive Maryland provided support for several direct service providers working with individuals after release from prison; the regrant program has been extended for another year. Details will be forthcoming.

The next regular RCTF bi-weekly RCTF meeting will be held next Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. For more information about the meeting tonight or about any of our work, please contact Kurt.

PRIDE EVENTS:

☆ Baltimore Pride June 16-23 

☆ Delmarva Pride June 16 - June 18 

☆ Frederick Pride June 24 3-10pm

☆ Salisbury Pride 11am- 9pm

☆ Ocean City Inaugural Pride Parade June 24 9-11am

☆ Montgomery Pride June 25 12-8pm

*pride events will continue to be added in this section throughout the month of June

EVENTS FROM ALLIES:

On June 19, the Reel and Meal at the New Deal will present This Changes Everything, the 2015 documentary based on Naomi Klein’s best-seller of the same name that looks at how Climate Change is the prime global existential threat and how our response can be a unifying force for something better. The film includes footage shot in five continents, including Montana’s Powder River Basin, the Alberta Tar Sands, and the coast of South India, and focuses on frontline indigenous communities bearing the brunt of climate change’s effects and under pressure from corporate connivance with governments. The event starts at 7pm and will be both in-person at the Cafe (113 Centerway, Greenbelt) and online via Zoom. Zoom registration is required. A discussion will follow the screening.

State and National News:

Health remains on our minds even as we continue venturing out post-COVID, and some underreported progress is heartening. States are cleaning up as their legislatures have mostly sine die'd for summer (the US House shows multiple fractures and went home midweek to calm down, not rest on their laurels). Maryland continues to stay in the hunt for the new FBI headquarters despite cranky responses from the Bureau. So what else is new?... it's all progressive News You Can Use.

It's enough to get you mad. It's enough to get you mad enough to organize and fight. For that, join Progressive Maryland.

Progressive Maryland BlogSpace:

We value creating space for our members to express their thoughts on any issues related to our campaigns. Have an idea for a blog post? You can submit writing, film, graphic design, etc. to be published on our website to the blog moderator Woody.

• New Today- House in disarray, DOJ indicts, Maryland looks around after hazy week

• Gas prices, cars and their care, and power are all themes this week: Maryland's News You Can Use

• A Poem For Pride
• Response to Washington Post article

• How the compromise on debt default avoidance worked out; plus Maryland roundup: News You Can Use
  

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

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P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792