Maryland Office of Social Equity

The completion of our Town Hall Series marks a significant step forward in fostering equity, collaboration, and community-driven change across Maryland. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to these impactful discussions. To the 100+ community members who showed up and showed out: your voices were the foundation of this series. Every question asked, insight shared, and perspective offered has been invaluable.Thank you to our guest speakers—your expertise and dedication to equity set the tone for meaningful conversations at every stop. Thank you to the host venues—your generosity and hospitality made all the difference. As Dayvon Love said, “It is important that people are engaged in their local government to ensure that it is truly a process that they are investing in, and that it supports community-based organizations.” The Work Continues! We need your input to shape the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Your feedback ensures this initiative reflects the true needs and priorities of Maryland communities impacted by inequities in cannabis enforcement. ?? Complete the survey here: bit.ly/CRRF2024Survey #MarylandOSE #CommunityReinvestment #CannabisReform #EquityInAction #CRRF

#Maryland continues making historic strides in cannabis reform and equity. Congratulations to Baltimore City's newly appointed Cannabis Commission members. Their leadership will be crucial in implementing equitable policies and ensuring community representation. Read more about these changemakers: https://lnkd.in/eX89bQNP #MDCannabis #SocialEquity #Baltimore

?? Attention, Prince George’s County! Today, we’re inviting you to join us for an impactful conversation about the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). Our OSE team is all smiles as we listen to our community, taking in your feedback on how we can best ensure Maryland’s communities are healed through the CRRF. We will also be having PG counties' very own district 7 council member Krystal Oriadha and Jamila Woods, MDiv, LGSW, CAMS-I. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community leader, we want to hear from you! ?? Date: Wednesday, November 13th ?? Location: Bowie Senior Center ?? Time: 5:30 - 8:00 PM We look forward to seeing you there and making positive strides together. #CommunityEngagement #SocialEquity #CRRF #MarylandOSE

Honoring Our Veterans Today and Every Day This Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all those who have served in our Armed Forces. The Office of Social Equity, stands with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families who are committed to supporting Veterans and their families year-round through resources, programs, and partnerships designed to enhance their quality of life. To all Veterans—thank you for your service. Today, we honor you. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #MDVeterans #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport

?? Maryland Office of Social Equity: Last Chance to Make Your Voice Heard! We’re hosting our final three Town Hall events next week, and we want YOU to be a part of the conversation on Maryland’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). These discussions are crucial for shaping an equitable future, and your insights are key. ?? Final Town Hall Schedule: ?Southern Maryland ?? Waldorf West Library ?? Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30 PM ?Prince George’s County ?? Bowie Senior Center ?? Wednesday, November 13 at 6:00 PM ?Western Maryland ?? University Systems of Maryland Hagerstown ?? Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 PM Join us to help create real change for Maryland communities. Let’s work together for a more inclusive and equitable future. See you there! ? #MarylandEquity #CommunityImpact #SocialJustice

Last night's Howard County Cannabis Town Hall demonstrated the power of community-driven innovation and strategic thinking. Key Developments: New staff positions are coming, funded through collaborative budget allocation (County, Opioid Settlement, and CRRF funds), alongside a dedicated Advisory Panel to guide implementation. Community-Generated Innovation Highlights: The evening sparked thoughtful proposals including creating a public repository for data transparency, establishing sustainable multi-year funding programs versus one-time grants, addressing youth housing security, and developing workforce opportunities through AI/technology upskilling. Leadership Engagement: Distinguished speakers included Howard County Councilmember Opel Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D. Director of Government Affairs Maureen Evans and Delegate Pam Lanman Guzzone alongside three successful social equity license recipients who shared their journeys. The conversations showcased how community voices are actively shaping policy approaches and implementation strategies. With three remaining town halls, we're witnessing real-time collaboration between government and community to build equitable frameworks for industry participation. Join us in shaping Maryland's future: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #CannabisEquity #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityReinvestment #MarylandBusiness #SocialImpact

?? Marylanders, Have Your Say on the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund !! The Maryland Office of Social Equity is dedicated to making sure cannabis tax revenue via the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund truly serves the needs of our communities. This week, we launched our public input survey to gather your insights on how the fund can be used effectively, how it’s administered, and any other thoughts, challenges, or ideas you may have. Your feedback is critical as we develop a comprehensive report for the Maryland General Assembly on the progress of the fund’s implementation across the state. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been traveling throughout Maryland, connecting with residents and local council representatives at town halls in the Eastern Shore, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. Next week, we invite you to join us as we continue this journey in Southern Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Western Maryland (?? Register: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj). This survey will add depth to that ongoing dialogue, ensuring that every voice is heard as we shape the future of this important initiative. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us build a fund that reflects the needs and aspirations of Marylanders across every county. Together, we can influence how funds will be reinvested to repair harms caused by past cannabis prohibition. ?? bit.ly/CRRF2024Survey #MDCannabis #SocialEquity #CommunityReinvestment #Maryland

Maryland is taking a data-driven approach to community reinvestment. Over 2,000 Marylanders are already helping direct millions in cannabis tax revenue to strengthen our communities. Your voice matters in shaping how these resources create lasting impact. Take 5 minutes to help build a more equitable Maryland: bit.ly/CRRF2024Survey #MDCannabis #SocialEquity #CommunityDevelopment

?? Howard County Community: Join Us This Thursday! The Maryland Office of Social Equity invites you to the Howard County Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Town Hall - part of our ongoing series to ensure your voice shapes how cannabis tax revenue serves our community. Event Details: ? ?? Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024 ? ?? Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ??? Location: The Meeting House 5885 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD 21045 ? ?? Registration: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj Why Attend? ? Learn how the 35% allocation of cannabis sales tax will benefit Howard County ? Share your vision for community reinvestment priorities ? Understand the direct impact of the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act in your neighborhood ? Connect with local officials and community leaders ? Help shape the future of community repair initiatives Background: The 2023 Cannabis Reform Act dedicates 35% of the 9% cannabis sales tax to communities historically impacted by the War on Drugs. Your input at this Town Hall directly influences how these funds will be used in Howard County. Space is limited - Register today at https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #OSEtownhall #MDEquity #CommunityReinvestment #HowardCounty #SouthernMD #WaldorfMD

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