As our network seeks to further understand the critical shifts philanthropy is being asked to make, Maryland Philanthropy Network is continuing to use our annual meeting as an opportunity to exploring key topics to shift perspectives, cede power, and collaborate with communities to heal and achieve greater equity. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, a renowned thought-leader, strategist, policymaker, and community liaison, will help us understand climate justice as central to the pursuit of racial justice and freedom. Kondwani Fidel, Baltimore native and globally recognized poet, will once again share his thought-provoking poetry with us, recognizing that arts and creativity have an indelible role in moving people to action for lasting social change.

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.