Dear Friend of MLAW:

MLAW is the only statewide coalition of women’s groups and individuals that provides a non-partisan, independent voice for Maryland women and families. We mobilize networks, groups, and individuals from all over the state to ensure the passage of key legislation. In 2015, four of the seven bills on the MLAW Legislative Agenda PASSED the General Assembly. MLAW support makes a difference!

Every year, the Maryland legislature considers hundreds of bills, and every year a high percentage of MLAW-supported bills become law. These laws make a difference for women and families throughout Maryland. MLAW is an effective, volunteer-run organization that depends entirely on dues and private contributions to do its work. We need your help to continue our work on behalf of Maryland women and families.

If you are already an MLAW member, please renew now. If you are not a current member, please sign up right away. And please consider an additional donation to support our vital work.

We hold an annual fall conference to develop our MLAW Legislative Agenda and a legislative reception in Annapolis during the legislative session to introduce the Agenda. These events focus legislators’ attention on our issues and raise our visibility throughout the state. We distribute the annual Legislative Agenda to every Maryland legislator. In collaboration with our advocacy partners, we submit testimony, advocate for bills, and promote our Agenda through our website, Facebook page, and list-serv.

Your membership entitles you to VOTE for the legislative issues that will be included on the MLAW Legislative Agenda.

Your membership and additional contributions fund MLAW’s efforts to maintain a strong voice for women and families in the Maryland legislature. We appreciate your commitment to women’s rights, and we ask for your generous support. Please print and complete the form and mail in your membership and/or donation. Click here for a form: MLAW MEMBERSHIP FORM 2015-16. You may also visit this link to pay with a credit card using our secure Paypal account: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=634FHF6AZJJ3G

Thank you!

Michaele Cohen
President, MLAW Board of Directors

It is time once again to nominate and elect a Board of Directors for MLAW for the upcoming year.

Candidates for the Board of Directors should be members in good standing, meaning that they are a member themselves, or they are representing an organization which is a member. (Note that our dues/membership year starts over again July 1. Membership renewal materials will be sent soon). Candidates must also commit to regularly attending board meetings. Currently, MLAW board meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month from 7-9pm in the Columbia area. Finally, it is expected that board members assist in fundraising for the organization as well as making a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful for them.

A Board of Directors application and detailed responsibilities can be downloaded here : MLAW 2015-16 Board Application and Responsibilities. If you would like to nominate yourself to serve on the Board, please complete the form and return it via mail or fax as listed on the application. If you would like to nominate someone other than yourself, please email the name and contact information for that person to the Nominating Committee. We will contact that person and follow up to assess her/his interest in the position.

All applications and nominations must be submitted to the Committee no later than 5/31/15. A ballot will be prepared and sent to voting members shortly after nominations have been closed.

A lot has happened this session.  Now it’s time to come together and celebrate how we made a difference for women and families in Maryland!

Join us for Happy Hour and an update on the 2015 legislative session at MEX Tequila Bar at Power Plant Live!  To welcome MLAW members and supporters, MEX is serving up two complimentary appetizers and a margarita tower.  Additional food and drink specials will be offered too! Come out for some great food and drink, learn about MLAW’s successes in Annapolis, make new connections and get involved!

All MEX customers get $5 parking after 5pm at the Pier V Garage located on East Pratt Street.  For more information, call 443-519-1005 or email mdlegagenda4women@yahoo.com.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlaws-2015-legislative-wrap-up-happy-hour-tickets-16918078428