• FreeState Equality Board Interest Form

    Thank you for your interest in joining the FreeState Equality Board! Please answer the questions below, and a member of our Staff will be in touch with you shortly.

  • What's the difference between a 501c(3) and 501c(4)?

    A 501(c)(3) like FreeState Justice is a charitable nonprofit focused on public good — such as providing free legal services, education, and community support. A 501(c)(4) like FreeState Equality is a “social welfare” organization that can engage in advocacy, lobbying, and certain political activities to advance its mission.While both share similar goals, the (c)(4) model allows for more direct political engagement — such as endorsing candidates or calling out harmful legislation.

  • What are FreeState Equality's plans for the first year?

    The first year will focus on awareness, accountability, and infrastructure:

    - Launching the organization publicly

    - Developing and distributing legislative scorecards

    - Creating and distributing a candidate questionnaire

    - Solidifying our selections for candidate endorsements

  • Executive & Governance Committee

    Purpose: Ensure board effectiveness, accountability, and strategic direction.

    Key Roles: Board Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and one at-large member.

    Responsibilities:

    - Oversee board development, recruitment, and evaluations.

    - Ensure compliance with bylaws and C4 regulations.

    - Support the Executive Director (or organizing lead) in priority-setting.

    - Make time-sensitive decisions between board meetings.

    Why it matters: Keeps the board functional, disciplined, and responsive — especially important for a small working group.

  • Policy & Advocacy Committee

    Purpose: Shape the organization’s advocacy agenda and ensure alignment with FreeState Equality’s social welfare mission.

    Responsibilities:

    - Identify legislative and regulatory priorities.

    - Coordinate testimony, endorsements, and policy statements.

    - Work with partners and coalitions to advance legislative goals.

    - Ensure political and lobbying activity remains within 501(c)(4) limits.

    Why it matters: This is your C4’s “engine” — where strategy meets real-world impact.

  • Community Engagement & Mobilization Committee

    Purpose: Build relationships with communities and partners statewide, ensuring the C4 remains grounded in lived experiences.

    Responsibilities:

    - Guide public education and outreach strategies.

    - Strengthen engagement with LGBTQ communities in underrepresented regions (Western MD, Eastern Shore, Southern MD, etc.).

    - Coordinate voter education and civic participation initiatives.

    - Support coalition-building and public events.

    Why it matters: Ensures advocacy remains community-informed and inclusive — not just policy-driven.

  • Development & Partnerships Committee

    Purpose: Secure the resources and relationships needed to sustain FreeState Equality’s work.

    Responsibilities:

    - Identify foundation, corporate, and individual supporters aligned with advocacy priorities.

    - Plan small fundraising and donor cultivation events.

    - Support messaging for funding campaigns and sponsorships.

    - Develop partnership agreements with advocacy allies and community organizations.

    Why it matters: Keeps FreeState Equality financially independent and connected to a broader advocacy ecosystem.

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