UUCC : Social Justice Report by: J.A.C.
May 22, 2026
Revised August 9, 2026

This is a long read. Be prepared to sit for awhile, this is crucial stuff.

“IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED: Want to know what’s really happening in government proceedings?…Want to skip media interpretation and observe with your own senses?”

…The following Social Justice activities were attended by a member of UUCC so she could get an inside look, and bring what she found back to our Social Justice Committee.

1.  PROTESTS / RALLYS (June 2025 – May 2026)

Below is a list of protests, rallies, and webinars I personally attended between June 2025 and May 2026.  a. Local protests grew exponentially in attendance numbers per consecutive gatherings as awareness of destruction of democracy became more apparent among our rural region.  Many local residents reported privately that they supported the protests but could not be seen attending due to federal employment, military status, or other threats to their safety.
b. DC protests serve as a measure of larger masses of people from around the country converging at the nation’s capital to fight for democracy, human rights, etc.  Always an exhilarating and affirming experience.  The signs, the chants, the music, the speakers, the marching… all very empowering and unifying.
c.  Webinars serve as educational tools on recognizing signs of fascism, varied means of effective protesting, action items, etc.
d.  Local Resistance meetings and organized activities serve as safe spaces to meet, discuss, plan, and act.  Indivisible Chapters, ICE-out groups, and other ‘underground’ groups have built effective local resistance programs.  Additionally, they serve as emotional support groups to counteract the oppressive and relentless actions of the current Regime.

Protests & Rallies Attended:

04/05/26:  Hands Off Protest / Washington DC
05/19/25:  Congressional Budget Committee Meeting / Capitol Hill – Washington DC
06/06/25:  Veterans Rally / Washington DC

06/14/25:  No Kings 1 Protest (SMC)
06/26/25:  RedWineBlue “Women Defeat Authoritarianism” (webinar)

07/04/25:  Local Sign Waving Rally (Rt235/4)
07/16/25:  One Million Rising (webinar)

07/17/25:  Documentary Viewing – “Good Trouble” (John Lewis)

07/30/25:  One Million Rising (webinar)
08/13/25:  One Million Rising (webinar)

08/27/25:  St. Mary’s County Indivisible Chapter Meet & Greet

10/18/25:  No Kings 2 Protest (SMC)
11/22/25:  Remove the Regime Protest / Washington DC

01/20/26:  Defense of Democracy “Fascism in High School” Webinar – Turning Point USA

03/28/26:  No Kings 3 Protest (SMC)

05/01/26:  May Day Protest (SMC)

APRIL 5, 2025 – Hands Off Protest

VOICES

(April 7, 2025)

As I turned over the ignition in my 19yo steadfast Subaru Forester on Saturday morning (04/05/25), I knew I’d made the right decision to head to DC, when the intro to The Beatles’ “Revolution” burst out from the FM radio signal. The voices of Paul, John, George, and Ringo winked assurance as I secured my clear-plastic-protest-gear-filled backpack and sharpie-markered sign into the passenger seat, and hit the road.
During the sixty-minute drive to the Branch Ave Metro Station, I thought about the voices resonating in my life…

— The voice of my sister aptly managing a sudden family emergency in my absence.

— The voices of my CCAS colleagues with whom I’d rehearsed the night before, and would rejoin Saturday and Sunday for a weekend of guest soloist singing on Schubert and PDQ Bach repertoire.

— The voice of my beloved late grad-school voice teacher (Dr. Doan) reminding me that “mezzo-soprano” contains the word “soprano”, boosting my confidence as the “soprano soloist” for this particular concert.

— The voices of my amazing students, many of whom performed throughout this same weekend, with stellar singing, extraordinary passion and commitment, and keen storytelling.

— The voice of my late Dad, who loved music, and the sole reason I could sing all the lyrics of the oldies station songs, as my roadtrip rolled me right by his resting place. I felt like he sent some of the tunes directly to me… including Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”… “Picket lines and picket signs, don’t punish me with brutality, talk to me so you can see what’s going on…”.

— The voices of several friends who could not attend the protest and asked that I represent their presence, while they supported me in spirit.

— The voice of my own instrument, and of my heart, body, and soul.

Our voices have power… in speaking, singing, crying, laughing, and yes, even in silence. How will you use your voice?… your power?

It was an enormous privilege to experience two voice-power experiences in one day…

Voice-Power Experience #1:

I arrived early to DC and made my way to the Washington Monument, resolved to be present in the moment and take in whatever may occur. What occurred was the most beautiful invasion of diverse humans — every age, race, gender — a long, flowing stream of sign-carrying souls from the Capitol to the Monument, emanating empathy, determination, passion, integrity, courage, and a clear message, voiced by their mere presence. One moment you were assisting a stranger over an elevated barrier to gain a better position, the next moment the two of you were fiercely chanting in fervent unison as if your life histories were instantly bound by something greater than the sum of each of you. Two random voices, united. One Hundred Thousand voices, united. In instant solidarity. I kept widening my lens, scanning the expansiveness of it all, intrinsically smiling through tears of hope. As I departed the event early to conserve energy and voice for my performance that evening, I walked back to the L’Enfant Plaza metro station against throngs of people — voices — still pouring in, making their way toward history. I felt like I’d made 100,000 new best friends. I carried that with me, back to my “red” geographic region, where it took shelter in my heart for the rest of the weekend.

Voice-Power Experience #2:

My gratitude to the Chesapeake Choral Arts Society runs deep as they frequently entrust their guest soloist needs to my voice. Every facet of my voice. I’ve had the privilege of singing classical music, traditional spirituals, musical theatre, and pop music on their concerts… often with orchestra, a rare opportunity in my locality. Sharing the stage this weekend with dozens of vocalists and instrumentalists — unified by pitches on a page, voicing stories through sound — was especially cathartic amid the chaos of our current affairs. Voice performance conjures and releases all that lies within me. Regardless of genre, style, language, context… attendees get a glimpse into my soul. It may seem strange, but the stage is my safe space for sharing and bearing. For feeling the room and absorbing the collective vibe of fellow humans who crave escapism through art. I meant it when I stated in my prior post that I will sing my story until “they come for me”. I beg of you to do the same. One side of my April 5th DC protest sign displayed, “Sing your story while you still can”. Several of those 100,000 new besties requested photos of it, inquired about its origin, or simply nodded in agreement as we passed on the street.

Your Voice is your Power.

Raise your vibration.

Use it.

MAY 19, 2025 – Congressional Committee Budget Meeting

IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED:

Want to know what’s really happening in government proceedings?…

Want to skip media interpretation and observe with your own senses?…

ATTEND A MEETING.

Most meetings are televised online, and many are accessible in person, with seats provided for the public, “we the people”.

On Sunday, May 18th (2025), I attended a Congressional Budget Committee meeting at 10:00pm. (Yes, that’s correct, “PM”.) Republicans set that date and time to “reconvene” on “continued consideration of a bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, H. Con. Res. 14”.

In simple terms, Republicans forced the Budget Committee to meet late on a Sunday night to double down on their promise to slash Medicaid, revoke SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, and to refuse to raise taxes on the nation’s wealthiest. They also assumed no members of “we the people” would show up at that hour on a Sunday night.

WE  DID

A few friends and I made the trip to DC to bring public representative faces and bodies into the room where it would happen… to place ourselves inches away from those who would directly harm us and our loved ones. (Major shout out to Budget Committee Staff Director / US House of Representatives, Greg Waring, who graciously facilitated our access by invitation.)

…

Once inside the Cannon House Office Building, just before climbing the staircase to the second floor meeting room, we noticed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson entering the elevator. Johnson was not there to attend the meeting, but rather, to delay it by 30 minutes while all of the Democrat Representatives, staff, media, and public attendees waited in Room 210. Why the delay? Johnson hosted a back room “meeting” with Republicans… to coerce their votes in the subsequent Budget Committee meeting. The damage was already done to the American people as they paraded into the room at 10:30pm.

Before voting began, Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-PA) requested that Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) share with everyone in the room anything that may have been “discussed” outside of the room, pertaining to the vote about to take place, with particular emphasis on any “changes” that may have developed, about which all voters would need to be made aware. Arrington scoffed at the notion, dismissing the connotation that any such discussions took place. (Note: Arrington was among the company of Republicans who entered the meeting late.)

– Arrington tossed off, “I’m not going to disclose the deliberations.”

– Ranking member Boyle, “In the interest of transparency, if the bill has changed and there’s been a side agreement reached, I think it’s important that all the members have the full details on that in advance of any vote, so that we know in a transparent and honest way exactly what we’re voting on”.

– Arrington continued talking in circles, citing, “…as you all know this process is ‘fluid’… let’s get on with this business”. Boyle gave him an opportunity to be truthful, and Arrington eluded it.

– As the vote began, Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC) literally stated, “In an effort to move this bill forward, I’m excited about the CHANGES we made…” at which point the Democrat representatives objected with an outburst, “WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?!”

– The Democrats were IGNORED and the voting roll call proceeded… with NO EXPLANATION of the preceding back room discussion of “changes” with Johnson, now fully admitted on record by Rep. Norman.

THIS is what WE THE PEOPLE need to see, hear, and know. Republicans are blatantly breaking all rules, making pre-vote backroom changes and deals on bills that gut health and financial security, and forcing congress members to vote on unknown changes in a bill.

As the Republicans systematically voted down the line to protect billionaires/millionaires, to cut Medicaid, and to extinguish SNAP benefits, they did so smugly, with zero empathy, refusing to glance in our direction as we focused directly on them. In all honesty, I was astounded by the display of callousness. It really must be seen to be believed. The energy in the room was quite palpably split down the middle. The left side of the room (where Dems were seated) was visibly demographically diverse, with faces and postures bearing deep empathy, concern, horror, pain. The right side of the room (where Republicans were seated) was visibly white-washed, aged, stoic, uncaring, imperious, feckless, lifeless.

Arrington gave brief closing remarks, praising the demolition of health and financial security of Americans via the wonderful passing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (Orwellian, indeed), with the full intention of having the last word in the meeting. Boyle verbally objected and reiterated to all attendees that 13.7 million Americans would lose access to health care if the bill passes in the House and Senate (the next steps in the process), concluding with, “we will continue to fight it on our side of the aisle”.

…

As the closing gavel smacked the receiving wood block, I realized my eyes had filled with tears. I turned to my friend whose 6th grade daughter (who had attended previous meetings, aspires to study political science, and had a Roberts Rules textbook perched on her lap) was sobbing. Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-NJ, recently man-handled by ICE while visiting a NJ Detention Center), and Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-PA) all came over and sat with her (us), to console, support, encourage, and promise her they would never stop fighting. As their quiet compassion and empathy enveloped our group huddle, the Republican Representatives laughed heartily, celebrated, and patted each other on the back… for a sadistic job will done.

This is the state of our dis-union.

Please pay attention.

Please care.

Please act.

JUNE 6, 2025 – Unite4Veterans Rally (FB Post by J.A.C.)
Unite4Veterans: Washington DC National Mall 06/06/25
On our way to visit friends and family in PA, Sadie and I made a planned stop-over in Washington DC to attend the Unite For Veterans / Unite For America Rally on the National Mall (Friday, June 6, 2025).
Its Purpose:

– To defend veteran and military family member employment in the federal workforce

– To stop the privatization and weakening of the Department of Veterans Affairs

– To hold political leaders accountable for policies that harm veterans and their families

– To honor veterans who have fought for democracy, against fascist dictators

I appreciated the moment of silence dedicated to the veterans we’ve lost, with a special nod to the Greatest Generation, in light of current affairs.

I deliberately donned my iron-on t-shirt, homemade in 2004 for the opening and dedication of the WWII Memorial in DC. The shirt features an image of Pop-Pop in uniform and a photo of the ship on which he served. It was comforting to exchange nods with others who carried posters recognizing their own WWII veteran loved ones.

Distinguished, empassioned, inspiring speakers included Labor Leaders, Elected Officials, and Movement Leaders… all Veterans of various military branches. The Dropkick Murphys (American Celtic Punk band) delivered a heart-pumping 30min set that resonated across the entire National Mall with profound advocacy for democracy and human rights.

Sadie enjoyed an embarrassing load of attention, love, and photo requests and stoked bursts of laughter and singing with bystanders who noticed her howling along with the band. It was a refreshing release amid the gravity of the day’s events.

Some may contend that protests and rallies “don’t really do anything”. I disagree. For these reasons:

1. In my personal experience, I find a community of strength, advocacy, solidarity, and passion that fuels my tank to keep fighting. There is a rise of energy, empowerment, and relief when surrounded by thousands of strangers holding signs with messages that speak from your own heart. We throttle our voices in unison chants that speak for those who are losing their power, their rights, their freedoms (including ourselves). As someone who lives in a “red” area of a “blue” state, I need this validation… that I’m not alone in this fight. Despite my own limited resources, I can make a difference if I link arms with thousands more, combining our resources, choosing our paths toward defending democracy. It’s a hit of #LFG that encourages me to keep attending/watching Congressional meetings and sharing that info, to keep showing support for marginalized humans, to keep writing and calling representatives, to keep engaging.

2. Every time I check social media after attending a rally or protest, I am further encouraged by posts I see by others who did the same, elsewhere, all over the nation. I see stories about first-time protesters, participants who regret their action/inaction on 11/05/24, small towns that started with one brave sign-waving soul on a corner who now stands among a hundred joiners, and so on.
3. I’m fortifying my own personal courage. When sign-waving in a “red” hometown, a small percentage of middle-fingers and crude remarks by drivers-by is inevitable. Alone, that might feel unsafe, discouraging. But among throngs of democracy-defending friends and neighbors standing side-by-side, those micro-attacks are meaningless. Or rather, those behaviors further strengthen my resolve (much to the chagrin of the perpetrators). And that’s meaningful.

Protests and Rallies are not for everyone. That’s ok. Find your path to defending democracy. We need everyone. Moving toward one goal.

JUNE 14, 2025 – No Kings Day (FB Post by J.A.C.)

NO KINGS DAY 06/14/25

On my way to the protest site, I was already exhausted from gigging in the heat, loading in/out, and genuinely disturbed and disheartened by the news out of Minnesota. But when I rolled up and saw THAT many people passionately, peacefully protesting in (red) St. Mary’s County… I was suddenly re-energized and ready to go!

It’s ALWAYS lovely to meet new people, standing side by side in solidarity… and to bump into friends you didn’t expect to see!

And it’s even more exhilarating to whoop it up when vehicles filled with pairs of thumbs-up, fist pumps, signs of their own, and vigorous supportive honking, pass you by with a clear and earnest message that they are standing beside you in spirit.

Sure, there was a fraction of a percentage of mostly lonely white men who “rolled coal”, offered the middle finger or a vigorous thumbs-down. I’m happy to witness their right to express themselves and to share the metaphorical measurements of their abysmally inadequate “offerings”. I smile, wave, and wish them a beautiful day.

These protester participant numbers (below) may seem small… but they are actually magnificent in context of a southern Maryland area that is quite “red” with additional pockets of apathy.

350 in LaPlata MD

350 in California MD (my location)

410 in Solomons MD

175 in Prince Frederick MD

Well done… to us, and to all of the small towns who are finding their voice.

JULY 17, 2025 – Good Trouble / Why We Protest (FB Post by J.A.C.):

GOOD TROUBLE : 07/17/25

Why bother.

Why bother?…

Why bother with protesting and sign-waving and rallies and trainings and all the things?…

* Because we are days, hours, minutes, moments away from being arrested for smiling, waving, dancing, and holding a sign in a public place. Think I’m exaggerating? Ask the countless humans kidnapped by the Regime from schools, parks, churches, medical offices, court houses, sidewalks, their own homes, because they are wrapped in a darker pigmentation than mine. No due process. No criminal record. Ask the lawyers, journalists, military/veterans, civil servants, artists sacked for refusing to align with the Regime’s demands. Until that moment arrives, I’ll keep showing up… in whatever way I can. While I still can.

* Because disabled friends and acquaintances fervently compel me to go in their place, to stand as their proxy, against the Regime. Many of them will be catastrophically affected by Medicaid cuts. I know a little something about that. So, I go. While I still can.

* Because standing in earnest community with passionate democracy-defenders, chanting, singing, chatting, consoling, cheering, supporting, hugging, empathizing… heals the wounds made by the impalement of breaking news, rekindles my fire when the weight of Regime cruelty snuffs it out, boosts my confidence when passersby share a signal of solidarity. These benefits are mine in the moment, but exponentially paid forward thereafter, powered by a recharge like no other. I’m currently embarking on an endeavor that may significantly impact our local community, with a little luck and a lot of help. More on that in the coming weeks. Until then, we toil. While we still can.

* Because I learn more about myself with every step taken out of my comfort zone. Deepening my self-awareness strengthens some relationships and dissolves others. Ensures my evolution. Helps me define “Good Trouble” in my body, mind, heart, spirit. Helps me inch closer to understanding John Lewis’ lived experience, “When you lose your sense of fear, you’re free”. I can only imagine what this ideology felt like, sounded like, looked like, thought like… embodied in such an extraordinary soul. I want to explore that journey for myself. While I still can.

* Because I learn more about the rich and global history of this horrific fascism playbook to gain insight for modern strategies to thwart it. While I still can.

* Because these experiences have directly inspired my increasingly personal and outspoken public posts. And to my genuine surprise, many folks have confided that they read them, absorb them, discuss them, relate to them, share them, and are in turn, inspired by them. An outcome I never expected, but truly cherish. So… when thoughts flow, I’ll keep sharing. While I still can.

I was wholly impacted by the documentary film, “John Lewis: Good Trouble” (directed by Dawn Porter), viewed today, July 17th (2025), on the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ passing. Please make an effort to see it for yourself. What an exceptional human being he was.

The film is “an intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’ life, legacy, and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism – from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career. He never lost the spirit of the ‘boy from Troy’ and called on his fellow Americans to get into ‘good trouble’ until his passing on July 17, 2020.” – Magnolia Pictures

(Special Thanks to the multiple Southern Maryland area libraries who offered free film showings to honor the anniversary of Lewis’ passing. Also available on Hulu and on DVD via Magnolia Pictures, by searching “magpictures”.)

OCTOBER 18, 2025 – No Kings 2 (FB Post by J.A.C):

VOICE of the PEOPLE : TRUTH

NO KINGS (2) Protest — 10/18/25

I attended a local NO KINGS (2) Protest/Rally in (red) St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Because I love America… as a DEMOCRACY.

This week, Republican leadership and certain media journalists accused me of the following:

— You “hate America”

— You are “hamas”, “marxist”, “socialist”, “anarchist”, “antifa”

Hear this TRUTH:

The Republican leadership does not speak for me.

No one speaks for me.

My Voice is My Story.

My Voice is My Soul.

My Voice is My Possession.

My Voice is My Autonomy.

My Voice is My Truth.

My Voice is protected by the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution.

Here’s the “No Kings” Local Protest, TRUTH.

— Hundreds of people filled several intersections along popular Route 235. In a red County. TRUTH.

— Participants danced, laughed, waved their hands, signs, and American flags, joyfully celebrating and demanding DEMOCRACY. TRUTH.

— During the entire two-hour period of hundreds of passing vehicles, I counted five middle-fingers aggressively presented (all white men).TRUTH

— Think about this: Those middle-finger messages literally said, “Ph*ck America”. Their gesture was viciously directed toward hundreds of American flags, and signs promoting Freedom, Democracy, and the US Constitution. Is it clear now… who the “patriots” are? Think about it. TRUTH.

— Know this: I’ve attended every local rally at this location and this time, 99% of the passersby were honking, waving, cheering in SUPPORT of us. An exponential increase from past rallies. A shift is upon us. TRUTH.

Vocabulary TRUTH:

As for those aforementioned accusations…

I offer a vocabulary lesson…

1. Fascism (noun): An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.

[Under the current Regime, we are HERE.]

2. Anti-fa (noun): A political protest movement comprising autonomous groups affiliated by their opposition to fascism.

[To clarify for those who insist on defining this as a *paid organization with a mystery leader*, it is a movement based on a belief, embraced by autonomous beings. Need help with that word too? Autonomy (noun): The right or condition of Self-government. Meaning, no leader. The autonomous being thinks for themselves and acts accordingly. So, YES, I am anti-fascism.]

3. Pro-fa (noun): Supporting or favoring fascism, a stance associated with militant nationalism, dictatorial rule, contempt for liberal democracy.

[Understood? Clear enough?]

Two Reasons of TRUTH:

There are only two possible reasons that the Regime Leadership would re-write and re-label a world-wide confirmed protest named “No Kings”….

— They are pathetically uneducated and cannot define the simplest terms of vocabulary, while remaining defiantly disconnected from millions of Americans… a direct failing of their oath and duty.

— They are confirmed Pro-fa, in which case their insidious, destructive, lethal lies and abhorrent behavior make perfect sense. Textbook Pro-fa.

Seek the Truth.

Voice the Truth.

2. LOCAL POLITICAL CAMPAIGN
   In July 2025, I verbally agreed to volunteer as Campaign Manager for the Friends of Jennifer Clancy campaign for Maryland State Delegate 29A (northern St. Mary’s County). We made it official when Clancy officially filed for candidacy on August 7, 2025 in Annapolis.

Since then, we have built a team of extraordinary entrepreneurial women with no prior experience in political campaigning, but a wealth of knowledge, passion, experience, and grit amid our own vocations and personal advocacy. We have amalgamated those powers into a team that manages and produces impactful results in legislative research, campaign website management, social media engagement, newsletter publication, canvassing (door knocking), event planning (fundraisers, meet/greets, house parties, etc.), promotion/advertisement/marketing, community event attendance and booth-ing, among a myriad of additional responsibilities.

Clancy’s platform is focused on Education, Health Care, and Community.  A mother of five and wife of a police officer, she applies her extraordinary skills as a certified mental health counselor to engage honestly and earnestly with her community, eager to listen and learn about needs that have never been met for the past eleven years by the current MAGA-intense, Freedom Caucus member, 29A Delegate Matt Morgan.  Morgan thrives on divisive rhetoric, provocative lies, and narcissistic rants.  He incites hate by misleading and demeaning his constituents, while proudly admitting how much he enjoys doing so.  Conversely, Clancy thrives on honest and kind communication, compassionate conversation, humanity and integrity.  She advocates for marginalized humans, better health and wellness resources, women’s reproductive health, increased and stabilized funding for education, affordable housing and resources, environmental preservation of our agriculture and aquaculture, and so on.  She has been officially endorsed by Mental Health Now, Education Association of St. Mary’s County, Maryland State Education Association, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, Reproductive Justice Maryland Action, Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, and National Organization for Women.

As our campaign continues to gain serious traction, and since the Maryland General Assembly session ended in April, Morgan has intensified his abrasive behavior.  Many moderate Republicans have expressed that they no longer feel comfortable supporting Morgan’s increasingly divisive policies and diatribes.  In order to ensure that the first woman in St. Mary’s County history takes that 29A seat, we need every eligible voter to register to vote, and vote for Clancy.

And, let me be clear.  Clancy’s campaign color is PURPLE for a reason.  She advocates for EVERYone, regardless of political party.  She is running as a Democrat because our political “two Party” system forces the choice, and for the obvious reason that there is no remaining remnant of the former Republican party.  We understand that the Democratic Party is flawed and needs to evolve beyond its own current status.  We hope the Dems seize that opportunity when the Mid-Term Elections return them to a position of power.

Despite our small-but-mighty team’s brilliance and campaigning prowess, we are very grassroots, and already exhausted… with thirteen months and thousands of hours already given, and another three months to go.   Just a few months to change our world.  To end the hate and advocate… for everyone.  Three months to finally bring the silenced voices of southern Maryland to Annapolis.

Please consider donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word far and wide.
Website:  www.FriendsOfJenniferClancy.com
Facebook:  “Jennifer Clancy – Candidate for Delegate, Maryland 29A”
Thank you, in advance.

3. DATA CENTER FIGHT
   Because I am so entrenched in the campaign described above (while solely managing my multifaceted small businesses)… I have not been as directly active in the fight against Data Centers as I wish to be, however, I keep a close eye on the developments occurring nationally, regionally, and locally pertaining to this topic. I follow several public and private discussion groups on various platforms to continue learning more about the impact of Data Centers on targeted rural areas.

A colleague recently shared a Washington Post article by Paul Schwartzman that focused on the Data Center battle in Calvert County, MD.   It provided helpful details about the issue currently plaguing Calvert County.  Below is my summary of that informative article.

Recently, Calvert residents packed a Commissioners’ meeting in person and online for a vote that could delay the arrival of two massive data centers in southern Maryland, including one on land intended for a promised public park. Commissioner Mike Hart urged his colleagues to avoid being seduced by the promise that data centers would deliver tens of millions of dollars in fresh tax revenue.  He pressed the need for the proposed moratorium allowing officials time to study how tech warehouses would affect the area with regard to noise, water and energy usage.

Calvert residents first learned of the proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center plans via social media chatter after someone spotted an online AWS job listing for a data center construction manager in the county.  An AWS official admitted the company’s interest in building a data center campus – as many as eight buildings – on 2,000 acres adjoining the county’s nuclear power plant.

Commissioner Buddy Hance referred to a non-disclosure agreement he had signed with AWS, then backtracked, stating that agreement was in reference to a company no longer involved with Calvert County.  But the damage was done, in that, residents now understood that such discussions were secret, and led to the further discovery that the county had a confidentiality agreement with Natelli Holdings, another company exploring building a data center on 133 acres in Calvert.   That same land was donated to the county by Dominion Energy in 2018 for the purpose of building a park, a project Calvert officials say they have not been able to fund.

County officials like Commissioner Hance view the data centers as a way to meet future financial demands.  The Maryland Tech Council trade association believe that such construction would create thousands of jobs for local workers.  Natelli Holdings executive, Tom Natelli Jr, says the proposed location – an industrial zone, next to a landfill, a thousand feet from the nearest home – would minimize its intrusion on daily life.  Based on evidence pouring in from targeted rural areas around the nation who have already endured the establishment of data centers, none of these statements seem to be true.

Ultimately, the Commissioners’ vote to defeat / deny the moratorium occurred swiftly, the day after the initial meeting, with Hart and Grasso supporting the moratorium, and Hance, Ireland, and Cox voting against it.  With that unwanted result established so rapidly, many Calvert residents vowed to vote out the Commissioners who betrayed the community by means of the upcoming Mid-Term Elections.

An Update Provided by Michael Bennett
August 5, 2026

AWS’s decision to withdraw its proposed data center application is welcome news for Calvert County—but it should not be mistaken for the end of the larger issue.

This outcome belongs to the citizens of Calvert County who came together, spoke up and made it clear that decisions affecting our community’s future must include the people who call it home.

This demonstrates what can happen when residents pay attention, ask difficult questions, demand transparency and make their voices heard. People across Calvert raised legitimate concerns about electricity demand, utility rates, noise and environmental impacts, emergency-response requirements, infrastructure costs and whether a project of this scale was truly consistent with the county’s long-term vision.

AWS made a business decision to withdraw. The community now has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure we are prepared before the next major proposal arrives.

Moving forward, Calvert County should take two important steps:

1. Continue pursuing a data center moratorium at both the county and state levels.

A moratorium would provide the time necessary to understand the cumulative effects of data center development before additional projects are considered. The next BOCC with new leadership should consider reversing the zoning decision that enabled data center applications in Calvert County.

The county should adopt a comprehensive data center ordinance. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made through improvised negotiations after an applicant is already at the door.

2. Demand genuine transparency and accountability from the BOCC.

Every current member of the Board of County Commissioners was engaged in the county’s consideration and pursuit of data center development. When two commissioners changed their positions only after the process became public and community opposition intensified, that was political positioning—not genuine transparency or accountability.

Calvert County residents deserve better. Real change requires electing leaders who practice open communication, invite public participation before decisions are made, and remain accountable to the people they were elected to serve—not only when an issue becomes politically inconvenient.

This is a positive outcome, but it should also serve as a turning point. Calvert County must decide what responsible growth looks like—and establish the safeguards necessary to protect our residents, environment and quality of life—before the next proposal is submitted.

The goal should never be to oppose every form of economic development. It should be to ensure that development serves Calvert County, rather than requiring Calvert County to serve the development.

Real change requires real transparency—and real accountability.

This November, the choice is clear: leadership built on service, integrity, and accountability—or more of the same political dysfunction that has left our community divided and frustrated.

I believe Calvert County is ready for something better.

Come help us get the word out. Help us give voice to the message. Visit UUCC see webpage for service dates.

Video From UUA