QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY . MARYLAND
This is our community.
This is our moment.
The Good Trouble Circle is building what Queen Anne's County's African American community has never had before — a dedicated home for civic power, political voice, and lasting change.
WHY GTC EXISTS
We have always been here. Now we are organized.
The African American community in Queen Anne's County has deep roots and a long history on the Eastern Shore. But for generations, our community has lacked what organized communities need to exercise real political power — a dedicated home for civic education, candidate accountability, voter mobilization, and leadership development.
When that infrastructure is absent, communities are left to respond to decisions rather than shape them. The Good Trouble Circle exists to change that — permanently.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport.
It takes work, and it takes all of us — organized, informed, and showing up."
IN THE TRADITION OF JOHN LEWIS
WHO WE ARE
Not from the outside looking in.
Built from within.
GTC is a civic engagement and community organizing initiative rooted in Democratic values and the legacy of Congressman John Lewis — founded by an Eastern Shore native with deep roots in Queen Anne's County and more than two decades of professional fundraising experience, whose commitment to this community led her to build the civic infrastructure GTC represents.
We are not an outside organization bringing an agenda to our county. We are the community, organizing itself.
OUR WORK
Organizing. Educating. Building power.
Candidate Roundtables
We put candidates in the room with our community — and ask the questions that matter. If you want our vote, you answer to us.
Faith Community Outreach
Building civic organizing partnerships with faith leaders across the county — because our institutions have always been at the center of our civic life.
Political Education
A 14-month curriculum designed specifically for African Americans in QAC — from voter registration through post-election accountability. Civic literacy, built to last.
Voter Mobilization
Registration, education, and turnout — every election cycle, not just the big ones. Civic participation is a year-round practice.
MBE Business Forums
Connecting Black entrepreneurs in Queen Anne's County to the resources, networks, and opportunity they deserve.
Leadership Development
Identifying and developing the next generation of civic leaders in our community — because the bench starts here.
OUR VISION
Built for the long term.
Not just the next election.
GTC is an institution in formation. Our work doesn't stop when the polls close — and our vision extends well beyond any single campaign season.
01
Sustained Civic Engagement
Organizing our community from election season to election season — ensuring civic participation is a year-round practice, not a once-every-four-years event. Democracy doesn't take a break between elections, and neither do we. GTC keeps our community informed, connected, and ready to act at every level of government.
02
Next Generation Leadership
Intentionally engaging adults 35–50 as GTC's active organizing core — experienced enough to have standing, positioned to carry this work forward for decades. This is the generation that bridges the wisdom of those who came before with the energy of those coming up. We are building with them, not just for them.
03
Youth Civic Education
Building civic literacy in children of all ages — planting the roots of participation early, so the next generation of voters and leaders already knows how to show up. When young people understand how democracy works and see themselves as part of it, they don't just vote — they lead. GTC is building that foundation right here in Queen Anne's County.
04
Building the Bench
Identifying, developing, and supporting African American candidates for local and state office in Queen Anne's County. GTC is the pipeline — not just the cheerleader. From school board to state legislature, our community deserves representation that reflects who we are and understands where we come from.
05
Organizational Succession
Building GTC to outlast any single leader — with governance, leadership development, and institutional strength that ensures this work continues for generations. The most important thing any organization can do is make itself bigger than the people who started it. That is what we are building.
SUPPORT THE WORK
Your gift stays right here in
Queen Anne's County.
Every dollar you invest in GTC goes directly into the programs, organizing, and infrastructure that make sustained civic engagement possible. Choose the level that's right for you — and know that every gift, at every level, builds something our community has never had before.
$100
Good Trouble
Funds voter education materials and community outreach — the foundation of everything we do.
$250
Freedom Fighter
Supports a community program, civic education workshop, or MBE forum that serves our neighbors directly.
$500
Bridge Builder
Underwrites a full candidate roundtable — holding those who seek our votes accountable to our community.
$1,000+
Beloved Community
Founding-level investment in GTC's infrastructure — building an organization that will serve this county for generations to come.
GTC uses Zeffy for online donations — a platform that charges zero fees to nonprofits. 100% of your donation goes directly to GTC's work in Queen Anne's County. The Good Trouble Circle is a registered 501(c)(4) civic engagement organization. Donations are not tax-deductible.
BEYOND THE GIFT
There are many ways to invest in this work.
GTC welcomes partners whose values align with civic equity, community development, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard. Foundations and corporations can engage in ways that go beyond financial giving.
For Foundations
• General operating support
• Program-specific grants (voter education, youth civic curriculum)
• Capacity-building investment
• Multi-year partnership commitments
For Corporations
• Event sponsorships and community forums
• In-kind support (printing, venues, technology)
• Employee volunteer engagement
• Matching gift programs
JOIN US
Be part of building something
that lasts.
This is the first dedicated Black civic organizing infrastructure Queen Anne's County has ever had. Your support makes it permanent.
To discuss a gift, partnership, or board service, contact us at goodtroublecircle@gmail.com or visit goodtroublecircle.org
The Good Trouble Circle is organized as a 501(c)(4) civic engagement organization. As such, contributions to GTC are not tax-deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.