Volunteers Needed To Serve On Human Trafficking Prevention And Coordination Council

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Volunteers are needed to serve on Howard County's Human Trafficking Prevention and Coordination Council, specifically individuals representing survivor, faith-based and advocate communities. The deadline to apply falls on Sept. 20.

Comprised of 19 to 23 members, HTPCC is responsible for advising the county with human trafficking prevention issues in the county and conducts outreach and education efforts on prevention in order to spread awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking. The Council was originally established in 2019.

"Human trafficking is a crime that requires more than just good effort and intention to combat. Sex and labor trafficking are heinous crimes and we remain committed to identifying more victims, connecting them to high-quality services and bringing those responsible to justice. For Howard County to continue to lead in this work, we cannot let our most vulnerable residents slip through the cracks. This is an important opportunity for survivors and community leaders to help us understand how sex and labor trafficking really happen, provide prevention resources and promote healing for victims," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have an interest in and/or experience with matters involving human trafficking prevention or services for victims of human trafficking. Candidates should be able to attend HTPCC’s regular bi-monthly meetings held at the Department of Community Resources and Services office, located at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.

Vacancies currently include:

• Two representatives from the faith-based community
• Two representatives from the survivor community
• Members from the general public

Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Human Trafficking Prevention and Coordination Council” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.