About the RIC
Vision
Our vision is to be a model of region-wide collaboration for ending human trafficking and supporting survivors.
Mission
Our mission is to sustain a diverse, interconnected regional network of organizations and entities collaborating across state boundaries to disrupt human trafficking and amplify survivor leadership.
What We Do
The Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative (The RIC) began as a planning committee to organize the Inaugural Regional Human Trafficking Summit held virtually in February 2021 for advocates in the Mid-Atlantic and National Capital region. Realizing the unique impact of sharing ideas regionally, the RIC established itself as a 501(c)(3) to create a long-lasting impact against human trafficking. Now, as an organization, we:
Facilitate Connections and Information-Sharing – We offer regular forums for RIC members to exchange resources and best practices. These forums are opportunities to strengthen member organizations in accomplishing their missions, reducing redundancy, and eliminating service gaps.
Build Regional Capacity through Educational Resources – We provide educational opportunities for all organizations and professionals in the antitrafficking field with a specific target audience of our region. We also provide scholarship and leadership opportunities for survivors to be able to participate in our offerings.
Reduce Barriers for Supporting Survivors across State Boundaries – As a centralized point of contact in the region, we leverage our network of member organizations to help survivors receive needed support across jurisdictions and to assist with survivors’ access to out-of-state services, resources, and referral pathways.
RIC Members
The RIC is an ever-growing regional network of stakeholders working to disrupt human trafficking in the Mid-Atlantic and National Capital region. Membership to the RIC is open to any organization in the region involved in anti-trafficking work and survivor empowerment.
Our members include:
- Survivor leaders
- Victim service providers (mental health, healthcare, legal, housing, employment, etc.)
- Advocacy and policy organizations
- Government, first response, and law enforcement entities (federal, state, and local)
- Prevention-focused organizations
- Community-based groups (tribal communities, faith- based communities)
- Education and academia
- Private sector businesses and financial institutions
Member jurisdictions correspond with U.S. Health and Human Services Region 3 to include Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
BOARD MEMBERS
Chair
Senior Training Specialist
Prevention of Adolescent Risks Initiative, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work
SURVIVOR CONSULTANTS
Senior Program Officer, Learning and Development Management
International Rescue Committee
Training Director
Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST), LA County Project
PARTNERS
Office of the Regional Director/Regional Outreach Specialist
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
