People Acting Together in Howard

People Acting Together in Howard (PATH) is a non-partisan, multi-faith, and multi-racial community organization based in Howard County, Maryland. Officially known as the Howard County Sponsoring Committee, PATH is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It was established in 2006 by a group of clergy and lay leaders to address the increasing pressures on local families. The organization operates by building a broad base of power rooted in the county's neighborhoods and congregations to advocate for social and economic change.

PATH's model centers on developing local leaders and taking collective action on community issues. The process begins with extensive listening campaigns through one-on-one and small group meetings to identify key concerns within the community. Based on this input, PATH organizes people to create strategies and advocate for policy changes. Their work has addressed a range of issues including housing, green jobs, healthcare, education, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. The organization is composed of dues-paying member institutions, which include over 20,000 residents from various congregations and community groups. Funding is primarily sourced through donations and gifts.

PATH's leadership includes an Executive Director, Cynthia Marshall, and co-chairs from member institutions like Rev. Dr. Tyrone P Jones, IV, and Shehlla Khan. The organization's goal is to ensure all people have a voice in the democratic decisions that affect their lives. They have a track record of achieving tangible victories through collective action, from local county council meetings to advocacy at the state level in Annapolis.

Keywords: community organizing, social justice, economic equity, Howard County, Maryland, advocacy, public policy, faith-based organizing, non-profit, leadership development, grassroots, civic engagement, racial justice, housing advocacy, education reform, healthcare access, community power