January is national Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The Mission Commission of The Presbyterian Church in Westfield is sponsoring a seminar on Human Trafficking to be held on  Saturday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to NOON in the Assembly Hall.

Ryan Smith, PC(USA) at the UN, will define what human trafficking is. He will  discuss what PC(USA) is doing and what we as a congregation and as individuals  can do to combat human trafficking.

Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle,representative of the 37th  legislative district introduced a bill in the State Assemblyand Senate in  October, which would strengthen the state law against human trafficking.  Jennifer Holdsworth, Esq., Director of Policy and Communications in Asw.  Huttle’s office, will provide highlights of the bill and where it is in the  legislative approval process.

A representative from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office has been invited  to speak, but as of this writing has not yet confirmed. The Prosecutor’s Office  has been asked to share information on how law enforcement is combating human  trafficking, and to identify the signs of human trafficking and how citizens can  recognize these signs and report suspicious activity.

There is no charge for the  seminar, however, registration is required. A light continental breakfast will  be provided. Please phone the church office at 908-233-0301 or register online at www.westfieldpc.org.