“The National Homeland Security Consortium is a unique, one-of-a- kind group of key state and local organizations, elected officials, the private sector and others with roles and responsibilities for homeland security prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities. Participating organizations began meeting together in 2002 at the invitation of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). The National Homeland Security Consortium is an outgrowth of those initial discussions regarding the need for enhanced communication and coordination between disciplines and levels of government. The Consortium is now a recognized entity by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and works in partnership with other federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control. “The Consortium meets at least two times annually and shares information on a regular basis on issues of common interest. Subject matter experts within the Consortium are available as needed to provide input on national strategies, plans and policies impacting state and local governments. Vision: Enhanced homeland security to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, disasters and catastrophes through strategic partnerships, collaborative strategies and information sharing. Mission: Provide a forum of key national organizations through effective communication, collaboration, and coordination that positively promotes national policies, strategies, practices and guidelines to preserve the public health, safety and security of the nation. Objectives: (1) Provide a broad-based resource and sounding board on homeland security issues for all national stakeholders. (2) Share information, knowledge, experiences, and practices. (3) Contribute to the homeland security debate and discussion. (4) Focus efforts to resolve issues. (5) Develop recommendations in identified areas of common interest. Participating Members of the National Homeland Security Consortium (1) Adjutants General Association of the United States (2) American Public Works Association (3) Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (4) Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (5) The Council of State Governments (6) International Association of Emergency Managers (7) International Association of Chiefs of Police (8) International Association of Fire Chiefs (9) International City/County Management Association (10) National Association of Counties (11) National Association of County & City Health Officials (12) National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (13) National Association of State Emergency Medical Service Directors (14) National Conference of State Legislatures (15) National Emergency Management Association (16) National Governors’ Association (17) National League of Cities (18) National Sheriffs’ Association (19) State Homeland Security Advisors (20) Urban Area Security Initiative Cities (21) U.S. Chamber of Commerce (22) Private Sector”. (NEMA, National Homeland Security Consortium, 2007)