ACTION a group of members, from local churches consisting of hundreds of members, is working to form priorities that will help improve the lives of African Americans, Latin Americans, and the poor in the Valley.

Saturday was day two of a forum called Racism at the Crossroads and Healing the Great Divide, held by the Members of the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods. 

ACTION is deciding on specific areas where they can act to help transform the lives of African Americans, Latin Americans, and poor people in Youngstown.

The group discussed many aspects of education including underfunded schools, charter school vouchers, workforce readiness, how YSU can better benefit people of color who fall under education.

"How children are being taught and being treated, I'm assuming children of color?," said Sister Patricia.

"You might have some bad actors in the school, and might have some bad actors coming from the home too. Those children aren't being trained," added Jennifer.

"What I found worked was for me to be respectful of parents and to teach them about what I wanted, rather than teach them how they should behave," emphasized Miss L.K.

Health care equity, high infant mortality rates for babies of color, transparency in billing and food insecurity are also critical to improving people's lives.

Rose Carter, Direction of ACTION said, "We don't have a grocery store, but we could have a food truck taking healthy foods that would lead to less diabetes and fewer health issues."

Small group sessions broke off to discuss the main priorities they believe ACTION members can make a difference.

Their goal is to come up with a plan of action then begin working to make changes.