YOUNGSTOWN - A Youngstown organization that began as a way to study Roberts Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure has now become a community pillar.

The Robert's Deliberating Club has zeroed in on the local youth, offering scholarships and contests as a way to promote the growth of young minds.

Mayor elect Derrick McDowell, a member of the club, spoke at a Roberts Deliberating Club event that highlighted scholarships given to local students. Club members say their work is all rooted in building up their community, especially the youth.

"We are very interested in young people and helping those in need in the community," incoming Club President Sean Tucker said. "We are very excited about a Valley-wide speech contest that will be coming up in April. We want more students to compete because there are some really nice financial prizes."

Tucker added that they are excited about the city's change in leadership and are looking forward to continuing their work in the community.

"We're taking action. We're getting involved in the community. We've got some wonderful people in our group, actually the newly elected mayor of Youngstown is a member," Tucker said. "We're a group of men that are really working diligently and tenaciously to do good in the community."

Anyone interested in upcoming scholarships, events or joining the Robert's Deliberating Club is invited to visit their website.