ACTS-CNY

ACTS of charity
Posted by Post-Standard Editorial Board October 22, 2008 5:01AM
Categories: Consider This

Last November, the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse held a public meeting that attracted more than 700 people. The interfaith group, based on a model of the Gamaliel Foundation, an international community organizing institute, established four core subjects areas on which to focus.

Since the event, ACTS, which comprises 26 faith/civic/union organizations, has met monthly to address health care, justice, youth and economic development/jobs.

It has worked toward breaking down barriers that have kept children from being enrolled in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

It has met with the Joint Construction Board of the Syracuse City School District to seek internships for youths in the massive school construction project.

One of its most important efforts has been helping people leaving prison to obtain identification that is sorely needed for employment and housing.

ACTS will reflect on its accomplishments over the year and its future endeavors at 3 p.m. Sunday at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave. in Syracuse. The group is expecting hundreds to attend the open meeting.

It’s a worthy effort with the potential to empower citizens and contribute to the transformation of the community.

http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2008/10/acts_of_charity.html