WELCOME TO ACTS!
The Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS) is a grassroots, interfaith network advocating for social justice. We are voices striving for a more just and fair community that improves the quality of life for all.
News & Updates
ACTS 2022 Spring Event
Ring Out Justice!
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Drumlins Country Club
When Suzanne Slack, the Chief Financial Officer for SCSD, presented the Superintendent's budget proposal, funding to initiate new College and Career Readiness Centers in each Syracuse High School was included. Ms. Slack and Superintendent Jaime Alicea both referred to this component of the new budget as the "ACTS Youth Council Proposal", and thanked the members of the Youth Council for bringing the need for these centers to their attention.
School Board members Twiggy Billue and Mark Muhammad also spoke in favor of the ACTS Youth Council proposal. Muhammad stated that including the College and Career Readiness Centers in the budget was "a good move" and suggested that these centers "can really make a difference."
The budget proposal has several steps to go through before it can be approved, first by the school board and then by the Syracuse Common Council, but getting the centers included in the initial budget proposal was essential. Each center will have dedicated space with computer equipment, tables and chairs, supplies and reference materials. A full time counselor and Typist I will be hired to staff each of the five Centers. They will work directly with students in each year of high school to help them make progress towards their college and career goals.
ACTS CELEBRATES THE YOUTH COUNCIL FOR ITS VISION, HARD WORK AND PROFESSIONALISM IN RESEARCHING, DESIGNING AND PRESENTING THIS PROPOSAL. THIS SMALL GROUP OF ACTS YOUTH
ARE TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE! THEIR EFFORTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON SYRACUSE STUDENTS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS. THE ACTS YOUTH COUNCIL ROCKS!
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (SCSD) PROPOSES BUDGET THAT INCLUDES ACTS YOUTH COUNCIL PROPOSAL FOR COLLEGE & CAREER CENTERS
ACTS ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS
at its January 27, 2022 General Meeting
On January 27, 2022 ACTS held its General Meeting at which it
elected 4 new board members and thanked the 3 board members
whose terms had ended. Outgoing board members included: Aneesah
Evans, Mohamed Khater, and Angela Douglas. New ACTS board members
include: Darris Williams, Dr. Ednita Wright, Rev. Kathy Hodge Davis, and
Dale Avers.
Here is some from information about the 4 new board members: ACTS Board President - Rev. Eric Jackson
Darris Williams retired from his professional work specializing in training
and professional development in technical fields. He is congregant of All Saints
Catholic and a member of 100 Black Men, and serves as Treasurer for both
organizations. He received his MBA from LeMoyne College and is a true leader
and champion for diversity
Ednita Wright PhD recently retired from Onondaga Community College where she served as faculty in human services and counseling. As a
social worker, Dr. Wright has been involved with many community
organizations including ACTS where she has played roles in strategic
planning and human resources as well as co-facilitating sessions
of the ACTS Race Matters Book Club. She is affiliated with Zen Center,
an ACTS member organization.
Rev. Kathy Hodge Davis is an individual member of ACTS who is associated with Bethany
Baptist Church where she has been in ministry since 2003. She serves as Assistant to the
Pastor and as Chaplain for The Youth Department and Sick & Shut-Ins. Rev. Hodge Davis
holds multiple undergraduate degrees and is retired from the Syracuse City School System.
Dale Avers, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, comes to the ACTS board from All Saints Church through
which she has been active in progressive church circles. Recently retired, Dr. Avers was
Professor and Director of the Post-professional DPT program in the Program of Physical
Therapy Education at Upstate Medical University and a Fellow of the American Physical
Therapy Association. She has spoken internationally on topics in geriatrics related to optimal
aging, functional evaluation, exercise and evidence-based practice. Dr. Avers has been a
practicing clinician in geriatrics and outpatient orthopedics for over 35 years.
Continuing their service on the ACTS board are:
Rev Eric Jackson - Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Brian Moore - Individual Member of ACTS
Dennis Brady - Immaculate Conception Church, Fayetteville
Rev. Jennifer Hamlin-Navias - First Unitarian-Universalist Society
Lennie Turner - Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
Rabbi David Kunin - Congregation Beth Shalom Chevra Chas
Peter Sarver - St. Lucy’s Catholic Church
Lawrence Brooks - SEIU 1199 Health Workers East
Rev. Dr. Bruce Burns - Hopps Memorial CME Church
