YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A community forum is returning with a new name and renewed focus on civic dialogue.
Thrive Mahoning Valley will launch the Mahoning Valley Civic Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Christman Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium. The series, formerly known as the City Club of the Mahoning Valley, is being reintroduced as a space for community discussion, civic engagement and public input.
The Civic Forum “aims to bring residents together to discuss pressing issues and shape the conversations that matter most in our region,” organizers said in a news release.
Wednesday’s inaugural forum will focus on current events and give attendees an opportunity to share their perspectives and suggest topics for future discussions.
The program will begin with a 30-minute panel discussion. The panelists are Dani Robbins, CEO of Lake to River Economic Development; Dante Capers, associate superintendent of student services, student wellness and success at Warren City Schools; Carol Holmes-Chambers, community solutions director at Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries; and Rev. Vincent Peterson II, pastor at Third Baptist Church.
The panel will be moderated by Tim Francisco of the Youngstown State University Center for Working Class Studies.
After the panel, attendees will engage in a 30-minute question-and-answer session and community discussion.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.