COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The largest teachers’ union in Ohio is tackling the issue of violence among students.

The Columbus Education Association convened its first “Community in Crisis Summit” Wednesday night at East High School.

CEA President Tracey Johnson said 18 current and former students of Columbus City Schools have lost their lives to violence this year.

Wednesday’s meeting is the first of many community conversations about getting to the root causes of these violent acts.

“Some of it centers on mental illness. Some of it centers on the lack of opportunity. A lack of opportunities for them to engage in after school,” said Johnson.

Teachers, community leaders, neighbors and some parents gathered in small groups to discuss potential causes, such as the lack of respect for all, period. They also came up with possible solutions and resources to help students and their families.

After the group discussions, each table shared their thoughts.

“We’re going to come up with a collective agreement,” said Johnson. “And then we’re going to continue the conversations in the future.”

Johnson said it’s not about talk; it’s about action and putting an agenda in the hands of the people who can actually bring about change.

“We’re not going to find a solution today. What I’m talking about is changes that will be lifetime changes for our community. And that’s going to take a long time to happen, but we have to start somewhere.”