COLUMBIA, S.C. - Laws enforcing justice and equality are important, but they can't legislate how people get along. Beyond that, individuals have a moral responsibility to treat others with respect. That's the concept behind the Human Affairs Commission's first annual Community Relations Forum.

More than 200 state and local leaders gathered Thursday to discuss the creation of a statewide action plan to change old relationships and attitudes in South Carolina.

"The ultimate change is to change relationships in South Carolina - to take them to a higher level," said Human Affairs Commissioner Jesse Washington Jr. "Our plan will be a way of reaching those desired changes - changes in the way we treat one another across racial, cultural, religious, educational, social, all the lines that divide us. The hope is that this is going to become infectious and spread all across South Carolina."

To do that, commissions in individual counties hope to work with businesses, schools, law enforcement, government, churches, media and neighborhood groups.

For example, businesses could develop programs in which employees could openly talk about issues of discrimination or stereotypes. They also could help schools teach children about diversity.

Irene Dais is chairwoman of the Marion County Human Relations Commission. Her group, which was created two years ago, is working to put cultural awareness programs in Marion County schools and create mentoring programs for young people.

She's also developing relationships with white and black churches and businesses. All of these programs will improve quality of life in the county, she said.

"This is something that I intimately believe in," Dais said. "It's something I feel we have to do - we don't have a choice. The future of our community is at stake."

Washington knows there's a lot of work ahead. The groups will meet again next year to review their progress.

"It is a process," he said. "I'm not talking about an overnight (change); I'm not talking about a quick-fix. But the process must start."