Gangs are a plague that can easily spread throughout any community.  They can be especially challenging for the members of a community to deal with because of the constant change in these groups.  They often peak and dip in activity due to the highly volatile nature of their violent and risky behaviors.  If gang members are not killed they may get arrested.  Simply put they are highly dynamic and can easily disseminate in our neighborhoods.

So what do we do?  how can we best protect our community?  Well the simple answer is to be aware!  In a study done by the department of Justice they do offer some common indicators that can be used to identify gang activity.  Gangs like to mark their turf and graffiti is how they do it.  However, when you notice tagging in or around a community take notice of any initials, symbols, or numbers that you can later connect with other markings or drawings from students.  Look for groups of kids hanging out together and observe patterns in the color of their clothing.  look for fighting occurring on a regular basis.  Gangs are also highly regional, to get specific colors or symbols to look for, it would be a good idea to contact your police department  to get pointers that are relevant to your unique to your geographical area.  

In addition to identifying factors, we must understand a little about the core reasons for a gang and why kids join them.  Now we’ve all heard that they join to fulfill their need for belonging.  Well that is true, but that is not the only reason.  Kids also connect with gangs for money, respect, protection, or social status.  This reminds me of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  The idea of a gang can become a fast track to the top of the hierarchy.  Especially with thug music and the glamorization of the thug lifestyle.  The gang can be seen as a way to become self-actualized not only by the feeling of belonging, but by going beyond that and offering status, money, & the opportunity to move up in the ladder of gang leadership. 

Preventing becomes a matter of strength in numbers.  The more people are involved in the community, the better.  That means that graffiti comes down quick, schools, and police departments should make a specialized effort to reach out to the community to work together on these issues.  Of course, all that takes a huge effort to efficiently coordinate as well as maintain.  So as far as what you can do tomorrow to start making a difference, connect!  The number one reason that kids will disentangle themselves from the clasp of a gang is because there is a concerned adult in their life that they can have to listen to them.  Usually these kids are used to being stereotyped, rejected, and lectured.  I placed emphasis on the words listen and connect because there lies the key to truly making a difference.

Reference

Howel, J. & Lynch, J. Youth gangs in schools. Juvenile Justice Bulletin. August 2000