How do you keep a gang free lifestyle?

Be proactive.

1. Tell your parents, a school counselor, or a police officer immediately if you are approached by a gang member attempting to recruit you.
2. Let gang members know you respect them but you are not interested in joining a gang.
3. Avoid areas where gang members hang out.
4. Attend school regularly and work hard.

Why you should not join a gang?

Joining a gang will not give you more protection; it could enhance your chance of being targeted as a victim. Gangs are violent and dangerous, and members are also at a higher risk for getting arrested. Take Action! If gang members threaten you, don’t overreact, stay cool, and tell a trusted adult.

What happens when you get in a gang?

Joining a gang is dangerous business that can ruin your life. They are more likely to be victims of retaliation and rival gang violence than non-gang members. Gang involvement increases your risk of being arrested, having to go to court, being put on probation or parole, being jailed, injured, or even killed.

What are the characteristics of a gang?

Common Characteristics of Gangs

• Activities include intimidation and extortion, vandalism, theft, assault, swarming, drug trafficking, stabbings, shootings and sometimes murder.
• Members may wear certain kinds of colors of clothing in very specific ways and/or use special hand signals, nicknames or symbols.

What are some alternatives to gang life?

Some alternatives to joining a gang might be:

• Joining a sports team or group. Find friends and connections through mutual interests.
• Focusing on school.
• Journal.
• Tap into your creative side.
• Get a part time job.

How can we stop gangsterism in our community?

Discourage any gangster language, wearing clothing associated with gang signs or symbols and hand signals. Know your child’s friends and families. Establish a good relationship with their teachers. Always know where they are and who they’re with.

Can you be blessed in a gang?

Having a reputation of supporting a group or being someone who had won the approval of well-respected members of a gang was enough for people to get “blessed in,” without having to submit to enduring violence or committing a crime to prove their worth.

What’s the purpose of a gang?

Gangs are also organized to provide common defense of its members and interests from rival criminal organizations or to exercise control over a particular location or region.

Who is the most powerful gang in the world?

The Yakuza are among the largest organized crime organizations in the world. In Japan, as of 2005, there are some 86,300 known members.

How widespread is gang violence in the United States?

Since the mid-20th century, gang violence in this country has become widespread—all 50 states and the District of Columbia report gang problems, and reports have increased for 5 of the past 7 years.

What are the characteristics of gangs/crews?

Gangs/crews usually adopt a “gang name.” This name usually contains a street, neighborhood, or a cultural term. They will usually mark their neighborhoods or the territory they control with graffiti or “tags” depicting the gang name or symbols. Gangs/crews host secret parties during school hours.

How do you know if someone is in a gang?

Below are some indicators of possible gang involvement, but these characteristics should not be used as the basis for assuming someone is associated with a gang or crew: Inscribing gang graffiti on books, folders, desks, and walls. Gang/crew members usually adopt a certain way of dress, sometimes displaying a specific color or style.

What to do if your child is getting involved with gangs?

If you suspect your child is getting involved with a gang, take action fast. A list of places to call is on the back of this brochure. Make sure your children know you will help them with their problems and not judge them unfairly. Encourage them to talk to you.