The success of these grassroots initiatives can be attributed to the premises of their responses to youth crime, which differ markedly from those held by many conventional prevention and treatment programs. Successful grassroots leaders reject the idea that economic disadvantage and environment destine youth to violent behavior. The efforts of these leaders are based on the belief that young people have the capacity to overcome adverse conditions and the potential to effect positive changes in their environment. Indeed, it is only when a youth's vision and values are transformed that external support, such as opportunities for education and employment, can have a lasting impact. Internal transformation is the harvest of consistent and constant efforts by adults committed to changing the lives of troubled youth.
Teenage boys are more likely to die of gunshot wounds than from all natural causes combined.
While recent downturns in juvenile arrests for homicide and other violent crimes offer some encouragement, the lethal mix of kids and guns demands our attention and response. One promising response has been the Boston Gun Project, which is predicated on the premise that the nature of youth violence varies from one city to another. Accordingly, in depth analysis of local youth violence problems should precede the design and implementation of problem-solving initiatives. Of particular interest are the extent and nature of illicit gun markets, fears driving youth to arm themselves, and the role of gangs. Both youth homicide victims and youth homicide offenders are principally criminally active gang members.