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Youth are at a higher risk of engaging in delinquent behaviors when they live in communities where they feel unsafe. By creating or joining a network of civilians committed to preventing crime, you can help foster feelings of community safety and make it clear that you don't stand for gang violence. Neighborhood Watch does not advocate taking actionthey support community members aiding law enforcement by reporting crimes or suspicious behaviors. At-risk youth need help learning how to boost self-esteem, manage anger/conflict, set realistic goals, improve personal awareness, foster healthy relationships, and value education. These programs can provide similar benefits as gangs, including a sense of identity and belonging, protection from violence, and a tight structure that mirrors that of a family. Graffiti is a sign of territorial dominance. Removing these signs reduces the chances of violence between rival gangs. It also sends out the message that the community will not stand for gang activity. Some communities allow residents to help cleanup graffiti. Ask local law enforcement about how you can participate in the cleanup process. Graffiti removal typically involves using a wire brush to remove paint from various surfaces using a chemical graffiti remover. If you're removing graffiti from brick surfaces, especially red brick, professional help is recommended. Politicians have a wide reach, making them great ways to drive global change. Write and call members of local or non-local congress to share your personal experiences with gang activity and the positive impacts that you have made. Ask others to do the same to make it clear that you are communicating a problem that many people are collectively driven to fighting. If you're in the United States, search your zip code to find a local representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. For example, the Gang Rescue and Support Project (GRASP) focuses on male and female youth that are gang-involved, have substance abuse issues, a history of juvenile justice involvement, or family dysfunction or family involvement in any of the above. They use their donations to fund: Parent awareness training Community outreach Job training Crisis response Tattoo removal When inmates are released from prisons, they face the challenge of finding employment, which can drive them back into the criminal lifestyle. By aiding in prison-to-work programs, you can share your own work and career skills to help others choose better lifestyles. Companies like Volunteers of America provide opportunities for people looking to help teach job-related skills to inmates in prison-to-work programs.
Register or join a neighborhood watch group. Develop workshops that focus on developing positive life skills. Remove graffiti from your community. Connect with politicians that are committed to ending gang violence. Donate to programs that aid former or current gang members. Participate in prison-to-work programs.