Title: Understanding and Avoiding Gangs | mpdc
Headings: 
Understanding and Avoiding Gangs
What is a Gang or Crew?
Who Joins Gangs/Crews and Why?
What Can Parents Do?
What Can Students Do?
Be proactive.
Ask for help. Find a mentor.
Be too busy to get involved.
Change your environment.
Signs of Possible Gang Involvement
Characteristics of Gangs
Download a Brochure
Resources
Community Organizations

Content: Think about it! Who Joins Gangs/Crews and Why? Young people who feel they are not respected by their peers, families or communities turn to gangs for the identity and respect that families normally provide. Youth who see themselves as “weak” or “powerless” may join gangs to become “stronger” and “protected.” Often these individuals suffer from a lack of support from their family and therefore seek support within the gangs. Young people who crave excitement because gang members and the media often glamorize the gang life style. Young people who cannot resist peer pressure may join because their friends are in gangs. They may feel pressured to join to be part of the “in” crowd. Young people who are fearful often feel that being a gang member will keep them safe. If they are challenged by others, their gang/crew will help them retaliate because in the gang culture, no challenge goes unanswered.