I was recently privileged to hear a presentation at my church on "Understanding Hispanic Youth Gang Culture and Signs of Youth Gang Involvement" by Rob Gallardo of Operation No Gangs.

He has two very special and courageous young me with him who told their personal stories of gang involvement and how they were working to extract themselves from the gang culture. It was a real eye-opener for me.

Our children are being swallowed up by the gang culture and it is happening right under our very noses. If we want to put a stop to this, we have to educate ourselves.

 This includes parent, grandparents, educators, members of the clergy, and anyone interested in knowing what is going on in their community.

The people of Operation No Gangs are truly doing God's work in attempting to rescue our youth from the influences of gangs.

For anyone not familiar with this organization, I urge you to look at their Web site:  www.operationnogangs.org or call (915) 239-1997 and perhaps make a donation, or schedule a presentation at your church or organization. If we do not educate ourselves, the next generation will be lost.

Madeline Sanchez, La Mesa, NM