Scroll down for text version of the Gangster's Prayer

Tell us why you joined a gang and why you choose to stay. We'd like to hear from you.

When a youngster joins a gang, he eventually finds himself having many enemies he may not even know. As time goes on, as a result of negative behavior and delinquent activity in the community, he ends up having to watch his back and keep an eye open at every turn. There is no rest. The gangster youth becomes defensive and secretive at home. At school he tends to take on a negative attitude that is displayed with teachers, counselors and other authorities. In all public places he finds himself having to play the part of a tough one who doesn't care much about anything. 

The young gangster becomes a puppet for his gang leaders and those in his gang.

As most gang members tell us, they want to do right but feel overwhelmingly pressured to do as members and leaders of the gang say. They must show up at places others designate and perform activities they know are wrong and get them in trouble. Someone else pulls the strings, and they perform.

While it may be difficult to do, we must remember that gangsters of any age are people, too, They are souls on this earth alongside us. These individuals wth feelings, hopes and dreams also want the best for themselves but may often be trapped in a lifestyle they did not realize would turn out the way it did. Delinquent behavior has a way of wrapping one in a web that may have no apparent opening and may squeeze one to limits others cannot begin to imagine.

Parents are the key to prevention. Even a single parent can do wonders to prevent a child from becoming entwined in the puppeteer's strings. Being there for the child with a good attitude and open communication is the start.

Churches in the community must step up to the plate and become directly involved in inviting kids to church, providing regular activities, walking the streets and talking to families about the love of Christ and his salvation power. Churches must help give the community hope. Too, they must pray and pray and pray for the safety and well-being of the members of the community and wisdom for community leaders.

Government and law enforcement are just part of the solution. Accountability and responsibility for gang involvement begin with parents. The signs are very obvious and there is ample opportunity to turn the situation around when discovered early. All too many parents, however, ignore the various obvious signs and sit back and refuse to get positively involved in their child's life. Inaction stems from a decision, just as action does.

A focus by parents must be placed on good character and education.

Each member of the community should play a part in making the community better by offering his time and talents to whatever action can make the community a better place -- person by person, starting at home. You? What will you do? What part will you play? The community waits.

It does take a village. That village is us.

Operation No Gangs receives no funding from public funds and operates as a stand-alone, private organization. Kindly donate what your heart might tell you to give to keep our operations strong, far-reaching and ongoing.

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copyright 2007 , Rob Gallardo