1. III. What Factors Put an Individual at Risk of Joining a
Gang?
a. Lack of employment
b. Poverty
c. Social isolation
d. Domestic violence
e. Negative peer networks
f. Lack of parental supervision
g. Academic failure, lack of academic interest
“The existence of gangs is one of the leading factors of
growth of violence in cities,” – dosomething.org

2. Interview Results
“Gang violence affects every aspect of the community, so that
everything and everyone suffers.”
- Heritage Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Jennifer Bill, when
asked about the effects of gang activity.
“An increase in intergenerational programs, extracurricular activity and
positive role models are needed in the community.”
- Community volunteer and past gang member, Elder Hill, when asked
what should be done to prevent future gang violence.

3. Survey Results
The survey results reveal that 8th
grade students are more exposed to gang violence
than 7th
grade students. We can conclude that there is a greater need for gang
prevention resources for 8th
grader students, than for 7th
grade students.
8th Grade Students Who Have Seen Gang Violence in
Their Community
Students who have seen gang violence Students who have not seen gang violence
7th Grade Student Who Have Seen Gang Violence in
Their Community
Students who have seen gang violence Students who have not seen gang violence

4. Alternative Action Plans
1. Gang Violence Awareness Bracelets
a. Pros
i. Would bring attention to the injustice of gang violence
ii. May encourage students to unite together to prevent gang
violence in their community
b. Cons
i. Bracelets are expensive
ii. Getting students to pay for the bracelets may be difficult
2. Creation of Gang Violence Prevention Website
a. Pros
i. Would publicize gang violence issue
ii. Would serve as an educational resource for interested
students and members of the community
b. Cons
i. May be expensive
ii. Process of developing the website would take too long
3. Informational Posters
a. Pros
i. Informative sources of information for students and
faculty
ii. Would provide students with the opportunity to learn
more about gang violence, if they feel uncomfortable
discussing the topic to an adult
b. Cons
i. Posters may be ignored by students and faculty
ii. Posters may be taken down after a period of time