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 According to nationally recognized gang researcher and educator Steve Nawojczyk, Utah Attorney General Jan Graham's A.C.T.I.O.N. plan works. THE A.C.T.I.O.N. PLAN Excerpt from Steve Nawojczyk's The Coroner's Report Newsletter A - After School Programs Keep 'em busy. The Justice Department says more juvenile crimes occur during the "latchkey" hours than any other time. These programs are as varied as the communities in which they exist. Some programs are run by schools, some by churches and, of course, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and community centers are other examples of groups that offer after school programs. The city of Tooele, Utah recently started a boxing program for the youth which has already had a marked effect on some of the "rougher" kids who participate. Although it seems contradictory, boxing and martial arts programs have proven to be most beneficial as intervention and prevention tools. Some of the hard-core gangs in Los Angeles are now resolving differences with boxing gloves rather than bullets. (For more information on youth/sports programs visit the ITVS IN MY CORNER Web site.) C - Community Oriented Policing Cities and towns across the United States are creating exciting non-traditional roles for their police officers. Some are merely dusting off old concepts like the Police Athletic League. Others are creating completely new and exciting roles for themselves like operating a job search service for area residents out of the neighborhood police office. Community centers in housing projects which house not only police offices but classrooms for residents are springing up all across the country. These combined sub-stations and community centers are an oasis of peace and harmony for many adults and children in what, many times, was formerly a barren and crime ridden location. The most successful illustration of this I've seen is the small town of Alma, Georgia which reduced its juvenile crime rate by a whopping 70% after starting a community center and Police Athletic League. Another part of community policing is the practice of zero-tolerant, firm and fair enforcement. The police must keep control of our streets, making our homes safe. T - Teams of support groups for parents Whether it be a support group for victims of crimes, or classes on mothering skills, it is very important for parents to network to stay abreast of what's happening in their children's lives. In Cookeville, Tennessee, a young mother of two boys discovered they were involved in gang activities. She promptly formed a support group called "Parent's Against Gangs." She took to the streets documenting the town's gang activities and reaching out to the youngsters. She organizes graffiti removal crews and teaches classes for parents on the dynamics of gangs and warning signs of gang involvement. Mothers and other family members can be powerful motivators to help steer kids clear of gangs. Many gang members can be reached by making them think of their mothers or using their families as tools to reach them. I - In-school programsBR> In-school programs should be implemented such as strong peer mediation or peer conducted conflict mediation teams. Conflict mediation is making a tremendous impact on school violence at nearly every institution which offers it. Coupled with other programs like the previously mentioned Smart Choices, Better Chances project in Arkansas and my highly-acclaimed anti-violence assembly called "Peace - Live It or REST in It", schools can make a huge dent in on- and off- campus violence. Another group in Arkansas, Let Our Violence End, or LOVE, utilizes the "whole community approach" in working with schools to reduce violence, suspensions and other negative actions in the school setting. LOVE creates support groups in the schools to train students and adult volunteers to recognize disruptive behaviors in problem children as well as to reach out to help each other. LOVE takes this process one step further by coordinating with local businesses and civic groups to establish corresponding support groups in the neighborhoods to help these troubled kids and their parents outside of the school environment. O - One on One activities One-on-one activities like Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other mentoring programs should be available. For example, the African-American firefighters in Little Rock started their own mentoring program for kids in their fire districts, and I am convinced this is one of the reasons juvenile crime in Little Rock is now on the decline. Of course, many other groups also offer a mentoring aspect in their respective agencies, and enough cannot be said about his most fundamental need of youth. They must have positive adults in their lives. N - Neighborhood Watch Programs These watch groups must understand that the police and government agencies do not have the manpower or resources to fight this battle alone. We must work together to creatively take up the slack. Unfortunately, many times these groups are formed only after a neighborhood or one of its residents have been the victim of or have been subjected to violent acts. A successful neighborhood watch group in Oklahoma issues all members on patrol a most effective weapona video camera. They also have radio communication and cell phones, and crime has now moved from this neighborhood to another. Hopefully, wherever the bad guys decided to go will also have a similar watch group. Video cameras are to criminals what lights are to roacheswhenever they see the light, they scurry for cover. Any watch group must be coordinated through the local police agency. So...there you have it. It is a simple plan, one that each and every town and city can begin. At times it can seem overwhelming, but with commitment, patience and tolerance, it can be done. These are our children, our hope for the future, and they are worth whatever it takes. |