What are your other options?
Just because you were invited to join a gang doesn’t mean have to. There are a number of alternative options to help you stay out of gangs and succeed in the future.
- Stay in school and keep your grades up. By staying in school, you increase your chances of having a brighter future.
- Find a positive role model. Whether it’s your parent, teacher or coach, there are people who want to help you succeed.
- If the group of “friends” you are hanging around with is falling into the bad crowd, don’t go down with them. Be your own person and don’t feel like you HAVE to do everything they do.
- Join an after-school activity, volunteer at a youth center or retirement home, get a part-time job or join a sport or study group. Keep active and stay busy.
- Local recreation centers offer many exiting activities and sports.
- Join a graffiti clean-up program or youth group whose purpose is to improve the neighborhood or school.
- Find an enjoyable hobby that you can do safely. Find a friendly environment and play catch with your friends, ride bikes or take up reading.
- If gang members are bothering you and you feel threatened or intimidated, talk with a parent, counselor, teacher or the police. By going to a figure in authority, you may be helping to put an end to any further bullying or threatening. In doing so, you are not only helping yourself, but the future of others as well.
