Eric Martino Sarah Stoddard Cierra Ashdown R.J. Ward Case of Vigilance vs. Violence I.
Background Gangs have been present in Utah as early as the 1970’s (Metro Gang Unit). Salt Lake City can be considered a “Secondary Gang City” because many of the gangs that are present in the city are heavily influenced by or are the same as ones found in Los Angeles and Chicago (Metro Gang Unit). About 49 percent of gang activity in Utah can be attributed to Hispanic gangs, while only about 5 percent can be attributed to black and polynesian gangs, respectively (Felkner, 2012). Many of these gangs began with smaller, petty crimes such as theft and drug dealing. In fact, many hispanic gangs are known for their involvement in the distribution of marijuana and cocaine, among other hard drugs. As gangs have grown in confidence and size, their crimes have escalated to include drug smuggling, violent crimes including murder and terrorism. Many gang members in the Salt Lake area are transplant members, meaning that members from the gangs located in Chicago and Los Angeles are moving to Salt Lake to participate in the gang activities. For example, the Norteño based in California has only increased its presence in Utah since they first stepped on police’s radar in 2009 (Rogers, 2012). There are also many Salt Lake natives who admire the attitude of these California and Illinois gangs (e.g. the Bloods, the Crips, the Folk and the People) and decide to adopt the gang’s lifestyle (Metro Gang Unit). The gang problem in the Salt Lake area has been compared to the gang activity that consumed Chicago in the 1920’s. Many of the issues surrounding the gangs in Chicago stemmed from economic and governmental issues present in the city and the country at the time. In early 1920, the Eighteenth Amendment went into effect banning the sale, production, importation and transportation of alcohol. The prohibition was a major contributor to the increase in violence that was experienced during this decade and into the 1930’s. The economy was also in a major decline leading up to the Great Depression. Many good men lost their jobs and struggled at finding replacements. In order to continue to provide for their families, many men resorted to gang activity. The media also popularized gangsters, giving them the appearance of celebrities rather than criminals. Cops were outgunned and illprepared to take on all of the violence and commotion that stemmed from these three influences and the rapid growth of the city (Hales and Kazmers, 2004). Similar economic difficulties have been present in the last few years and could explain why the Salt Lake Gang activity is comparable to 1920’s Chicago. The negative effects that surround gang members greatly outweigh the positives. Nine out of ten boys that are in juvenile detention facilities are somehow affiliated with a gang (Helping Gang Youth). Gang members may be killed or injured and run the risk of diseases and prison time. Many are dependent on drugs and alcohol and are high school dropouts. Once they are engaged in a life of crime,
it is often hard to outgrow that and they may commit more serious crimes with longer jail stays in the future (Division of State Police). It is has also been shown that youth are far more likely to be victimized while participating in gangs than when they are not. Gang activity doubles or triples the odds of a serious injury (National Gang Center). Studies conducted by the Justice Policy Institute show that cities that use their existing social resources (e.g. job training, mentoring, afterschool activities, recreational programs) as a defence against gangs are more successful at reducing gang violence than cities that rely on police enforcement (Jackman 2007). As a response to this, many programs have been created (locally and nationally) to help reduce gang activity and educate about the alternatives to that lifestyle and what can be done to prevent further violence. Some of these programs created and/or present in the Salt Lake area include: ● Neighborhood Action CoalitionA communitybased program that offers training, youth initiatives for drug, violence and gang prevention. they specialize in mobilizing communities into participating in community solutions (Family Resources). ● Neighborhood watch groupsThis crime prevention program helps to educate and promote common sense among community members. They serve as extra eyes and ears for police forces and report any suspicious activity. The goal is give neighbors the opportunity to engage with their community and work to make it safer (USA on Watch). ● South Salt Lake Police Athletic LeagueAn organization aiming to create positive youth development through education, athletics, recreational activities, and interaction with police officers (SSLPAL). ● Utahchild.netThis site provides parents with a compilation of online resources that are related to child protection and safety issues (McMullin). ● The Utah Gang Investigators AssociationThis organization helps to train law enforcement officers to share information about and fight against the major gangs in Utah (UGIA). ● Utah Gang ConferencesAn annual, twoday conference sponsored by the Salt Lake Police department. Past conference topics have included bullying, gangs and drugs, youth gangs and community outreach, among others. Adult professionals, including educators, community leaders and youth service providers are invited to come and learn more about what they can do to discourage gang activity (Utah Gang Conference). ● Salt Lake Area Gang ProjectAn organization established to identify, control and prevent gang activity while providing intelligence data to local law enforcement. The group updates their official Facebook page periodically with a list of the top ten most wanted gang members in the area (South Salt Lake Police Department). ● The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints FoundationThis organization helps to fund the Utah Gang Conferences (Utah Gang Conference). It offers
encouragement and counsel to families affected by gangs or that have family members in gangs (Nordfelt, 2004). There are also a variety of afterschool programs that have been established to help keep kids busy and involved in positive activities. These organizations include: ● YMCA provides youth with access to the resources they need to grow and utilize their potential, with an emphasis on healthy living and social responsibility ● Boys and Girls ClubThis program provides a wide variety of programs for children, youth and families. Programs include prevention and intervention, recreation, education and life skills, career development and child care. The goal of the organization is to provide a safe place to learn and grow, develop caring relationships with adult professionals, improve lifeenhancing and character development experiences, encourage hope and opportunity, and promote positive youth, family and community development (Family Resources). ● Boy Scouts of America a program for young people that builds character trains them in the responsibility of citizenship and develops physical fitness. ● Girl Scouts a program for young girls that builds character and teaches leadership skills and citizenship. ● After School tutoring programsThese can be found as part of the network of the Salt Lake County Substance Abuse Assessment & Referral Unit. ● Community Service programsThese are organized by the local church youth groups targeted for ages 818 , and by the K.E.Y.S. Program targeted towards youth with misdemeanors and who are atrisk of gang contact or affiliation (Family Resources). ● Inschool programs (e.g. student council, peer mentor groups, sports teams, etc.) A relationship and partnership with the aforementioned organizations will be beneficial to the efforts of reducing gang activity and violence in Utah. Gang tendencies in Utah will not improve on their own. There are stories in the news about harm caused by gang violence. Children have been shot at schools (Yi, 2009) and social media has become an increasingly popular method of communication among gang members (Bennion, 2013). Police are aware of the increasing levels of gang violence and urge communities to help take action against these gangs (Markosian, 2009). It is not as difficult to leave a gang lifestyle as many believe. There are steps that gang members can take to help slowly distance themselves from gang activity. This includes removing barriers that may prevent them from leaving gangs, gaining and maintaining adult responsibilities and discontinuing the appearance of a gangster (Young and Gonzalez, 2013). SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
● Police force that is wellinformed and involved ● A lot of alternative activities for kids ● Media is heavily covering the issue at hand ● Past people that have successfully overcome the gang issue ● Good gang recovery programs available ● Strong information to fight against gangs ● Good FBI partnerships who are willing to intervene/Strong FBI ties to Salt Lake Police
Opportunities
● Few incentives from removing yourself from gangs ● Not much public awareness ● Segmentation of communities ● You can’t force gang members to come out of gangs. Difficult to remove yourself. ● Disconnect between what teenagers know and what they are telling their parents ● Current information is hard to access ● media portrayal of gangsters (Boardwalk Empire, Gangster Squad, etc.) ● Strict school policies can lead to increased gang activity ● old habits die hard
Threats
● Church funding/support to fight against gangs ● Strong family values that we can appeal to (Polynesians and Hispanics) ● Explain benefits of not being in a gang ● lots of channels who are willing to help the cause ● Increase quality of life for those who may have been targeted by gangs ● Create safer environment to live in
● Continued violence and crimes ● Death toll rise ● Increased efforts can lead students to rebel and be more prone to gang activity ● Children aspiring to be gang members based on family examples
Profiles of Potential Publics Schoolaged Children: Children are typically innocent, naive, imaginative and semiselfish. They are dependent on their parents financially and emotionally. These kids are between the ages of 5 and 18 and a majority still live at home. The ones to be most focused on are children that come from lowincome homes, because statistically, these children tend to have a higher likelihood of getting involved in gangs. The children will have a variety of attitudes about authority and educationsome are respectful and appreciative and others do not want to be involved in school or told what to do. Children enjoy being engaged in activities and all crave approval and unconditional love. Children have opinion leaders that they trust and sending messages through those leaders will help motivate the children to action. Current relationship: Many programs are currently in effect to help children. They may be
wary of the motives we have in teaching them to avoid gang involvement. Using existing communication lines that the children find “safe” will help to encourage them against joining gangs. Influentials: parents, teachers, friends, siblings, celebrities and other “heroes,” church leaders Selfinterests: having fun, being accepted, having friends, and “What’s in it for me?” Women: Women are typically the primary caregivers to children. They are nurturing, caring and familyoriented. They have the ability to make meaningful connections with children. Women make up about half of the population of Utah. They also account for much of the buying power and influence in homes. Women who are parents and/or teachers will be focused on because they have the most direct contact with children who are influenced or tempted by a gang lifestyle. Most are nonviolent and will support efforts to make their community safer for themselves and their families. Current relationship: Many women are actively involved in different organizations that better children and the community. They will support efforts to continue to positively impact change in the community. Influentials: government leaders, family members, friends, teachers, children, church leaders Selfinterests: safety and wellbeing of their family, their own safety and wellbeing, careers AfricanAmericans: AfricanAmericans make up 13.1 percent of all Americans and 1.3 percent of Utahns (Utah). About 5 percent of all gangs in Utah are black (Felkner, 2012). Law enforcement agencies have reported that AfricanAmericans, along with Hispanics, have a greater percentage of gang involvement than any other ethnicity (about 35 percent of gang members nationwide) (National Gang Center). AfricanAmericans are familyoriented and concerned with protecting their culture. Current relationship: AfricanAmericans are involved in gangs in Utah. There are also many that actively participate in antigang organizations. Those working to encourage antigang lifestyles will be essential in influencing the behavior of current or potential gang members. Influentials: Influential AfricanAmericans (President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, etc.), family, friends, children, church leaders Selfinterests: protecting cultures, providing for their families, their children’s well being Polynesians: The Polynesian culture makes up about 1 percent of Utahns and about 0.2 percent of all Americans (Utah). Polynesians are creatures of tradition. They are loud, passionate and take pride in where they come from and honor their culture through dance and traditional arts and crafts. Polynesians care deeply for their families and typically run on “Hawaiian time,” meaning they are never in a rush to get anywhere and are very mellow. Many Polynesian events are centered around food. In Utah, Polynesian gangs make up about 5 percent of the total gang activity (Felkner, 2012). Current relationship: Many Polynesians are active in their churches and culture. They will do
whatever it takes to protect their families. They will be supportive of organizations that will help protect their children by keeping them out of gangs. Influentials: family, church leaders, friends, Selfinterests: preserving their culture, providing for their families, the wellbeing of their children Hispanics: Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (IglesiasRios, 2013). About 17 percent of US population are Hispanic, making it the largest ethnic minority. About 37.6 million residents in the United States speak Spanish (US Census Bureau, 2007). The Hispanic population is only predicted to continue to grow and gain a bigger presence in the United States. The population is expected to grow 29 percent by the year 2050 (Passel and Cohn, 2008). Within Utah, about 13 percent of residents are Hispanic (Utah). Hispanic households traditionally larger than nonHispanic households and have twice as many children under the age of 18 (AHAA, 2013). Many Hispanic families have a Christian religion that they identify with and is influential in their lives. Many of these families are low income and some of the parents work multiple jobs. Current relationship: The current relationship with Hispanics is mostly favorable besides the ones that are involved in gangs. This is a difficult group to negotiate with, as they already have unfavorable views towards the government and police force. Hispanics in general are amicable as a culture and tend to have religious ties. Influentials: Hispanic opinion leaders, family members, friends, coworkers, church leaders Selfinterests: the family, cultural inclusion, work, religion Local Citizens: Utah has the 34th largest population in the United States with 50.3 percent of the population male and 49.7 percent female (World Population Statistics). Many citizens live in cities and towns along the Wasatch Front, alongside the Wasatch Mountains (Wikipedia). Utah has the highest total birth rate and the youngest population of any other state in the country. 69 percent of the Utahns identify themselves as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Utahns tend to have more conservative values and value time spent with their families (World Population Statistics). The state has seen a large wave of immigration due to press from events like the 2002 Winter Olympics and the LDS missionary program (Wikipedia). Current relationship: The current relationship with local citizens is generally favorable. Utahns tend to be a largely religious and law abiding people due to the heavy presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. That being said, this should not be a crutch. A segment of Utah society does not have high regard for the law and its enforcers, making this a hard demographic to make mutually beneficial connections with. Influentials: Political leaders, religious leaders, family members, friends, coworkers Selfinterests: Making a living, connecting with lovedones, religion
Local Schools (including faculty and district administration): There are 1,072 schools in Utah, 196 of which are charter, vocation and virtual schools. There are a total of 42,007 students in the state with a 78 percent graduation rate (Utah State Office of Education). The Utah education system ranks number 37th in the nation (Matthews, 2013). Within Utah, the Salt Lake school district received a four out of 10 from ranking from GreatSchools with the district’s standardized tests taken into account (GreatSchools). The schools are focused on making decisions that will be the most beneficial to the students, their parents and school faculty and administration. Current relationship: The current relationship with this public is good. Faculty and administrators are largely lawabiding citizens who care about the area youth and their progression to becoming functioning members of society. Part of this includes supporting the law enforcement and eliminating any threats to the future generation. Influentials: Work superiors, scholars, parents, law enforcement, politicians, union heads Selfinterests: The wellbeing of their students, education, making a living. Community Watch Members: This year in Utah, more than 170,000 reports of burglary, theft and larceny. To help combat the problem, KSLTV has partnered with police and residents of sections of Salt Lake County to establish neighborhood watch programs (Mashburn, 2013). There are already almost 300 community watch programs in the state of Utah registered on the official USA On Watch page. The programs typically approach watches with the intent to either reduce opportunity for crime or correct social problems that lead to crime (USA on Watch). Urban areas are more likely to have neighborhood watch programs than suburban and rural areas; however, people living in the latter are likely to be involved in the program if the neighborhood organizes one (Whitaker, 1986). The programs help to provide citizens with the opportunity to be actively involved with the protection of their community. Current relationship: These organizations are currently working with police agencies to make Utah a safer place. They already support lowering crime rates and will be willing and able help in efforts to lower gang activity. Influentials: police officers, local government leaders, lawmakers, neighbors in the community Selfinterests: keeping their community safe, minimizing crime in their neighborhoods Local Law Enforcement: The Gang Unit of the Police Department contains mainly field officers and administrators. The officers are predominantly males between the ages of 2750. Officers are multicultural. Many of the officers have families and children that they support. Officers tend to have a tough appearance, a brave disposition and a conservative mindset. They are serviceoriented people who volunteer time crime prevention organizations. Current relationship: This group is one of the most invested out of all potential publics in
lowering gang activity. These groups are part of all major and successful antigang programs. many police officers volunteer in gangalternative afterschool programs such as PAL (Police Athletic Leagues). They also organized the The Utah Gang Investigator Association, which has been the most proactive in anti gang action. Influentials: mayor, sheriff, other higherranked officers, citizens Selfinterests: keeping their city safe, lowering crime rates, keeping officers safe while on patrol, preventing crime, maintaining funding from the state and decent salaries Parents and the PTA: Parents and PTA members range in all income groups and ethnicities. The parents care for the safety of their children and oppose their children’s involvement with gangs. Parents will typically support antigang organizations and will encourage their children to attend these activities in order to keep them safe. Parents hold jobs in order to provide for their families. and thus have very limited time to volunteer themselves. However, programs that promise educational and protection benefits will have their support. Current relationship: They are concerned for the safety of their children and are relatively active in neighborhood watches etc. but many are ignorant of the services available to them Influentials: community leaders, school administrators, spouses, children, politicians Selfinterests: safety and success of their familiesespecially their children, their own safety and success, providing financially and emotionally for their families, maintain jobs and careers Local Youth Organizations: There are several youth organizations that are already actively trying to curb the influence of Gang activity and help the youth of the Salt Lake area to abstain from illegal drug use, truancy, gang affiliation and criminal activity. These organizations tend to be small with minimal funding, staffed largely by volunteers; however, some organization are rather large and exist as chapters in the Utah Area. These organizations include the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, the K.E.Y.S. Program and the Boys and Girls club, among others. Some of these are national groups that have local chapters. Current relationship: These groups are currently heavily involved with gang prevention and the enrichment of youth in the community. We a share a common goal and thus no convincing is necessary. This public may need to be instructed on how to coordinate with police and could possibly help influence the families of their members to participate more actively in gang identification and prevention outside of their own families. Influentials: Leaders of the respective youth organizations, donors, parents of participants Selfinterests: continued funding and operation capabilities, more volunteers, that kids in their program succeed, the maintenance of their good name, more donors. Local Church Organizations: Church organizations As Table 1 shows, over 73 percent of the population in Salt Lake City is
religious. This means that Church organizations have a deep influence in the communities of Salt Lake City. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Christ United Methodist Church, Calvary Chapel Salt Lake Youth Group, Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake, as well as several other church organizations, have youth groups that meet on Sundays and throughout the week. They focus on building the faith of their youth and helping them to stay out of trouble by teaching them good principals and organizing activities for them to participate. This public could be used as an intervening public to reach youth that may be tempted by gang lifestyles. Table 1 Religion
Salt Lake City, UT
United States
Percent Religious
73.24%
48.78%
Catholic
8.71%
19.43%
LDS
59.34%
2.03%
Baptist
0.84%
9.30%
Episcopalian
0.26%
0.63%
Pentecostal
0.73%
1.87%
Lutheran
0.53%
2.33%
Methodist
0.43%
3.93%
Presbyterian
0.39%
1.63%
Other Christian
1.01%
5.51%
Jewish
0.08%
0.73%
Eastern
0.48%
0.53%
Islam
0.44%
0.84%
for the table (http://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/utah/salt_lake_city) Current relationship: Many of these churches as a part of their program are antigang and provide many alternatives to gang membership by way of organized activities and service and youth counseling. As the largest in Utah (See Table 1), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saint are
currently helping the antigang movement by sponsoring the Annual Gang Conferences (Utah Gang Conference). These groups are already aligned with our goal and do not need more persuading, as such it is recommended that they be used as an intervening public. Influentials: central church administration, local congregation leaders. Selfinterests: continued member attendance to congregation, continually follow and help others to follow church and gospel policies and principles. II. Situation Analysis The gang activity in Utah has been steadily increasing since the 1970s. Hispanic, Polynesian and black gang activity has increased to the point that the media is putting negative pressure on the attorney general’s office. The gangs are becoming bolder in their crimes through violence, frequency of crimes, a lower recruitment age and more sophisticated recruitment tactics. To keep up with increasing gang severity, police efforts are becoming more sophisticated. However, the police force still has a lot of work to do. It is necessary that we coordinate an effort between law enforcement and citizens to be able to take a stronger control of the gang situation and put Salt Lake City on a path to a safer community. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary for local citizens to be informed about and involved in the antigang effort. They need to team up with law enforcement and other established antigang organizations to help decrease gang activity in Utah. As we focus our aims, we may have difficulties legitimizing our efforts to kids and citizens because gang issues may not be seen as a real problem or taken seriously. There is a general fear about the repercussions of gang involvement. Though there are many established organizations involved with decreasing gang activity, communication between these organizations is lacking. There are many groups fighting for the same cause, but not necessarily together. A streamlining of efforts between these groups is necessary to overall success with the issue at hand. If we do not address the problem, we risk an increase in gang membership, violence, youth involvement, asset loss and a lack of trust in law enforcement. III. Core Problem/Opportunity If we do not successfully coordinate and empower the efforts of local citizens to work alongside local organizations to stamp out the gang problem, gangs will continue to increase in size, influence and sophistication, resulting in more violent crimes, fear among Utahns and a lack of confidence in future law enforcement efforts. IV. Goal Effectively coordinate and empower citizen involvement alongside local organizations to combat gang problem so that gang activity decreases, the crime rate lowers and trust is maintained in the law enforcement.
V.
Objectives A. Increase awareness of gang problem among the citizenry to 90 percent within one year B. Increase awareness of the process of reporting gang activity to 80 percent of households and 100 percent of educational institutions within one year. C. Surpass our year record of gangrelated reports/tips within one year. D. Increase awareness and publicity of alternative organizations to gang activity in the Salt Lake area to 90 percent within one year. E. Double participation in gang alternative organizations, within 12 months.
VI.
Key Publics, Messages, Strategies and Tactics, Calendar and Budget ● Middle/High SchoolAged Kids The middle and highschool aged kids range from 7th to 12 grade and are between 12 and 19 years old. 5.02 percent of these students in the Salt Lake School District are black, 42.78 percent are Hispanic, and 4.85 percent are Polynesian. More attention will be focused on lowincome families because ethnicity, economic status, and family relations are key contributors in a child’s decision to join a gang. The older students may have jobs but are still dependent on their parents for shelter and greater financial obligations. These children are making the transition into being more independent, selfsufficient adults. Children at this age are very interested in themselves and their friends. They are heavily influenced by their friends, parents, teachers, pop culture and other opinion leaders. Primary Message 1: Gang involvement can ruin your life. Secondary Messages: ● Gang members may be killed or injured (Division of State Police). ● Many put themselves in danger of disease, prison, and death (Division of State Police). ● Many become dependent on alcohol and drugs (Division of State Police). ● Gang members usually drop out of school, limiting their chances for higher education or good employment (Division of State Police). ● They are likely to be involved in crime throughout the rest of their lives (Division of State Police). ● They may commit serious and violent crimes that lead to lengthy jail time (Division of State Police). ● Youth are far more likely to be violently victimized while in a gang than when they are not participating (National Gang Center). ● Involvement in gang fights approximately doubled or tripled the odds of serious injury (National Gang Center). Primary Message 2: There are alternative programs and lifestyles to gang involvement, which we will showcase at our “Be Who You Want To Be” fair. Secondary Messages:
● Find a hobby and be involved with a group with that common interest ● Stay in school and continue your education ● Join an after school program or a sport Primary Message 3: If you are currently involved in a gang, it is never too late to get out. Secondary Messages: ● Remove barriers that might be keeping you from leaving the gang (e.g. external/internal identification, threat of violence from gang, mental health/substance abuse issues, multigenerational gang families and dependence on gang for social support) (Young and Gonzalez, 2013) ● Gain and maintain adult responsibilities (e.g. reenvision personal identity, education, set goals, strengthen family bonds) (Young and Gonzalez, 2013) ● Stop trying to look like a gangster ● “When asked about how people leave the gang, two current gang members in St. Louis said: ‘They [the gang] understand. We ain’t gon’ press you. Good reason for it (family or school), that’s cool. Not cool if you don’t wanna be from the hood anymore. Just leave when you want to leave. But you are X’ed out from the hood; you can’t claim, but you can walk through the hood.’” (Decker and Pyrooz, 2011) Strategy 1: Convince middle and highschool aged to avoid gang activity through existing school communications. Tactics: ● Posters posted around campus ● Flyers handed out to students ● Announcement during daily announcements over intercom ● School assembly to encourage students to avoid gangs ● Have former gang members come talk to school children about the repercussions of indulging in illegal activity. ● Skit by students and teachers at a pep rally ● Notes on teacher’s white boards Strategy 2: Encourage middle and highschool aged children to participate in gangalternative organizations through a career/club fair. Tactics: ● Invitation to students to attend the career/club fair ● Reminders about event in school announcements ● Posters promoting the event posted in schools ● Invitations sent out to local organizations who support the cause and possible employers to participate in the fair
● Give away for first 100 students who attend fair ● Elementary SchoolAged Kids Though elementary school children are not the most at risk to join a gang, this is the age where impressions are made that will lead to greater decisions down the line. These children range from ages five to eleven and are in the most impressionable life stage. At this age, children are being sent messages that will set the precedent for the rest of their life’s decisions. With onethird of the population being under age 18 and one in ten being under age five, this demographic makes up a substantial part of the Utah populace (Davidson, 2008). Though the state has a large influence of Latterday Saint youth, this should not be taken as a safeguard against the issue. According to recent statistics, 8.4percent of Utahns were born outside the United States (MPI Data Hub). The children of immigrant families are most at risk to develop gang ties at younger ages due to limited monetary resources. The main concern of this public is the “what’s in it for me” mentality. These children depend heavily on the guidance of parents for temporal needs as well as affectionate needs. If they are not receiving what’s necessary in the home, they are likely to seek after it from other resources. This age demographic is also easily entertained and looks heavily to television and mass media for secondhand guidance. Primary Message: Gang life is not a happy life. Secondary Messages: 1. Nine out of ten boys that are in juvenile detention facilities are somehow affiliated with a gang (Helping Gang Youth). 2. There are approximately 230,000 incarcerated gang members in the United States (FBI). 3. Twentyfour percent of youth homicides were a result of gang related activity in 1994. That number has since risen (Northern Illinois University). Primary Message: You and your future are important and many people care for you. Secondary Messages: 1. Sixty to seventyeight percent of incarcerated gang members have a learning disability (Helping Gang Youth). 2. Twentysix percent of girls in jail have been in special education. Although there are far fewer girls than boys in special education, girls who do have learning problems are at very high risk for gang association (Helping Gang Youth). 3. In the United States, high school dropouts commit approximately 75percent of crimes (Statistic Brain ). Strategy: Motivate elementary school students to report any illegal activity to their teachers and parents through oncampus presentations.
Tactics: ● Hold puppet shows for elementary school children by ventriloquists encouraging students to avoid drugs and report illegal activity. ● Post posters around campus to discourage elementary kids from gang activity ● Have former gang members come talk to school children about the repercussions of indulging in illegal activity. ● Have principals and teachers hold regular discussions on the topics of drugs and illegal substances. ● Have teacher speak to their students about reporting any illegal activity, sexual abuse, drug use with no fear of negative repercussion to the child. Strategy: Motivate elementary school students to stay in school through regular evaluation and correction tools in schools. Tactics: ● Regularly give students surveys where honesty is rewarded with candy. ● Show students that their feedback is important by explaining changes being made regarding school affairs based on their votes. ● Have professionals regularly visit schools to get students excited for the career possibilities offered to them. ● Hold a career fair. ● Have oneonone consultations with students about their complaints, critiques and praises. ● Parents As the most influential in the lives of those who are potential gang members, parents are a key public to reach if we are to organize an opposition to gang membership. They are in the perfect position to dissuade youth from joining gangs and help them participate in alternative activities. As members of the community they can also participate in the communities’ anti gang reporting. If these citizens are motivated to help stop gang activity and are instructed in how to perform their role, they will be the most powerful public in solving the gang problem. Roughly, 19 percent of all households in Salt Lake City contain two parents and at least one child under the age of 18. About six percent of households have a single mother and at least one child under the age of 18 (Area Connect). These parents may rely on afterschool programs to keep their children out of trouble because they must work often to be able to provide a good life for their children. They are concerned for the safety of their children, and as such will be open to any messages and strategies that will help them keep their children safe. They want to provide for their families economically and socially. Many of these parents spend little time at home and have limited interaction with their children. As such, any activities that they are to be motivated to participate in will be most effective if they are not time consuming, and don’t take away from their interaction time with their
kids.They are relatively active in neighborhood watches etc. but many are ignorant of the antigang related services available to them. Their influentials are community leaders, School administrations, the spouses Primary Message: You can protect and empower them for the future by participating in afterschool programs. Secondary messages: ● Involvement Reduces: drug, alcohol and cigarette use; underaged sex and teen pregnancy; juvenile crime (Healthy City). ● Involvement Improves: student attendance, time spent on academic activities, parent involvement in academics, cultural awareness, nutrition, physical fitness, social skills, selfconfidence, peertopeer relationships, mentortopeer relationships and lowered child obesity rates (Healthy City). ● There are many very effective programs to choose from including D.A.R.E. which has affected over 2 million Utahns over the years (Utah Crime Prevention). Primary message: Gangs are a serious threat that can hurt your family as well as the community. Secondary Message: ● Twentyfour percent of youth homicides were a result of gang related activity in 1994. That number has since risen (Northern Illinois University). ● There are many tragic examples including: ○ Jesse Gallegos, 12, was killed by a stray bullet from a gangfight while attending a baby shower with his family at Monroe Park in Ogden (Reavy, 2008). ○ A 4yearold boy was shot outside the Utah Fun Dome in Murray March 29, 2003, after a 16yearold gang member randomly opened fire hoping to hit rival gang members (Reavy, 2008). ○ Nicholas Dirkson, 17, was shot and killed Nov. 18, 1995, by 25yearold Phokham Keomanivong outside a KFC restaurant in Midvale (Reavy, 2008). Primary Message: Fighting against gang activity is easy and safe for you and your family. Secondary Message: ● 6 tips on things to watch for (Norfelt). ○ Wearing of gangstyle clothing. Styles change often; police or local antigang organizations can help you know what is currently in style. ○ Gangstyle doodling on homework, notebooks, bedroom walls, or personal property. Look especially for a “moniker” (a gang nickname) ○ Significant changes in behavior and attitude, including withdrawal, secrecy, and disrespect for authority.
○ Association with a new group of friends and rejection of relationships with longtime friends and acquaintances. ○ Use of hand signs and monikers and a different style of language. ○ Increased contact with law enforcement officers, beginning with truancy, curfew violations, graffiti marking or vandalism, or possession of drugs or alcohol. ● The Unified Utah Police is excellent at what they do (Metro Gang Unit). ● To report gang activity or to ask for help, contact you local police department (Metro Gang Unit). Strategy: Motivate parents to have their kids participate in after school activities through an after school activity Fair. Tactics ● Have two school fairs hosted by the districts for elementary school kids and high school kids respectively where local after school programs (educational, athletic, and other) are invited to come and show off their accomplishments as well as recruit members from the kids. ● email invitations to parents from principal endorsing the programs and encouraging their attendance (same email as principal explaining gang problem) ● hand written invitations given to kids to show their parents (kids offered extra credit if they go?) ● Brochure given out at PTA meetings and given to kids to give their parents about the benefits of afterschool activities for their children (including the ones that offer parent participation) ● Program of the fair describing the different afterschool organizations that are presenting at the event. Strategy: Convince parents to actively participate in reporting and preventing gang activity in their families and their neighborhoods through school communication and written communication Tactics: ● written email to parents from principal about rising gang problem in Utah and what the schools are doing to fix it (same as event invite email) ● written paper containing informational messages about identifying and reporting gang activity. That child takes home to parents with information about gangs requiring parents signature to be returned so that the child can receive a reward or extra credit. ● letter to each of the parents from Salt Lake Sheriff asking for their help to stop gang including local successes that the program has had and how the citizens brought it about ● Sheriff’s list of 5 things that a parent can do to protect their family and neighborhood. ● Send magnet that can be placed on the fridge that is a summary of the Sheriff's list of 5 things that a parent can do along with the number to send in tips.
Local Schools (including faculty and district administration): The schools are focused on making decisions that will be the most beneficial to the students, their parents and school faculty and administration. They want to protect their students from gang involvement and violence and so we feel that they will be willing to get involved. The local school administration and faculty are largely lawabiding citizens who care about the area youth and their progression to becoming functioning members of society. Part of this includes supporting the law enforcement and eliminating any threats to the future generation. There are 1072 total schools in Utah, total including charter, vocational and virtual schools, with 42,007 total students (Utah State Office of Education). With all of these students, there is a student to teacher ratio of 22.2 to 1, which is above the national ratio of 15.7 to 1 (Utah Education Facts). The administration and teachers work in a state education system that has been ranked 37th in the nation, meaning that they work with kids with low testing scores, have to manage classrooms with more students than the national average and do not have access to sufficient school resources (Matthews, 2013). The average teacher compensation in Utah is $60,474 and the school administration compensation in $90,708, both of which are lower than other state averages (Utah Education Facts). Primary Message 1: You can help change your students’ lives by refocusing their efforts away from gang involvement and into positive school programs (Boys and Girls Clubs, DARE program, sports teams, other clubs). Promote the “Be Who You Want To Be” message to help kids realize their potential. Secondary Messages 1: ● Involvement in after school activities is beneficial for students, parents and schools, according to a study in California school districts (Healthy City). ○ Reduce: drug, alcohol and cigarette use; underaged sex and teen pregnancy; juvenile crime ○ Improve: student attendance, time spent on academic activities, parent involvement in academics, cultural awareness, nutrition, physical fitness, social skills, selfconfidence, peertopeer relationships, mentortopeer relationships and lowered child obesity rates ● D.A.R.E. program in Utah celebrates its 25th year in 2013 and has affected over 2 million Utahns over the years (Utah Crime Prevention). Primary Message 2: We advise you to be cautious when imposing more school regulations. Secondary Messages 2: ● Imposing too many rules on children can result in rebellion, confusion and drug abuse (Raiford). ● “You should involve your children in coming up with rules in your household. Doing it together makes them feel as though the rules are fair and just, and makes them more likely to abide by them,” (Raiford).
Primary Message 3: Your influence in the lives of the students now can set an example for Utah locals (gang members, parents, friends) and future generations. Secondary Messages 3: ● Story of the Freedom Writers (once students) who began by writing journal entries about issues that they cared about (gangs, anorexia, drugs, violence, etc) and have now developed a foundation with a program for teachers to learn how to positively impact their students lives (The Freedom Writers). ● Remember the Titans movie: a high school football coach turns a very racist group of teens into a unified team that overcame adversity (Wikipedia). Strategy 1: Urge schools to increase promotion and quality of existing after school activities through personal contact. Tactics 1: ● Personally pitch fair to head administration to one elementary and one high school and ask if they would be willing to host the fair ● Create creative press release with fun graphics explaining the “Be Who You Want To Be” fair to be emailed to all of the school main offices and head administration ● Create two “Be Who You Want To Be” fair posters (one for the elementary school event and one for middle/high school event) ● Send out reminder email to all school principals, vice principals and superintendents informing and inviting them to the “Be Who You Want To Be” fair ● Visit the schools who express interest to present the event and how their clubs can get involved. Answer questions that educators may have. Strategy 2: Convince administration to include students and parents in the process of creating school rules through personal contact. Tactics 2: ● Email the main offices of schools in Salt Lake district informing them of the dangers of implementing too many school regulations ● Call superintendents of schools who have recently imposed new school regulations to suggest including the students, parents and students in creating and implementing one new school policy ● Create newsletter with two sections (one for elementary schools and one for middle to high schools) for schools providing information and tips about including students and parents in the way schools are run ● Email newsletters to all schools Strategy 3: Motivate clubs to get involved in the community through personal contact and social media. Tactics 3: ● Email all school club presidents to join the “Be Who You Want To Be” fair
● Create inspirational information YouTube video explaining how other schools have made a difference in their community ● Invite administration to inform their students of how they can volunteer at the “Be Who You Want To Be” fair through an email to all club presidents with a link to the video ● The top three clubs and associations with the most hours of volunteer work over 50 hours will be awarded a free booth at the “Be Who You Want To Be” fair VII. Communication and Confirmation Table VIII. Evaluation ● Objective 1 ○ Criteria Awareness of gang problem among the citizenry increased to 90 percent by January 4th, 2015. ○ Tools Records kept of number of informational emails and letters sent to parent public. A survey will be conducted January 4th through January 8th via random dialing phone surveys. ● Objective 2 ○ Criteria Awareness of the process of reporting gang activity to 7580 percent of households and 100 percent of educational institutions by January 4th, 2015. ○ Tools Records kept of PTA brochures, emails, and letters distributed to faculty and Parents. ● Objective 3 ○ Criteria Year record of gang related reports/tips doubled by January 4th, 2015 ○ Tools records kept of amount of gang related tips received by the SLC Police Department ● Objective 4 ○ Criteria Increase awareness and publicity of alternative organizations to gang activity in the Salt Lake area to 90 percent by January 4th, 2015. ○ Tools records kept of attendees to “Be Who You Want To Be” Fair ● Objective 5 ○ Criteria Double participation in gang alternative organizations, by June 4th, 2015. ○ Tools respectives organizations’ of enrollment and activity collected through email petitions. Works Cited 1. AHAA. (2013, September). Hispanic Fast Facts. AHAA: The voice of Hispanic Marketing. Retrieved November 30, 2013, from http://ahaa.org/default.asp?contentID=161#1 2. Area Connect. (n.d.). U.S. Census Records. Area Connect. Retrieved December 1, 2013,
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