Letter from Director of Easton, PA Boys & Girls Club
Community needs to pull together to fight gangs
''The objective of gangs is to instill fear by intimidation, and then take over neighborhoods one block at a time.''
Where do you stand on the issue of gangs?
Bang, Bang!
And another resident is victimized, the echo resounds throughout the community and the law-abiding citizens can become paralyzed by fear and confusion sometimes resulting in apathy.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
But why is a community with so many positive resources and so much forward-thinking stifled by the mention of gangs and the negative consequences that gangs and their affiliated members bring to our community?
I'm not sure that I have all the answers, but I expect that some of our uncertainty, along with our anxiety, lies deeply-rooted. Perhaps the resources in our community working to combat the social ills caused by gangs have not evolved or kept pace with the ''tight-knit'' organization and commitment of the gang member.
It appears that the do-gooders, (individuals and group organizations), have mapped out turf issues of their own that may actually hinder bringing all the positive resources around the table, simultaneously, to plan and to implement a collective and comprehensive strategy to win the battle against gangs.
On the other hand, the gang members generate clout within their groups by demonstrating loyalty. The gang members also commit reckless acts that result in fatal and catastrophic outcomes within the community where they operate. The objective of gangs is to instill fear by intimidation, and then take over neighborhoods one block at a time.
To safeguard our community from becoming a place where flight and flee becomes the best-known options, a coming together of the community and with long-term commitment to combat gangs, must prevail.
In the end, and after purging gangs from our community, the victory will belong to all of us. Because, in fighting the gang problem, no one can be of an island to himself or herself. United we will stand, divided we fall!
So, I ask, where do you stand on the issue of gangs?
Are you involved with a block watch, or are you engaged with the faith communities' ongoing effort to produce a proactive resolve?
Are you working with the school district and the other educational institutions?
Do you support the district attorney's office in its pursuit to rid the community of gangs?
Are you willing to share first-hand intelligence with law enforcement, and therefore help to prevent acts of violence before they occur?
Are you working in concert with youth organizations and social service providers?
And, last but not least, are you planning to participate in the upcoming forums and symposiums on the issues of gangs in our community?
If you answered ''yes'' to at least one of the questions above, then you're on the team. However, if you did not answer yes, but want to get involved, we can use your help. ''The law abiding positive gang'' needs you!
Join the fight against gangs in Easton and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our children depend on us! And isn't this really what our community is all about?
Dean Young is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Easton
''The objective of gangs is to instill fear by intimidation, and then take over neighborhoods one block at a time.''
Where do you stand on the issue of gangs?
Bang, Bang!
And another resident is victimized, the echo resounds throughout the community and the law-abiding citizens can become paralyzed by fear and confusion sometimes resulting in apathy.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
But why is a community with so many positive resources and so much forward-thinking stifled by the mention of gangs and the negative consequences that gangs and their affiliated members bring to our community?
I'm not sure that I have all the answers, but I expect that some of our uncertainty, along with our anxiety, lies deeply-rooted. Perhaps the resources in our community working to combat the social ills caused by gangs have not evolved or kept pace with the ''tight-knit'' organization and commitment of the gang member.
It appears that the do-gooders, (individuals and group organizations), have mapped out turf issues of their own that may actually hinder bringing all the positive resources around the table, simultaneously, to plan and to implement a collective and comprehensive strategy to win the battle against gangs.
On the other hand, the gang members generate clout within their groups by demonstrating loyalty. The gang members also commit reckless acts that result in fatal and catastrophic outcomes within the community where they operate. The objective of gangs is to instill fear by intimidation, and then take over neighborhoods one block at a time.
To safeguard our community from becoming a place where flight and flee becomes the best-known options, a coming together of the community and with long-term commitment to combat gangs, must prevail.
In the end, and after purging gangs from our community, the victory will belong to all of us. Because, in fighting the gang problem, no one can be of an island to himself or herself. United we will stand, divided we fall!
So, I ask, where do you stand on the issue of gangs?
Are you involved with a block watch, or are you engaged with the faith communities' ongoing effort to produce a proactive resolve?
Are you working with the school district and the other educational institutions?
Do you support the district attorney's office in its pursuit to rid the community of gangs?
Are you willing to share first-hand intelligence with law enforcement, and therefore help to prevent acts of violence before they occur?
Are you working in concert with youth organizations and social service providers?
And, last but not least, are you planning to participate in the upcoming forums and symposiums on the issues of gangs in our community?
If you answered ''yes'' to at least one of the questions above, then you're on the team. However, if you did not answer yes, but want to get involved, we can use your help. ''The law abiding positive gang'' needs you!
Join the fight against gangs in Easton and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our children depend on us! And isn't this really what our community is all about?
Dean Young is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Easton
posted by Braye Cloud at
7:57 AM
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