Keeping Those Idol Hands Busy
(1 votes, average: 1 out of 5)
Loading ...I was listening to the Bill Good show this morning on CKNW. It was titled “Street Recruits: Why Teens Turn to Crime”. It was a discussion with several experts about why teens join gangs and the techniques gangs use to attract vulnerable teens to a life of crime. There was a lot of discussion about teens needing to feel like they belong and that they are part of something greater. There was also discussion about some teens not getting the attention or interaction they need from their families in order to grow into confident well adjusted members of society. Those of you that know me know that I am a very big fan of youth programs. As a young person I was an active member of the Air Cadet program and after I graduated, I volunteered and later worked as a Leadership facilitator with the Youth Leadership programs at the YMCA. These were my gangs. They gave me meaning, structure, support, camaraderie, self-confidence, a sense of self, an appreciation for community, and a respect for law and authority. My gangs didn’t involve guns, drugs, fancy suvs, or sex. So how do I get more teens to join my gang? I’m not sure really. Do you think a future filled with fulfilling experiences, achievement, philanthropy, and community service can compare to a .45 and Cadillac Escalade. Personally I think so and I can only hope that only a very small minority think otherwise.
We need more programs for young people and we need more people in the community to step up and support them.
Sphere: Related ContentComments
Got something to say?
