Spiritual Crisis - Boys and Guns - Part 6

The terrible tragedy in Newtown, CT is a WAKE UP CALL!  We must broaden the discussion beyond GUNS! 

 
Over the years...What went wrong?  Why are American young men killing innocent people and children on our streets and in our schools, malls and places of worship?

Here are my thoughts!  What do you think?

Spiritual Crisis - National Tragedy - Part 5

Wake up call for community ACTION!  May these beautiful children and adults rest in peace! 

WE CAN DO BETTER AMERICA!  How sad!  Another national crisis as we lay to rest 20 children and 6 adults in Newtown, Conn.  We must move beyond politicians and gun control to stop violent behavior in our cities and now...a small community.  I invite you will add your ideas and comments!

For the series, "Spiritual Crisis in America" podcasts: Click Here

Spiritual Crisis - Domestic Violence - Part 4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence.  The odds are...you know someone who is a victim of abuse!

Here are the 4 steps in the Cycle of Abuse. 

We can stop the cycle of abuse if... we recognize what is going on and how to help family members or friends? You can help save a child from being a future abuser or victim!

For more Safe Kids Now Podcasts,  click here.

To hear Rebecca Kimbel's story of survival on YouTube,   CLICK HERE

Spiritual Crisis in America-Kids and Drugs-Part 3

PARENTS:  Children need a foundation of values and a spiritual understanding of self to resist drugs!  Or, they may experience a bumpy road ahead!  Empower children so they will not be easy targets for manipulation or bullies. 


Involved children can smooth out life's journey!  Parents will have less stress and anxiety because children have the tools to make good choices to help them reach their potential.
Help is available.
To review all Safe Kids Now Podcasts Click HERE

Spiritual Crisis in America! Part 2-Kids and Violence

I've condensed my 35 years of violence prevention into a few minutes.  Children can stay safe and avoid becoming bullies or victims!  Find out what I learned that keeps children safe as they learn to grow strong and resilient. 

BLUE CHILD, victim child      CENTERED (safer) CHILD      RED CHILD, bully child

We all have the power to decide how to behave if we have the emotional tools to make that decision -

Find out what you can do to empower your child!

http://www.safekidsnow.podomatic.com

SPIRITUAL CRISIS in America! Part 1 - SEX and the Media

Americans know that CHILDREN are greatly influenced by Hollywood, TV and the media!   How to reduce the sexualization of American youth?  What we can do!

Stopping Child Abuse!

Do you know the signs of child abuse?   Children need ALL OF US to speak up to help make families stronger and more resilient!  We can stop child abuse.

Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide



For more information about our podcasts - CLICK HERE

Are you raising a Bully, "Pin Cushion" Child or a Centered child?

            Bully behavior starts at an early age!

1 in 3 children are victims of bullies!  Teach children how to speak up with self-confidence or they can become victims.   

Bullies must modify their behavior. Victims must develop self-confidence.  Listen to the "Safe Kids" series on Bullies, Parenting, Pin Cushion Kids.

Next week, "Why TEENS become self-destructive!"

We invite you to add your comments! Join us on Facebook

Podcasts available - CLICK HERE

Combating the perfect storm for violence!

By Stephanie L. Mann - Published by the Bay Area News Group James Holmes, accused of killing 12 people The murder of 12 and wounding of 58 people at a theater in Aurora, Colo. and the killings of seven in a Sikh temple outside Milwaukee are national tragedies sparking debate on gun control. Based on my experience as a crime and violence prevention consultant over the past 35 years, I see a need to share what I have learned about violence. The seed for violent behavior begins at home. Good or bad, parents are teachers. Disconnected families in conflict often fail to teach children how to develop healthy relationships. Mental, physical or sexual abuse can make even the most intelligent child anti-social. If children's needs are not met, they can be thrown off balance, resulting in anger and feeling powerless. These children can become targets for abuse at school, becoming isolated and alone. Peers and society also influence impressionable youth. The breakdown in American culture has created a "perfect storm" for violent behavior. Family conflict, divorce and abuse can create confusion for children. They often suffer in silence or become bullies with little compassion for others. If adults don't listen, set boundaries, calmly discipline and demonstrate personal responsibility, children become frustrated and angry. Without guidance and emotional support, children may fail to mature emotionally and often alienate classmates. Children who excel in school can develop an inflated ego and feel smarter than others Lacking self-awareness, revenge can become a way to get back at society for the pain they have suffered. Without a conscience, emotionally unstable youth can become obsessed and decide to play "God" in other people's lives, which can turn deadly. In many cities, neighbors are strangers. They expect someone else to solve problems and don't see their role in keeping the neighborhood safe. This attitude creates social isolation with no check or balance on youthful misbehavior that can develop at an early age. Neighbors must become role models and demonstrate an interest in neighborhood kids. Disconnected residents allow fear to divide and conquer. Cities deteriorate as pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, gangs and the homeless take over the streets. Neighbors don't report criminal behavior and may even protect criminals who do favors for them. Crime goes unchecked, which allows gangs to fill the void. Without adult leadership, youth may turn to drugs, sex or other addictions to feel good while everyone else feels powerless. Movies and television promote sex and violence because it sells. Man's weakness is sex. Woman's weakness is tempting men. The entertainment industry reinforces human weaknesses. Immature youth engage in sex without understanding the consequences. Children are desensitized as men and women devalue themselves and live self-destructive lives, which can turn violent as moral values disappear. We become what we promote as disconnected youth feel angry, alone and nobody cares. There are thousands of churches, temples and synagogues in America; however, they don't work to inform the community about the power of the human spirit. During the past 50 years, the religious community has lost much of its influence after numerous scandals including pastors stealing from congregations and the abuse of children. Many churches became political action groups as religious leaders did little to bring the community together, spread the need for spiritual values or demonstrate the power of "love thy neighbor." Every adult needs to know community support helps raise successful children. Here are two things we can do today:  First, create a network of support around children to help them learn how to develop healthy relationships. Group participation teaches children to respect others and develop self-control. Network with friends and neighbors, and get children involved in a variety of groups.   Second, find emotional support for children at a house of worship of your choice. Help children discover their spiritual center so they don't become bullies or victims. Children can discover their identity and become responsible and self-aware. They will learn how to get along with peers and become better citizens.      Gun control is not the solution to this complex problem. Government cannot fill the void with more laws or by increasing control over American lives. Concerned citizens must work together to strengthen families, organize to make neighborhoods safe for children and get involved to make communities peaceful places to live.  Everyone will benefit as children grow up healthy, happy and able to reach their potential.

6 MYTHS - Keeping cities locked into crime!

Chicago had 10 people killed and 40 wounded in 4 days. This can change if we get beyond the myths!

For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, gangs and violence continues from one generation to the next. Myths include:

Myth #1 - Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. Additional police on the streets can increase response time, but their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.4 police for every 1000 citizens. It is not realistic to assume the police can keep us safe.

Myth #2 – More money will stop crime.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, home security, and guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop domestic violence or youth from being abused at home or bullied at school. It does not put a responsible father back in the home or increase time spent with children.

Myth #3 – Hitting and verbal abuse will not harm children.
An abused child struggles to be accepted. They can rebel, learn to be bullies or become victims. These children don’t trust their instincts and intuition or develop a healthy conscience, which can protect them. When children have love and a network of support, they grow strong and resilient.

Myth #4 - Laws control criminal behavior.
Politicians pass laws to keep the public safe. Laws have limitations. Most citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers ignore laws.

Myth #5 - Racism keeps the community oppressed.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or society perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent which is a self-destructive false sense of power.

Myth #6 - Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power by creating an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars has been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to help, we destroyed self-confidence, self-determination and motivation.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change behavior. Connected citizens have the power to create positive change and restore community safety and confidence.

America at a crossroads
Will security in the U.S. require more laws and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthen families?

The largest group of crime victims, children. They are “canaries in the mine.”

For more information, www.safekidsnow.com

Neighborhood Watch - A different point of view

The controversy over the Trayvon Martin shooting by a Block Captain in Florida prompted the writing of this article. Ms. June Fletcher explores the pros and cons of joining a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group.

Do you belong to a Neighborhood Watch group? What is your experience? What do you think?

Article published on Yahoo Real Estate 5/18/12. Click here to read: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/should-you-join-a-neighborhood-watch-program.html

14 WAYS to keep kids from being bullies or victims!

DISCUSS WITH CHILDREN...

1. If a bully provokes you, stay strong and speak up. Say, “Stop it.” Walk away or report behavior.
2. Settle disagreements with words, not fists. Stay calm, cool and collected!
3. If disputes escalate, don’t form an audience. Be a peacemaker and encourage others to intervene and speak up.
4. Stay alert when walking to and from school. Avoid areas, where bullies or groups of older kids hang out.
5. Know all your neighbors and who can offer a safe place, if needed.
6. Trust your instincts! If you sense danger or feel threatened, run away. If grabbed, yell and kick to get free. Fight back!
7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.
8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she seems like a nice person.
9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.
10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists.
11. Hang out with supportive friends. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs or make you feel bad.
12. Expand your relationships by getting involved in school activities such as yearbook, plays, arts or sports.
13. Face your fears and develop new skills by volunteering in your community or at your House of Worship. Be a leader and encourage friends to join you.
14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience develops self-awareness and will keep you safe from harm. When children are connected, they gain self-respect and respect for others.
For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com

Bin Laden: Primitive Men vs. Enlightened Americans

U.S. Special Forces killed Usama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.

In primitive societies, tribal men fight to gain control of a tribe. A new leader assumes power as followers give away their power to a stronger, smarter and wiser man. The leader can manipulate and set up secret alliances to protect his authority. With growing support and an inflated ego, he may try to gain control of other tribes to increase his dominance.

Primitive behavior begins at an early age. The schoolyard bully discovers a false sense of power when no one intervenes. The teenage boy controls his girl friend with threats (1 in 5 girls experience dating violence). The husband abuses his wife (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). 800,000 American gang members use fear and intimidation to control neighborhoods. Gangs commit eighty percent of all urban crimes as citizens hide behind locked doors. (The first four months in 2012, Chicago had 120 murders and 490 people were victims of gun violence.)

Just like tribes, gang followers are spiritually blind and band together to support their leader’s cause, which includes human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and weapons. They become destructive, driven by power and money.

Cult leaders are primitive men in disguise, often hiding behind religion. They control whole communities and brainwash followers. Jim Jones, David Koresh and Bin Laden died along with hundreds of followers rather than accept interference from authorities.

Cults do not allow freedom of thought or human rights. They write laws to control women so men have total authority. Cult extremists pass laws and cover women from head to foot. Women disappear from community participation. Their role is to give birth and take care of men. Primitive men severely punish anyone daring to challenge them. Followers lose their freedoms, in the name of a god.

Dictators have ruled for centuries! Seventy-five years ago, Adolph Hitler tried to conquer Europe. Today, Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad kills his own people to stay in power. North Korea’s Kim Jung Il began his ruthless regime 100 years ago. Kim Jung Un continues to rule as North Koreans starve. Iran’s religious dictators threaten Israel. These power hungry men feel invincible as they intimidate free people with nuclear threats. The world has an abundance of evil men willing to kill for power and control. They lie to accomplish their goal, use fear to immobilize their enemies and would rather die than lose their power.

Primitive men can only stay in power as long as people don’t understand the power of the human spirit. When citizens stand together, speak up and refuse to give away their freedoms, the people will prevail and restore their God given rights. When Americans decide to work together for home, neighborhood and community peace, we will see a gradual decline in controlling boys and men. And, cities and countries will no longer tolerate self-serving power hungry men.

A spiritual awakening is happening! Americans are getting involved to create healthy, safe communities for families. Americans, by example, can lead the way to world peace. As the awakening unfolds, nations will follow America’s lead to discover greater freedoms, new innovations and peaceful co-existence.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com

Top 10 Alarming Facts - How Domestic Violence Impacts Kids

1. 63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder kill the man who was abusing their mother
2. 75% of boys who are present when their mothers are beaten were later identified as having demonstrable behavior problems
3. Children from homes characterized by domestic violence are five to seven times more likely to experience significant psychological problems relative to children in the general population.
4. Domestic violence exposed children are four times more likely to visit the school nurse.
5. More than half of school age children in domestic violence shelters show clinical levels of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. Researchers have linked exposure to chronic abuse and violence with lower IQ scores, poorer language skills, decrements in visual-motor integration skills and problems with attention and memory.
7. Cognitive problems associated with exposure to violence and abuse comprises one of the most direct threats to the developmental task of school adaptation and academic achievement.
8. Witnessing violence as a child is associated with adult reports of depression, trauma-related symptoms and low self-esteem among women and trauma-related symptoms among men
9. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
10. 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year in the US.

YOU can bring neighbors together to help stop domestic violence, check out the "Adopt-A-Block" Guidebook on www.safekidsnow.com/adoptablock.html

WHY KIDS TAKE DRUGS!

George Will’s article (Times 4/5/12), “Should U.S. legalize drugs?” needs national discussion. Will states, “20 percent of all prisoners – 500,000 - are incarcerated for dealing drugs and alcohol causes half of criminal violence.” Interdiction and incarceration cost billions…some say, “Let’s just try legalization.”

Today, drugs impact children as young as ten, sniffing, puffing and drinking for a thrill or to feel good. Adults should ask…why are young people using drugs instead of learning how to live happy, healthy, productive lives?

WHAT HAPPENED?
Drugs have been around for centuries! As a mother, grandmother and crime prevention specialist for 35 years, I have seen American values, attitudes and parenting skills change which fueled the drug epidemic.

Families grew weaker. A growing number of “helicopter parents” don’t let children make mistakes, solve problems or suffer the consequences for bad behavior. Continually hovering, rescuing and controlling a child’s life, takes away their self-confidence, making him or her dependent. Children become targets for bullies.

Sensitive children suffer in silence as they struggle to fit in and be accepted. They don’t know how to handle rejection, failure, humiliation or bullying and focus on emotional pain, which leads to depression.

Without self-awareness, children become followers or may bully others because they are not on a path to discover their own identity. They feel powerless and escape in drugs, which masks the real problem. They have not been taught how to cope with the “slings and arrows” of life!

WHAT CAN ADULTS DO?
Children need two major factors to help them take responsibility for their future.
1. Learn to live by their inner spirit to grow strong and resilient.
2. Networks of support help youth develop healthy relationships.

The media bombards children with beautiful people, sex and violence. Parents can find emotional support in churches or synagogues, which provide mentors and role models. Connected children do not become socially isolated or turn to drugs.

Children need self-confidence to say NO to drugs, sex and abuse. Self-aware children learn to trust their conscience, intuition and instincts, which can protect them. A foundation of values leads to happy, healthy, productive youth.

Legalize drugs? Let’s focus on children growing from their spirit, not inflated egos of, “I am right,” “You are wrong.” When young people are on a path of self-discovery, they pursue their dreams and see no need to abuse drugs to feel good.


Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann

CITIZEN ACTIVISTS: The Key to Community Change!

America’s budget crisis and economic downturn has experts writing articles and wondering why crime has gone down. A former Los Angeles police chief gives credit to tracking, analyzing numbers and quick responses.

Richard Rosenfeld, a sociologist who studies crime trends states, "a remarkable decline." He suggests possible explanations include, extended benefits, food stamps and other government-driven economic stimulus "have cushioned and delayed for many people the big blows that come from a recession."

As a crime and violence prevention consultant for 36 years, I have seen citizen activists reduce crime but they are seldom acknowledged. When I got involved in 1969 to stop crime in my community, police were called “pigs” and citizen activists were called, “vigilantes” or “busy bodies.” Negative terms often slow down innovation. When citizen activists formed a volunteer countywide citizen’s crime prevention committee, the police chief’s association tried to block a state grant. Our request was granted only after a former police chief became a co-leader with our administrator. The chief was dropped after the 2nd year when the police saw citizens willing to work with them.

As one of six citizen activists, I was the West County Coordinator and we met weekly to share what we learned. Over the next six years, coordinators organized 27 volunteer crime prevention committees in cities throughout our county. Committees worked with police in each city to reduce burglaries. Citizens soon discovered neighbors were stopping vandalism and destructive juvenile behavior. Neighbors also learned how to work together to stop drug dealers, prostitutes and predators. As volunteers became more knowledgeable, they reported a porn ring; illegal gambling and discovered child sex trafficking.

As the group evolved, we saw the need for training. The committee developed workshops on how to develop partnerships, build teamwork, facilitate a meeting, make a presentation, sell prevention and work with the media. In addition to organizing and supporting local committees, we created a resource list of films, pamphlets and flyers to help volunteers make presentations on shoplifting, rape, drugs, juvenile delinquency and senior power. Staff and volunteers developed a county newsletter. Every year crime prevention volunteers grew, and the committee sponsored events and an annual dinner recognizing our numerous citizen activists. Our staff of eight made a huge impact on our county.

The solution to crime and violence has never been police, elected politicians or government. They set policy and have an important role, however, crimes occur when families and neighbors are disconnected and youth feel no one cares. We saw citizens changing attitudes, restoring hope as they reduced fear and social isolation which fuels crime and violence.

Today the media, police and city leaders see the need for volunteers. However, crime prevention training is limited for many reasons. Leaders may not trust volunteers, don’t understand their critical role or may feel threatened. Some volunteers do a better job than paid employees. When citizens get involved they might discover fraud, corruption and learn that citizens are being misinformed.

To continue the decline in crime, every community must tap into our greatest national resource, our citizens. Americans must be involved at the neighborhood level to stop juvenile bad behavior. INVOLVEMENT creates healthy environments for youth before they take drugs, get pregnant, drop out of school or join gangs. Every citizen should be encouraged to:
1. Meet neighbors in the ten closest homes or apartments.
2. Help neighbors connect and get acquainted.
3. Exchange contact information.
4. Know the children, the elderly and the cars in the neighborhood.
5. Encourage everyone to write down descriptions, license numbers and report suspicious activities.
6. Keep neighbors informed about any crime or problems.
7. Designate a rotating neighborhood leader, if people are afraid to report crimes.
8. Create a list of skills and equipment neighbors are willing to share.
9. Designate a “safe house” or a “block parent” for youth.
10. Have an annual neighborhood social or block party.

The public needs to know that their involvement contributes to the mental, physical and spiritual health of the community. The threat of floods, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes and terrorism is a wake up call for citizens to get connected. Involved citizens don’t tolerate crime and often become mentors for children! It takes a network of support to help raise compassionate, responsible, disciplined children.

To focus on prevention we must promote involvement and reward citizen activists for their accomplishments! County and city leaders should consider a citizen countywide committee. All city employees should be encouraged to set examples by organizing and participating in their neighborhoods. Adults need to take charge of neighborhood safety so children can grow up in healthy, peaceful cities.

Crime has decreased because citizen activists are creating change! Americans will create more positive change if citizens are encouraged, involved, educated and trained to be citizen activists in every community.

“As soon as public service ceases to be the chief business of citizens, and they would rather serve with their money than with their persons, the State is not far for its fall.”
Jean Jacques Rousseau
The Social Contract 1762

Mann is a safety consultant and the author of 4 national crime prevention books. Her first book, “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines for safer neighborhoods (1975)", helped launch the national “Neighborhood Watch” program. You can contact her at: http://www.safekidsnow.com.

Whitney’s story can strengthen America!

Whitney Houston was blessed with an amazing, inspirational voice. Yet, she abused drugs to escape her fears and pain. Whitney couldn’t save herself but her story can help strengthen others.

During the past 40 years, politicians spent billions trying to stop the drug epidemic. Abusing Illegal and prescription drugs takes a huge toll as domestic violence, child abuse and divorce increase. Disconnected youth drop out and follow self-destructive role models.

Whitney Houston had power, money and adoration but her ego kept her locked into drugs. It takes humility, seeking a higher power and time to become self-aware. The Bible, Proverbs 16-18 states, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.”

As an inner city crime and violence prevention consultant, I see addiction as a “crisis of the spirit. “ Users don’t know how to handle life’s problems.

I met AJ after he turned his life around. He had been a drug dealer, got hooked on drugs and became homeless. He was hungry and went to the Rescue Mission. He was told he had to listen to a sermon before eating. On the third visit, he fell on his knees and asked for help. Over time, he grew as a community leader and mentors 30 kids on his block. He also sponsors an annual Christmas party.

I worked with many homeless people and inner city pastors. I saw men turn their lives around.

Four reasons the national discourse limits discussion about God.
1. Americans are confused; don’t see the need for religion or lost faith in religious leaders. Some think religion is a cult or see religious people as hypocrites.
2. A spiritual solution doesn’t need money or experts. It requires faith, forgiveness and self-awareness.
3. We have to take full responsibility, which we don’t want to hear.
4. Separation of church and state negates what has worked for centuries.

Drug abuse is lack of understand one’s own spirit! Americans need the religious community to work together to help young people discover their inner power BEFORE they make bad choices.

We lost Whitney Houston and many other talented “stars” due to drug abuse. Time to spread the word… it is “better to get wisdom than gold.”

Stephanie L. Mann, Author, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
Host: MORE Public Radio International, Oakland, CA.

15 Ways To Keep Children Safe!

DISCUSS WITH CHILDREN...

1. Keep your hands to yourself. Settle disagreements with words, not fists or weapons. (Parents…model non-violent behavior at home.)

2. If a bully provokes you, stay strong. Remember: If you react, he is in control. If you stay cool and calm, you are in control. Walk away!

3. If disputes escalate, seek help! Don’t form an audience. Encourage others to stop tolerating bad behavior.

4. Be alert! Find safe routes for walking to and from school, avoid hot spots (bully or drug house, group hang outs).

5. Know all your neighbors. (Parents: Ask trusted neighbors to be a safe house, if you are away and your child needs help.)

6. Trust your instincts! If they feel threatened or sense danger, get away fast. Run to a group of people, a lighted area or in a store for help.

7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.

8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she sounds like a nice person. If forced, fight back and run.

9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.

10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists. (Parent: Role-play with children what you want them to do.)

11. Hang out with friends who show support for each other. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs and make you feel bad.

12. Get involved in school activities (yearbook, plays, arts) to strengthen your network of supportive friend. (Parents: Children need a variety of friends to see and evaluate healthy relationships.)

13. Be a role model for others to follow. Volunteer in the community or at your House of Worship. Learn to be a leader and encourage friends to join you.

14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience (self-awareness) will keep you safe from harm.

15. Parents actions speak louder than words. Get involved in community activities and take children with you. When children are connected, they gain self-respect and respect for others.

For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com

10 Ways to Stop Gangs without Money!

America has slowly evolved from “In God we trust” to the “me generation” demanding rights without a sense of responsibility to neighbors or community. The loss of community involvement has contributed to the growth of criminal gangs. When families break down, children can become angry. They can find comfort and support through gangs, sex and drugs.

The FBI reports the peak age for burglary is 16 and violence, age 18. Without correction, children fill the void with a false sense of power. Without responsible adults, a teen can steal or assault another child without guilt.

Police, schools and community leaders are struggling to cope, but children need adults to speak up and support each other.

As a crime prevention coordinator, I was facilitating a meeting of neighbors. After discussing ways to stop burglars, a neighbor asked what to do about two boys, 7 and 9 who were bullying her children. Other neighbors added the boys stole from a garage, broke several flowerpots and smashed a mailbox. A man said he had told the mother, “Get your boys under control” and she slammed her door. The group decided they could not let two young boys disrupt their lives but they needed a positive approach. Two tactful neighbors agreed to talk to the mother and offer help. The mother not only listened by burst into tears and said her husband had left. Neighbors decided to help and several men became mentors and families included the boys in their activities. Today they are successful students, one in high school and the other in college.

There are 28,000 gangs in the US and nine youths die every day from violence. Neighborhood support is critical for struggling families. Isolation creates an environment for crime, vandalism and domestic violence as citizens seek refuge behind locked doors. Americans are paying a high price.

We are at a crossroads. Citizens can restore the social fabric of communities.
Ten ways YOU can help stop gangs and destructive behaviors:
1. Help children learn how to become centered by taking your family to church. Children become strong and resilient by learning how to handle their emotions. Self-esteem is a “do it yourself,” project of looking within and changing ourselves. A strong conscience protects us, provides guidance and self-control.

2. Create a network of love and support with a peaceful home life and connecting to positive family members, neighbors and a church family.

3. Teach children the buddy system and street smarts. Encourage them to listen to their self-protective instincts and trust their intuition to avoid danger.

4. Include children in your home safety program: how to secure your home, how to answer the door and phone, what to do when home alone or in an emergency.

5. Create a safe neighborhood by working with neighbors. Join a neighborhood group or start one.

6. Establish a block parent program and designate a safe house on the block.

7. Conduct a neighborhood safety survey: Do you have overgrown shrubs, adequate lighting, open drainage, speeding cars, abandoned houses, drug dealers or gangs? Work with neighbors to solve problems.

8. Report criminal activities or designate neighborhood leaders willing to report to police.

9. Encourage city leaders to appoint a volunteer committee to promote community involvement and youth safety projects. Increase communication with local support agencies. Invite responsible teens to participate in teen courts and neighborhood groups.

10. Ask existing groups (churches, civic groups) to help organize after-school activities, start neighborhood newsletters, sponsor block parties and help clean up neighborhoods. Groups can reach out and help citizens get connected so gangs will not attract youth.

Responsible adults, take charge! We can create safe communities when children see positive role models and learn acceptable behavior.

Americans can reduce fear and restore trust by creating neighborhood support. We will stop gangs when adults work together for safe, healthy communities for everyone, especially for our children.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

For more information see, The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook, on www.safekidsnow.com