Getting out of gangs 

For most gang members, gangs meet a need. When they learn to meet their needs in a better way, they will decide to stop being a gang member. However, for many gang members, the issue is not if they will grow out of being a gang member. The issue is whether they will live long enough to make that decision.

When gang members decide that they want to get out of the gang, there are a few simple steps that they can begin to follow:

  • Never tell the gang you want out. You may be seriously harmed.
  • Begin spending your time doing other things. Instead of spending time with your gang friends, find something else to do during that time. Look around. There are possibilities everywhere: sports, recreation centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, arts programs, drama, school activities, and even spending time with your family.
  • Try to stop looking like a gangster. For many gang members, dressing down makes them feel safe because other people are scared of the way they look. As you begin to believe in yourself you will find that you don't need to make other people feel afraid in order to feel good about yourself. Stop wearing the clothes that you think are gangster clothes.
  • Stop talking like a gangster, acting like a gangster, and hanging out with gangsters. Find other things to say, other things to do, and other people to hang out with. (HINT: this is much easier if you stop dressing like a gangster first.)
  • Get good at making excuses. Your parents can probably help you with this, but if not, try asking a teacher or older friend for help. Some former gang members have said that when they started trying to get out they stopped taking phone calls from their gang and had their family tell friends they weren't home.

Find people who support you and believe in you. Getting out of gangs isn't easy but it can be done. Find people, especially adults, who think that you are special and will keep telling you that. Begin believing in yourself. Gangs are a dead-end street. No matter who you are, what you have done, or where you live, you deserve better.