GANGFREE Month

The purpose of GANGFREE Month is to bring attention and a sound understanding of the international realities of the various negative causes and effects this epidemic of gang violence has on the future of our society. Additionally, we will recognize and show gratitude to the professionals that combat this threat every day as well as the programs and services that support them.

Everyone plays a fundamental role in making a GANGFREE World. GANGFREE Month will bring together community members, business leaders, elected officials, associations, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, gang professionals and the media from around the world to create a global voice against gang violence.

Two vital components in the focus and success of this initiative is the recognition of community and family. To be successful in reducing gang violence and erasing the allure that draws young people to them; we must first build strong communities and even stronger families. A gang’s ability to replace these two components within a young person’s life is their #1 strength and a young person’s #1 weakness. This has to change!

Gangs flourish when families and communities are disengaged but families and communities flourish when they are connected to the opportunities, networks, support and services that help them to achieve their full potential. Strong families build strong communities thus “Creating a GANGFREE World – One Community at a Time!”