I am calling on everyone within the community, whether it is organizations, schools, teachers, family members, or anyone who has seen the hardships of living in communities where gangs and crime are at an all-time high. Changing our communities and giving children a chance to experience a different type of community can help change their lives. Giving children more positive environments can help keep them from following gangs or turning to addictions, which can change the whole dynamic of how a child or the children of our future see life.

The effects of poverty, violence, and limited opportunities can affect the way a child sees life, making it easier for them to choose the life that a gang member has or even turn to abusing drugs to feel better about themselves. Young children having more positive opportunities can make a difference and give them more positive options and environments where they feel supported, excited, and have more opportunities to build a better future for themselves.

Research has shown that children who are exposed to more violence and gang-related environments can experience serious challenges. In one of the studies I found, it showed that greater exposure to gangs among Hispanic youth was associated with substance use. The study also found that access to substances and exposure to violence helped explain the relationship between gang exposure and substance use.

Trauma is another big factor. Children and adolescents who have gone through tough or traumatic experiences can experience more mental-health and behavioral problems. One study of adolescent gang members found that experiencing multiple types of trauma was associated with mental-health symptoms, delinquency, and drug distribution. This is where communities, schools, and families have to get involved more to provide the support and care that children need so they can feel supported and not alone when they have to deal with those traumatic experiences.

Youth also have big goals and a big future ahead of them. They should not be overlooked or forgotten. Research has shown that youth in high-poverty urban communities can experience many different stressors and challenges. Research also shows the importance of providing positive social networks, resources, stress management, employment opportunities, and youth participation.

I am asking communities and local leaders to increase access to resources like youth mentorships and positive social networks, community programs, trauma-support services, stress-management resources, educational opportunities, and employment opportunities for young people. Giving youth these positive opportunities can help them feel supported and give them more choices for their future.

By signing my petition, you are supporting stronger community resources and prevention programs for youth. Together, we can make a change for those children and create the support that they need to grow and become better people for the next generations to come.

Please share my petition with your families, friends, and the whole community to make this change a reality!