How To Leave a Gang

If you decide that you want to leave the gang, here are a few

Simple steps to follow:

Never tell the gang that you plan to leave.You may be beaten or even killed.

Begin spending your time doing other things.

Instead of spending Time hanging out with your gang friends, find something else to do
during that time. Look around. There are possibilities everywhere: sports, recreation centers, Boys and 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 afraid 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 have a gang meaning.

Find other things to say, other things to do, and other people to do them with.

(Hint: This is much easer if you stop dressing like a gang member first). Stop hanging out withgang members, talking like a gang
member and acting like a gang
member.

Get good at making excuses.

Your parents can probably help you with this, but if not, try asking a teacher
for help or maybe just an older friend. Some former gang members have said that when they started trying to leave the gang, they stopped taking phone calls from their gang friends, or had their family members tell their friends from the gang that they were
busy or involved in some other activity.

Find people who will support you and believe in you.

Getting out of a gang isn’t easy, but it can be done. Young people across America make the decision to have a better life every day. Find people, especially adults, who think that you are special and will keep telling you that. In your mind, think of a supportive adult wherever you go (school, neighborhood, and church) whom you can touch base with if you have a problem or need to talk. Then use these people to help support you as you change with good advice and assistance.

Finally, begin believing in your power to change. Gangs are a dead- use these people to help end street. No matter who you are, what you have done, or where you live, you deserve better.