In this chapter we'll focus on solutions which may be
implemented by individual citizens, former gang members, and
families. Many solutions will be offered in this and following chapters.
Some of them are tried and true, others are experimental. Some may be
applicable to several communities, others will have to be fine-tuned to meet
a particular community's situation. Careful planning and constant evaluation
should result in producing successful approaches.
The solutions discussed in this chapter are among the most
important in this section of the book. Unless the individual citizen is
motivated to action, there is little that can ever be done to reduce gang
activity and youth violence. Not surprisingly, there are many examples of
effective personal and family prevention and intervention efforts. And the
contributions of former gang members can not be overlooked.