Working with Gangs and Young People
A Toolkit for Resolving Group Conflict
Jessie Feinstein and Nia Imani Kuumba
Working with Gangs and Young People is an excellent toolkit for practitioners, whether or not they are working with high-risk young people. It goes a long way towards empowering workers with the confidence needed to engage in group activities and discussions with young people. The activities will enable young people to understand what is going on in their lives and to positively take control of the decisions and issues that affect them.’
Rubel Ahmed, Youth Programmes Development Co-ordinator, Camden Youth and Connexions Service
‘This publication is a welcome contribution to the hands-on conflict resolution literature dealing with youth and street gangs. It comes at a time when many local communities are wondering how to respond to young people participating in rapidly mutating street subcultures that have both violent and non-violent elements and which derive from both U.S. and British traditions… Based on years of practice and experience with street groups, the lessons collected in this book will be an indispensable guide to youth workers, community organizers, teachers and social workers in their search for effective, humanistic responses to gang-related tensions and anti-social behavior.’
Dave Brotherton, Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice/City University of New York
Concern about gang culture is on the increase, but remains surrounded by myths. While gangs may lead young people into dangerous situations and breed community division, distrust and fear, the friendship, support, security and sense of belonging they offer are often overlooked by those working with young people involved in gangs.
Working with Gangs and Young People demonstrates how young people can be engaged in a creative and challenging process that explores the costs, gains and consequences of the choices they make around their gang membership. It provides a tried-and-tested training programme for anyone involved in conflict resolution with young people in groups or gangs, and offers effective interventions that work.
Based on a five-year action research project developed by Leap Confronting Conflict, this practical, fully photocopiable toolkit gives practitioners the materials, support and inspiration needed to engage young people who are involved in gangs. It presents flexible activities and strategies to run either two-hour or one-day workshops, and will be indispensable to anyone involved in working with this under-supported group.
Contents:
Preface. Introduction. How to Use This Manual. 1. Safety and Danger. 2. Space and Territory. 3. Status and Reputation. 4. Enemies and Revenge. Taking the Work Forward. Appendix 1. References. Information about Leap Confronting Conflict
Published 2006, 139pp, A4 Softcover
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