February 12, 1999

Parents With Young Kids Are Focus of Campaign to Combat Gang Recruitment Efforts

In an effort to thwart the rising tide of gang activity in San Diego County, a community partnership this week launched a public information campaign to help parents keep their kids safe from gangs.

Developed by LEAD San Diego Fellows, the bilingual campaign will target parents with children ages eight to 13 - those considered most vulnerable to gang recruitment efforts.


Felix Aguirre, detective, San Diego Police Department Street Gang, reported that San Diego has more than 10,000 documented street gang members.

"The bad news is that gangs increasingly are trying to recruit our kids when they're extremely young and impressionable," said Donna Fulkerson, a LEAD San Diego Fellow and parent. "The good news is that, if parents look out for the early warning sings, there's still time to intervene."

However, distinguishing between that is a sign of gang involvement and what is just normal kid behavior is not always easy for parents. Seemingly, gang attire and attitude have gone mainstream.

With this in mind, the campaign introduced a Gang Prevention Resource Line, the first of its kind in San Diego County. A pre-recorded message, in English and Spanish, will refer callers to a community agency in their geographic area, where a trained counselor will assist them. The toll-free number is: 1-877-4-0-GANGS (-877-404-2647). The campaign web site is: www.sandiegoinsider.com / community / groups / nogangs. North County Coastal - Lifeline Coastal Community Services; South Bay - South Bay Community Services; and, East County - San Diego Youth and Community Services (SDY&CS).

According to the San Diego Police Department's Street Gang Unit, San Diego County has over 10,000 documented street gang members and the numbers are increasing. They cut across geographic, socio-economic, racial and gender lines.

"Children are being recruited into gangs on a daily basis," said Dorothy Annette, artist, LEAD San Diego Fellow. "It is time to empower parents with the tools necessary to intercede before their children are lost to them."

The campaign will reach parents with its theme, "Do You Know for Sure?," through publicity, busboards, posters and bookmarks.

Campaign organizers said that, upon evaluation, they expect to turn administration of the resource line over to the community.

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