1. JAIL
Gang leaders downplay the negative experience of jail to potential members. What gang leaders don’t say is that it can be a violent place for gang members, who are always looking over their shoulder for attacks from gang rivals.

2. DEATH
Gangs will ruthlessly kill their rivals. The average age of death for a gang member in Calgary is 20. Gang members are 75% more likely to be victims of violence than a regular person in the community. It is a tragic waste of young lives. Is the promise of a little money worth dying for?

3. ESCAPE
It is not easy to get out of a gang. There will be a great deal of pressure to stay. But with love, help and support, young people can get away from the gang lifestyle and lead better, safer lives. Often, it can be as simple as not hanging around with gang members and finding new friends and new things to do.

The Calgary Police Service has a gang strategy in place to help gang members escape and get their lives back on track. The first step is as simple as calling the Gang Helpline (206-8191)

There are other organizations out there that can provide help to gang members and their concerned families (click here to learn more).