A gang is a formal or informal group that is involved in criminal activity on a regular basis.

There are gangs operating in Calgary. In this city, gangs usually don't have uniforms. They don't wear colours. And they don’t have an area of town they call their "turf". But they are out there, and they are trying to get smart, young, innocent kids to make the mistake of joining them.

Most gangs are involved in selling drugs. Some are involved in prostitution and other crimes. All are dangerous. And those who are at the most risk are gang members themselves.

Gangs mislead and intimidate a lot of good kids to join them. They make promises of money, sex, respect and fast cars.

But what really awaits is a life of bullets and jail. It's a dead end lifestyle that goes down one of three paths:

Most members end up in jail.
Many end up in a coffin.
The smart ones realize there’s a better, easier, happier life out there… and find a way out.

The best thing you can do is to just keep away from gangs and gang members entirely, because it is not an easy life to lead – or an easy life to leave.

When you're in a gang, you're a target.

The sad thing is that your rivals don't really care where they get you. At home with your family. At a nightclub or a party with your girlfriend. Or in a car with your little sister or little brother. It doesn't matter who you're with. If they want you dead, and a bystander gets in the way, they do not care.

How would you feel if an innocent friend or family member was killed because of your involvement in a gang? Can you blame them if they stop spending time with you and keep their distance?

You kidding? Gang leaders don't want to go to jail. That's why they get junior members and new recruits to do their dirty work.

And they'll tell you that jail is a piece of cake.

Sure, if you want to be a target and constantly living in fear. Looking over your shoulder for a rival gang member to settle a grudge in prison. It's a lonely, violent place to be. Away from family and friends. No car. No cell phone. No girlfriend/boyfriend. Little hope.

Always looking over your shoulder. Never knowing who you can trust. Not quite sure where you're safe.

Welcome to the world of a gang member. Living in constant fear.

Considering the average gang member doesn't get a big piece of the action (the gang leaders take most of money for themselves)... is it worth dying for a few bucks?

If you think the rules at home are tough, just wait till you see how strict gangs are. If you break their rules you don't get your TV or computer privileges taken away. You don't get grounded. The punishment is far, far worse: a severe beating, torture… or in some cases death.

In a gang, loyalty doesn’t go both ways.

They're looking out for themselves. If you get busted or in trouble, you're on your own. You call that respect? If you want to look out for number one, the best thing you can do is to walk away from gang life.

What’s the greatest weapon a gang has?
Fear and pressure.

Before you know it, you're forced to do things that go against everything you believe in. You're made to forget the lessons, values and morals you've been taught by your parents and loved ones. You become a different person.

You're forced to steal, sell drugs and commit acts of violence against innocent people to earn the respect of fellow gang members.

What's the number one thing gang members are after? Money!!! There's always someone higher up in the gang that wants a slice of the profits… even if you did all the work and took all the chances.

Making cash selling drugs is dangerous, violent and extremely risky. When you're arrested, the money you made and the drugs you were caught with are seized... so you end up with nothing. But when you get out of jail, you will still be on the hook for the money or the drugs you lost. The gang will expect you to pay the money back. And if you can't pay… you will pay (possibly with your life).

On the flip side, if someone owes you money and doesn't have the cash… they can make the debt disappear by making you disappear!

When you think about it, the numbers just don't add up in your favour.

You may think once you're in a gang, there's no way out. The thing is, people do manage to walk away.

Their advice? It's often as simple as finding other things to do and other friends to hang out with. Stop spending time with your gang buddies. Stop acting like a gangster. When they call, tell them you're busy or not interested.

Will there be pressure? Sure. Will it be easy? Probably not. But you have to be strong. The most important thing former gang members say is to find others who really support you, respect you and believe in you.

You also have to believe in yourself. Calgary is one of the best cities in the world to live and allows you to find a real job you enjoy and make very good money at the same time.

Gang life is a dead end. But there is a way out, and we're here to help.

Maybe you're in a gang now, or are being pressured to join one. Perhaps you're worried about a friend or loved one going down the wrong path.

Give us a call. You'll be put in touch with trained professionals who work with former gang members every day.

It's 100% confidential. It will be the most important call you ever made.