In the city of Salinas the number of youths joining violent gangs is a growing problem. To help stop youths from joining these violent gangs we must find the root of the problem. Young people join gangs because they grow up in environments where gang members are viewed as role models. The youths emulate the gang members and hope that one day they can be accepted by them. To combat this problem, the city of Salinas has organized youth centers and clubs where teens find temporary escape from their negative environment. Although helpful, the moment a troubled young person leaves the club or center they are right back on the city streets, where the gangster lifestyle lures them. This is why I believe that there should be a club for at risk teens, where they can travel for extended periods of time and learn about different cultures and environments. If teens stay in their gang influenced environments they will become a gang member. Some teens are not gang members. Therefore some teens do not stay in poor environments. .
Having at risk teens in new environments makes them realize that there are other options besides becoming a gang banger. For example, teens may travel to other places in the world like Somalia, where many people live in poverty and famine. During this time they will partake in activities that educate the people of Somalia about things like, disease prevention, birth control and other useful information. At face value, it appears that the people of Somalia are the beneficiaries, but underneath the surface the teens receive a great deal out of the experience as well. The teens experience how good it makes them feel to have a positive impact on other people's lives. They also develop positive relationships with the local people, and realize that the differences between people only run skin deep. This will show teens that every life is special; including the life of what would be their rival gang members in Salinas.
