Healing Our Neighborhoods:
A Citywide Partnership To Combat Gang Crime
excerpts
GETTING NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS INVOLVED
Putting public safety first. Neighborhood councils are made up of residents who come together to discuss ways to resolve local problems. Each neighborhood council in Los Angeles selects its own leaders and determines its own agenda. There are 20 neighborhood councils within the 12 Gang Reduction and Youth Development Zones. While neighborhood councils have traditionally focused on land use and beautification, public safety issues have top priority in Zone neighborhoods.
Tackling local problems with strategic plans. Neighborhood councils certified by the Board for Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) can receive tens of thousands of dollars each year for local projects. This year, every neighborhood council in Los Angeles will meet with the department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) to create a strategic plan — motivating neighbors to use their deep knowledge of local problems to influence local and Citywide policies.
Cleaning up graffiti. Increasing numbers of neighborhood councils view graffiti clean-u as an effective way to reclaim City streets that gangs consider their turf — to deter vandalism as well as major crime. Other projects spearheaded by neighborhood councils include job readiness clinics, tattoo removal services and violence prevention conferences.
Collaborating to increase clout. To do more with existing resources, neighborhood councils are collaborating with other organizations, including the LAPD, City Council district offices, Recreation snd Parks, community and faith-based groups, and other neighborhood councils.
One neighborhood council worked with the LAPD to photograph graffiti and have it analyzed by experts to determine the identity of the most active gang members and learn more about gang allies and enemies. Another neighborhood council enlisted gang members to help repair cracked sidewalks — an example of the ways traditional beautification programs can be updated to combine infrastructure repair with violence prevention.
HELP US HEAL OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Many Angelinos have turned their eye away from the tragedy of gang violence, believing falsely that there is nothing they can do, or that it does not affect "their" community. but the reality is that we all have a stake in defeating the deadly, soul-destroying influence of gangs.
City and County government, nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations can accomplish a great deal by working together, but they cannot do it alone. We are asking you to help us reclaim our youth, their families and their communities from the scourge of gang violence.
We are asking for your support — as business people, parents and concerned citizens. We are asking you to become the eyes and ears and voice of our communities.
Get involved by volunteering your skills and experience. Help out at a school safety program. Offer management assistance to a community group. Donate to our nonprofit anti-gang team members. Speak out against the glorification of gang violence in music and movies. Hire youth. Rally your service organization. Become a mentor.
Help us heal Los Angeles.
excerpts
GETTING NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS INVOLVED
Putting public safety first. Neighborhood councils are made up of residents who come together to discuss ways to resolve local problems. Each neighborhood council in Los Angeles selects its own leaders and determines its own agenda. There are 20 neighborhood councils within the 12 Gang Reduction and Youth Development Zones. While neighborhood councils have traditionally focused on land use and beautification, public safety issues have top priority in Zone neighborhoods.
Tackling local problems with strategic plans. Neighborhood councils certified by the Board for Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) can receive tens of thousands of dollars each year for local projects. This year, every neighborhood council in Los Angeles will meet with the department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) to create a strategic plan — motivating neighbors to use their deep knowledge of local problems to influence local and Citywide policies.
Cleaning up graffiti. Increasing numbers of neighborhood councils view graffiti clean-u as an effective way to reclaim City streets that gangs consider their turf — to deter vandalism as well as major crime. Other projects spearheaded by neighborhood councils include job readiness clinics, tattoo removal services and violence prevention conferences.
Collaborating to increase clout. To do more with existing resources, neighborhood councils are collaborating with other organizations, including the LAPD, City Council district offices, Recreation snd Parks, community and faith-based groups, and other neighborhood councils.
One neighborhood council worked with the LAPD to photograph graffiti and have it analyzed by experts to determine the identity of the most active gang members and learn more about gang allies and enemies. Another neighborhood council enlisted gang members to help repair cracked sidewalks — an example of the ways traditional beautification programs can be updated to combine infrastructure repair with violence prevention.
HELP US HEAL OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Many Angelinos have turned their eye away from the tragedy of gang violence, believing falsely that there is nothing they can do, or that it does not affect "their" community. but the reality is that we all have a stake in defeating the deadly, soul-destroying influence of gangs.
City and County government, nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations can accomplish a great deal by working together, but they cannot do it alone. We are asking you to help us reclaim our youth, their families and their communities from the scourge of gang violence.
We are asking for your support — as business people, parents and concerned citizens. We are asking you to become the eyes and ears and voice of our communities.
Get involved by volunteering your skills and experience. Help out at a school safety program. Offer management assistance to a community group. Donate to our nonprofit anti-gang team members. Speak out against the glorification of gang violence in music and movies. Hire youth. Rally your service organization. Become a mentor.
Help us heal Los Angeles.
client
Gang Reduction & Youth Development
Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles
project
Vision document
Please click here for pdf.
audience
Public and private stakeholders, including the general public
goal
To introduce the city’s new anti-gang crime program, and to call for Citywide involvement
Gang Reduction & Youth Development
Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles
project
Vision document
Please click here for pdf.
audience
Public and private stakeholders, including the general public
goal
To introduce the city’s new anti-gang crime program, and to call for Citywide involvement