Gang Prevention Awareness week is celebrated every third week in September.
Here is a little background..
Choose Gang Free has been celebrating I.G.A.D- International Gang Awareness Day since 2015 with a community celebration. Inviting our community neighbors out, public resources and programs all for youth and families, youth programs and much more. As of last year Gang Prevention Awareness Week (S.B. 175 ) was signed on
March 21, 2109 by Gov. Herbert. Giving Utah one week to celebrate Gang Prevention Awareness, its crazy to think that this Bill started as an idea right here with Choose Gang Free and with the help of some very special friends we were able to get it into the hands of Senator Karen Mayne who worked hard and pushed it through. We want to thank everyone who was involved in the process, for believing in us and giving Utah such a great opportunity.
Choose Gang Free has been celebrating I.G.A.D- International Gang Awareness Day since 2015 with a community celebration. Inviting our community neighbors out, public resources and programs all for youth and families, youth programs and much more. As of last year Gang Prevention Awareness Week (S.B. 175 ) was signed on
March 21, 2109 by Gov. Herbert. Giving Utah one week to celebrate Gang Prevention Awareness, its crazy to think that this Bill started as an idea right here with Choose Gang Free and with the help of some very special friends we were able to get it into the hands of Senator Karen Mayne who worked hard and pushed it through. We want to thank everyone who was involved in the process, for believing in us and giving Utah such a great opportunity.
Although this year has been anything but normal for everyone and our regular plans of having a community celebration and our annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament can not happen, Choose Gang Free has been working very hard and we are honored as well as excited to have one whole week dedicated to Gang Prevention Awareness and hope you join us in the virtual celebration.
Below you will find daily curriculum, activities and video links so you can participate each day with us, as we celebrate Gang Prevention Awareness.
Below you will find daily curriculum, activities and video links so you can participate each day with us, as we celebrate Gang Prevention Awareness.
2020 Gang Prevention Awareness Week
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Cant see the flyers? Download them below.
| gpaw_flyer_20.pdf |
| gpaw_trick_shot_flyer.pdf |
| gpaw_basketball_2020.pdf |
Before we begin there are some things we want you to know, or you may have some questions. If at any time we do not answer your questions or you you'd like to ask a question please head over to the contact us section and send us a message.
What is a gang?
A gang is a group of 3 or more people who hang around with each other and call themselves a certain name and/or……. Have a common symbol or identifier, these individuals may dress alike in a specific color or style, claim an area or neighborhood as their territory or are involved in criminal activity together.
There are many reasons that youths join gangs, we are here to help youth and families choose a better, brighter future.
What is a gang?
A gang is a group of 3 or more people who hang around with each other and call themselves a certain name and/or……. Have a common symbol or identifier, these individuals may dress alike in a specific color or style, claim an area or neighborhood as their territory or are involved in criminal activity together.
There are many reasons that youths join gangs, we are here to help youth and families choose a better, brighter future.
| gpaw2020_activity_book.pdf |
| gpaw_pg1.pdf |
| gpaw_pg2.pdf |
Monday
Todays focus is on choosing yourself and setting some personal goals for your future. It is always important to choose yourself because it is your future that matters. Making decisions can be a tough job sometimes, wanting to fall into the crowd just to fit in may seem appealing and a great way to find friends. But remember YOU always have a choice, so choose what's best for you.
In the activities below you will write a letter to your future self to reflect on how this year has affected your life, how you choose to grow from it and keep on your brighter future path. You will also set some personal goals for yourself; think about what it is you want to accomplish, why its important, who can help you, what challenges you might face and what steps you will take to over come those challenges! Setting goals is a good way to help you focus on the future, knowing why its important can help you stay on track, finding those resources and people who can help you achieve these goals as well as knowing what challenges you may come across and in case that happens knowing what steps you can take to over come them. Goals can change too, they don't always have to stay the same. Once you accomplish one goal step up and set another and another! Remember you got this!
Theme: I Choose Me! No sweat.
You can join us and wear your favorite team swag or support your school team. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
In the activities below you will write a letter to your future self to reflect on how this year has affected your life, how you choose to grow from it and keep on your brighter future path. You will also set some personal goals for yourself; think about what it is you want to accomplish, why its important, who can help you, what challenges you might face and what steps you will take to over come those challenges! Setting goals is a good way to help you focus on the future, knowing why its important can help you stay on track, finding those resources and people who can help you achieve these goals as well as knowing what challenges you may come across and in case that happens knowing what steps you can take to over come them. Goals can change too, they don't always have to stay the same. Once you accomplish one goal step up and set another and another! Remember you got this!
Theme: I Choose Me! No sweat.
You can join us and wear your favorite team swag or support your school team. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
Print one of our awesome "I CHOOSE ME" statements and color it with your own twist while watching the video below!
Download the letter "Dear Future Me" and choose which "I CHOOSE ME" color picture here
Download the letter "Dear Future Me" and choose which "I CHOOSE ME" color picture here
| gpaw_pg3.pdf |
| gpaw_personal_goals.pdf |
| i_choose_me_posters.pdf |
Special Thanks to our Gang Prevention Specialist/Advocate Vince at Granite Park Jr. and all those who participated in making this video
We hope you take what has been said in this video and remember to always CHOOSE yourself.
We hope you take what has been said in this video and remember to always CHOOSE yourself.
GPAW Basketball Skills, Drills or Challenges today
Remember show us your skills! Have a parent film you participating in the daily skills and drills, share the videos or pictures or tag us on Facebook at @ChooseGangFree. Don't have social media you can email them in to [email protected] with parental consent we can share them for you!
Tuesday
Todays focus is your future is bright! I will be talking about peer pressure, you have options, what are your risk factors and A.R.E- Avoid, Refuse, Escape.
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is influence from members of ones peer group (friends or people around you). for example say you're hanging out with friends at the park and another kid approaches you and tells you to drink alcohol because it’s cool and everyone else is doing it. This is peer pressure, and you can choose to make your own choices. You have options, just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't mean you have to do it too. Knowing that you have the option not to and having a plan set in place and goals to focus on can help you make decisions that are good for you.
What is a risk factor? Do you know your risk factors?
A risk factor is something that puts you more at risk in certain situations. Now is a perfect time for you to consider the risk factors you may have to help you create your Peer Pressure Escape Plan. Below you will find the Peer Pressure Escape Plan. Here are just a few examples of peer pressure risk factors:
- low self esteem. (How you feel about your self)
- if you are afraid or fear someone in your peer group.
- lack of confidence. (How good you are at making decisions)
- not knowing who you are and what your goals are for the future.
- not having a future plan.
- feeling different or separated from friends and/or family
A.R.E- Avoid, refuse , escape are three things you can use to remember if you find yourself in a situation you may be feeling peer pressure. Knowing ahead of time that you may have to avoid certain people, places and things. You can refuse to do anything you are not comfortable doing and you can have an escape plan if you run into these things. On the next downloadable page you can write what it is you need to avoid, state what you will refuse to do and find your way through the maze to escape! You can do anything, because you choose yourself and your future is bright.
You can also join us in coloring your own shoe, you can write some things that may be negative for you to fall under for peer pressure, then start coloring to shade those things out!
Theme: Your future is bright!
You can join us and wear your shades to shade out the negativity. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
| gpaw_peer_pressure_escape_plan.pdf |
| gpaw_are_maze.pdf |
| gpaw_air_force_1.pdf |
Special Thanks to our Gang Prevention Specialists/Advocates Rob and Lani who are at Jordan High School and Midvale Middle School in making this video.
We hope that you use the tools given to you today and wear your shades to shade out any negativity!
We hope that you use the tools given to you today and wear your shades to shade out any negativity!
GPAW Basketball Skills, Drills or Challenges today
Remember show us your skills! Have a parent film you participating in the daily skills and drills, share the videos or pictures or tag us on Facebook at @ChooseGangFree. Don't have social media you can email them in to [email protected] with parental consent we can share them for you!
Wednesday
Today's theme is Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe!
We are going to focus on your choices, what are your alternatives, identifying your safety net and positive and negative influences.
Your choices are yours to choose, know that you always have the choice to do what is best for you. Sometimes choices might be hard to make and it might not seem as "cool" if others around you aren't making the best of choices, but if you remember your focus is you, and that you have plans for a brighter future you can live a happy and healthy life style. When making a choice you have to evaluate (decide) what is right for you. Remember your worksheets from the previous days to help you with this.
Alternatives are very important to have, what are alternatives you ask? Alternatives are things that you can do with your time, things that you find bring you happiness and joy. Some examples of these things could be;
Positive and Negative influences, an influence is something that may have an effect on your character, development or behavior that could be positive or negative. It is important to know who in your life is a negative influence or a positive influence this could help you in your decision making. Positive influences will encourage you to good things in your life. In the video below Megan and Amanda will talk to you about your Safety Net Worksheet that is down below, please listen as they explain who should be in your safety net.
Theme: Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe.
You can join us and wear your Mismatched clothes or socks. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
We are going to focus on your choices, what are your alternatives, identifying your safety net and positive and negative influences.
Your choices are yours to choose, know that you always have the choice to do what is best for you. Sometimes choices might be hard to make and it might not seem as "cool" if others around you aren't making the best of choices, but if you remember your focus is you, and that you have plans for a brighter future you can live a happy and healthy life style. When making a choice you have to evaluate (decide) what is right for you. Remember your worksheets from the previous days to help you with this.
Alternatives are very important to have, what are alternatives you ask? Alternatives are things that you can do with your time, things that you find bring you happiness and joy. Some examples of these things could be;
- Playing sports
- dance or cheer
- art- drawing, painting, coloring
- Theater-acting-singing
- community service/ volunteering
- working
Positive and Negative influences, an influence is something that may have an effect on your character, development or behavior that could be positive or negative. It is important to know who in your life is a negative influence or a positive influence this could help you in your decision making. Positive influences will encourage you to good things in your life. In the video below Megan and Amanda will talk to you about your Safety Net Worksheet that is down below, please listen as they explain who should be in your safety net.
Theme: Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe.
You can join us and wear your Mismatched clothes or socks. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
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| gpaw_happy_health_safe_friendships_.pdf |
Special Thanks to our Gang Prevention Specialists/Advocates Amanda and Megan who are at Kearns Jr High and Kennedy Jr. High Schools in making this video.
We hope that you use the tools given to you today participate and fill out your work sheets, as well as wear your mismatched socks or clothes!
We hope that you use the tools given to you today participate and fill out your work sheets, as well as wear your mismatched socks or clothes!
GPAW Basketball Skills, Drills or Challenges today
Remember show us your skills! Have a parent film you participating in the daily skills and drills, share the videos or pictures or tag us on Facebook at @ChooseGangFree. Don't have social media you can email them in to [email protected] with parental consent we can share them for you!
Thursday
Today's theme is Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe!
We are going to focus on your choices, what are your alternatives, identifying your safety net and positive and negative influences.
Your choices are yours to choose, know that you always have the choice to do what is best for you. Sometimes choices might be hard to make and it might not seem as "cool" if others around you aren't making the best of choices, but if you remember your focus is you, and that you have plans for a brighter future you can live a happy and healthy life style. When making a choice you have to evaluate (decide) what is right for you. Remember your worksheets from the previous days to help you with this.
Alternatives are very important to have, what are alternatives you ask? Alternatives are things that you can do with your time, things that you find bring you happiness and joy. Some examples of these things could be;
Positive and Negative influences, an influence is something that may have an effect on your character, development or behavior that could be positive or negative. It is important to know who in your life is a negative influence or a positive influence this could help you in your decision making. Positive influences will encourage you to good things in your life. In the video below Megan and Amanda will talk to you about your Safety Net Worksheet that is down below, please listen as they explain who should be in your safety net.
Theme: Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe.
You can join us and wear your Mismatched clothes or socks. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
We are going to focus on your choices, what are your alternatives, identifying your safety net and positive and negative influences.
Your choices are yours to choose, know that you always have the choice to do what is best for you. Sometimes choices might be hard to make and it might not seem as "cool" if others around you aren't making the best of choices, but if you remember your focus is you, and that you have plans for a brighter future you can live a happy and healthy life style. When making a choice you have to evaluate (decide) what is right for you. Remember your worksheets from the previous days to help you with this.
Alternatives are very important to have, what are alternatives you ask? Alternatives are things that you can do with your time, things that you find bring you happiness and joy. Some examples of these things could be;
- Playing sports
- dance or cheer
- art- drawing, painting, coloring
- Theater-acting-singing
- community service/ volunteering
- working
Positive and Negative influences, an influence is something that may have an effect on your character, development or behavior that could be positive or negative. It is important to know who in your life is a negative influence or a positive influence this could help you in your decision making. Positive influences will encourage you to good things in your life. In the video below Megan and Amanda will talk to you about your Safety Net Worksheet that is down below, please listen as they explain who should be in your safety net.
Theme: Don't get it twisted! Stay happy healthy and safe.
You can join us and wear your Mismatched clothes or socks. Remember to check in with your CGF Advocate (at participating schools for raffle tickets). If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
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Special Thanks to our Gang Prevention Specialist/Advocate Shay and PAX for making this video!
We hope that you use the tools given to you today participate and fill out your work sheets, as well as wear your tieidye clothes.
We hope that you use the tools given to you today participate and fill out your work sheets, as well as wear your tieidye clothes.
GPAW Basketball Skills, Drills or Challenges today
Remember show us your skills! Have a parent film you participating in the daily skills and drills, share the videos or pictures or tag us on Facebook at @ChooseGangFree. Don't have social media you can email them in to [email protected] with parental consent we can share them for you!
Friday
Pax has your back!
Todays theme is Finding Support Friday!
What does it mean to find support? In life sometimes we think it's better to do things alone but in reality having people who support you, uplift you and have your back is so important.
You should have already created your Safety Net, the people on your safety net are your support system. These are people you trust to help you when you need it.
Remember there are many people in different places who are in your corner. At home, at school and in the community.
Tune in below as CGF Advocate Shay talks about finding your support!
The work sheet for today is creating our own mission statement!
What is a mission statement? It is a summary of your personal aims and values. Mission statements are incredibly important to have, they can help as a great navigational tool when you are thinking and building your future. By knowing where you want to go and knowing your values to help guide and make your future bright!
Choose Gang Free Mission Statement
"CHOOSE GANG FREE will promote change through opportunity,
education, and collaboration, and restore hope by empowering youth
and families to choose a gang free lifestyle."
"CHOOSE GANG FREE will promote change through opportunity,
education, and collaboration, and restore hope by empowering youth
and families to choose a gang free lifestyle."
Don't forget to get involved in your community! Giving back is one of the greatest things we can do. Below you will find a community volunteer list to help you give back, remember to use the hashtag #REPYOURHOODFORTHEGOOD and show us the great, positive work you're doing in your community to help make it a better place.
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| gpaw_volunteer_service.pdf |
Special thanks to Advocates Shay and Summer in the help of todays activity and video!
GPAW Basketball Skills, Drills and Challenges for today
Remember show us your skills! Have a parent film you participating in the daily skills and drills, share the videos or pictures or tag us on Facebook at @ChooseGangFree. Don't have social media you can email them in to [email protected] with parental consent we can share them for you!
Saturday Recap
Choose Gang Free would like to thank you all for your participation this week. We hope that you have enjoyed it as much as we have and that you will use the tools given to you to make a brighter future! We look forward to a better year. Please enjoy a video from Choose Gang Free as e recap our Gang Prevention Awareness Week, thank you for your participation. Don't forget the TRICK SHOT challenge, get your videos submitted today (View Flyer above on what and how to do it) raffles will be held Monday at participating schools, the trick shot winner and raffle will be announced Monday afternoon all winners will be contacted and arrangements made to receive prizes.
A message from our friends at Elate The Minds
Here is a message from our friends at Elate The Minds, Tua and Damarr speak with the youth around Salt Lake Valley to give an uplifting and motivational message that you are not your environment. Keep pushing cause Elate The Minds and Choose Gang Free believe in you and have your back!!
If you want to get in contact with Elate The Minds click the icons below.
If you want to get in contact with Elate The Minds click the icons below.
THANK YOU!!
Special Thanks to all our friends at The Powder League, to the principals, admin and staff at all of our Granite and Canyons Schools for allowing students to participate, to all of you who have taken the time to visit us here and participate along, all of the youth and parents who have participated in the basketball skills, drills and challenges this week and have posted to our page and used our hashtags. To our sponsors UGIA for helping provide Choose Gang Free with raffle prizes for our youth, to our dear friends Tua Kealoha and Damarr Jones for their encouraging words and to the Staff of Choose Gang Free (Bree, Erica, Lani, Rob, Shay, Vince, Amanda, Megan and Summer) for all of their hard work in putting this together and making this possible!
We believe in you all. Until next year, Stay Happy, Healthy and Safe!
-Choose Gang Free
We believe in you all. Until next year, Stay Happy, Healthy and Safe!
-Choose Gang Free