Hi, Welcome to
Gang Prevention Awareness Week!
Here you will find videos, lessons and activities.
Follow along with us below.
Gang Prevention Awareness Week in Utah
To learn more background on Utah's very own Gang Prevention Awareness Week (UTSB0175) click on LEARN MORE.
2023 Gang Prevention Awareness Week will consist of lesson, activities and video's for you to follow along.
We will be hosting a community celebration on September 23th at Choose Gang Frees 'The Project' in Midvale where we hosted our summer program over the last summer, there will be lots of community vendors to visit, fun activates to participate in and FREE lunch for all who come. Stop by and say "Hi" we'd love to see you there.
Schools that currently have a Choose Gang Free Advocate will have CGF tables at lunches for students to participate during the week with us.
This year we have added a few pages in our Choose Gang Free GPAW work book and will bring a little focus on journaling.
Journaling can help you prioritize problems, fears and concerns that may be going on in your life. It could also be used as a form of personal expression, like exploring who you are and getting to know yourself.
By writing things down you may be able to gain a more positive perspective on your life, by developing awareness of events, having and recalling memories and feelings that you were experiencing at certain moments. It is also a great way to learn coping skills that can be used through out your life. Not to mention journaling can be used to explore your imagination, your creative talents and improve communication skills.
During this week of GPAW try journaling, take 5-10 minutes each night or a few times this week to sit down write your thoughts for the day.
This doesn't always have to be heavy, keep it fun!
We will be hosting a community celebration on September 23th at Choose Gang Frees 'The Project' in Midvale where we hosted our summer program over the last summer, there will be lots of community vendors to visit, fun activates to participate in and FREE lunch for all who come. Stop by and say "Hi" we'd love to see you there.
Schools that currently have a Choose Gang Free Advocate will have CGF tables at lunches for students to participate during the week with us.
This year we have added a few pages in our Choose Gang Free GPAW work book and will bring a little focus on journaling.
Journaling can help you prioritize problems, fears and concerns that may be going on in your life. It could also be used as a form of personal expression, like exploring who you are and getting to know yourself.
By writing things down you may be able to gain a more positive perspective on your life, by developing awareness of events, having and recalling memories and feelings that you were experiencing at certain moments. It is also a great way to learn coping skills that can be used through out your life. Not to mention journaling can be used to explore your imagination, your creative talents and improve communication skills.
During this week of GPAW try journaling, take 5-10 minutes each night or a few times this week to sit down write your thoughts for the day.
This doesn't always have to be heavy, keep it fun!
Before we begin there are some things we want you to know, or you may have some questions. If at anytime we do not answer your questions or you would like to ask a questions 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, call themselves a certain name and/or dress alike in a specific color or style, claim an area or neighborhood as their territory and are involved in criminal activity.
What are some things that could cause a juvenile to be at risk for gang involvement ?
Kids can join a gang for many reasons and each case may not be the same. Some reasons can include: a sense of belonging, companionship, peer pressure, attention or status, financial gain, intimidation, protection, power, and sometimes for excitement and fun. Unfortunately sometimes failing to realize what being in a gang means. Youth also sometimes can fall into the gang life style by living in an area that has high gang issues or having a family member in a gang which increases the possibility of gang involvement.
How can I help?
There are a lot of people who ask themselves this question. Frist being able to recognize the signs of gang involvement. If your not sure what the looks like head over to the link below and we can help you.
Being a present adult in a youths life, try to have some understanding of where the youth may be coming from or what us going on in their life that these things may be happening.
Reach out for help, you can always reach out to Choose Gang Free but if you feel like that is not an option you can contact a Principal, School Social Worker, or School Resource Officer to help you as well.
Again if there is anything we can do to help you, don't hesitate to reach out.
contact us
Reach out for help, you can always reach out to Choose Gang Free but if you feel like that is not an option you can contact a Principal, School Social Worker, or School Resource Officer to help you as well.
Again if there is anything we can do to help you, don't hesitate to reach out.
contact us
Monday
Todays lesson focus is CHOOSING YOURSELF and setting some personal goals for your future.
It is always important to choose yourself, 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 great way to find friends, but remember YOU always have a choice. So choose what's best for you.
It is always important to choose yourself, 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 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 will 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 it’s important, who can help you, what challenges you might face and what steps you will take to overcome those challenges! Setting goals is a good way to help you focus on the future, knowing why it’s 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 overcome 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 at lunch). 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
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 at lunch). 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
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Tuesday
Today’s focus is your future is bright!
We will be talking about peer pressure, you have options, what are your risk factors? and A.R.E- Avoid, Refuse, Escape.
We 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 influences from members of one’s 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:
Peer pressure is influences from members of one’s 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 yourself)
- 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.
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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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, 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.
We are going to focus on your choices, what are your alternatives, 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
Remember alternatives are important to have because they bring joy and happiness to your life and also can help keep you busy.
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. If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
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. 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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Thursday
What is Cause and Effect?
Cause- The reason. Why something happens
Effect- The Result. What happened
Why is cause and effect important? Because every choice that you make will have an outcome whether it is good or bad.
Cause- The reason. Why something happens
Effect- The Result. What happened
Why is cause and effect important? Because every choice that you make will have an outcome whether it is good or bad.
What is Cause and Effect?
Cause- The reason. Why something happens
Effect- The Result. What happened
Why is cause and effect important? Because every choice that you make will have an outcome whether it is good or bad.
Here is a little lesson on Cause and Effect
When you surround yourself with positive people and influences, and you yourself become a positive person. You can make your future shine bright, it’s up to you to make it happen.
For example, say you have a garden and in this garden, you plant beautiful flowers and vegetables, and every day you water those flowers, and the sun shines down on them. What do you think will eventually happen?
Yes, your flowers will begin to grow and before you know it your garden is filled with beautiful flowers and vegetables you planted.
If you are an athlete and you practice your sport. By practicing a few times, a week your body will build muscle and start to have muscle memory which will eventually help you improve.
If you like art and you practice drawing, painting, coloring…. That’s right eventually you will improve your skills.
Fill out the work sheet in your activity book to help you navigate some simple cause and effect situations we talked about in this lesson.
What is a safety net? A safety net is a group of people you can call on in your time of need. When you might find yourself struggling or needing guidance or support. A safety net should consist of people that you trust. Those people can come from your home, school, or community. What does it mean to find support? In life sometimes we think it's better to do things alone but, having people who support you, uplift you and have your back is so important.
Let follow the lesson to complete your safety net and finding support
What are your alternatives? We talked about them yesterday. Remember alternatives are positive things that you can do to fill your time. Sports activities, hobbies, things to fill your time during the day. What are some of your alternatives?
Theme: Today’s theme is to wear tie-dye clothes. 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 Don’t forget to like and share or posts for extra raffle tickets during our event (only given to those who come to our event and check in) using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
Download the lesson page and follow along
Cause- The reason. Why something happens
Effect- The Result. What happened
Why is cause and effect important? Because every choice that you make will have an outcome whether it is good or bad.
Here is a little lesson on Cause and Effect
When you surround yourself with positive people and influences, and you yourself become a positive person. You can make your future shine bright, it’s up to you to make it happen.
For example, say you have a garden and in this garden, you plant beautiful flowers and vegetables, and every day you water those flowers, and the sun shines down on them. What do you think will eventually happen?
Yes, your flowers will begin to grow and before you know it your garden is filled with beautiful flowers and vegetables you planted.
If you are an athlete and you practice your sport. By practicing a few times, a week your body will build muscle and start to have muscle memory which will eventually help you improve.
If you like art and you practice drawing, painting, coloring…. That’s right eventually you will improve your skills.
Fill out the work sheet in your activity book to help you navigate some simple cause and effect situations we talked about in this lesson.
What is a safety net? A safety net is a group of people you can call on in your time of need. When you might find yourself struggling or needing guidance or support. A safety net should consist of people that you trust. Those people can come from your home, school, or community. What does it mean to find support? In life sometimes we think it's better to do things alone but, having people who support you, uplift you and have your back is so important.
Let follow the lesson to complete your safety net and finding support
What are your alternatives? We talked about them yesterday. Remember alternatives are positive things that you can do to fill your time. Sports activities, hobbies, things to fill your time during the day. What are some of your alternatives?
Theme: Today’s theme is to wear tie-dye clothes. 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 Don’t forget to like and share or posts for extra raffle tickets during our event (only given to those who come to our event and check in) using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
Download the lesson page and follow along
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Friday
RECAP-
We made it to Friday, we are honored to have been able to share a little bit of Gang Prevention with you, and so happy we have been able to make so many new friends.
Remember always make the choice to choose yourself.
Always ask why are things important to you and how can you commit to making your future the brightest. Set those goals for yourself, Remember- One long term for about every 6 months and 2 short term goals, those can be anywhere from a week to month. Once you accomplish each goals set some more. You’ve got this.
Don’t forget you don’t have to give in to peer pressure, you can make your own choices!
Let’s stay positive and if you find yourself in a situation remember to use A.R.E especially when dealing with negative influences, always strive to keep building the positive ones.
Find your alternatives (those positive things that fill your time) and use those safety nets to lean on when you are in need.
We made it to Friday, we are honored to have been able to share a little bit of Gang Prevention with you, and so happy we have been able to make so many new friends.
Remember always make the choice to choose yourself.
Always ask why are things important to you and how can you commit to making your future the brightest. Set those goals for yourself, Remember- One long term for about every 6 months and 2 short term goals, those can be anywhere from a week to month. Once you accomplish each goals set some more. You’ve got this.
Don’t forget you don’t have to give in to peer pressure, you can make your own choices!
Let’s stay positive and if you find yourself in a situation remember to use A.R.E especially when dealing with negative influences, always strive to keep building the positive ones.
Find your alternatives (those positive things that fill your time) and use those safety nets to lean on when you are in need.
The worksheet 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 you can use this to help guide and make your future bright!
Use the Mission Statement work sheet below to help build your very own mission statement.
Friends it’s been a pleasure, and we hope to see you at our community celebration this Saturday, September 23th. Come hang out with us, the event is completely FREE. There will be lots of community vendors, fun activities to participate in and FREE lunch! We will be at Choose Gang Free's The Project located on 7683 so Holden St. Midvale, Utah.
If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree
Don’t forget to like and share or posts using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
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 you can use this to help guide and make your future bright!
Use the Mission Statement work sheet below to help build your very own mission statement.
Friends it’s been a pleasure, and we hope to see you at our community celebration this Saturday, September 23th. Come hang out with us, the event is completely FREE. There will be lots of community vendors, fun activities to participate in and FREE lunch! We will be at Choose Gang Free's The Project located on 7683 so Holden St. Midvale, Utah.
If you're participating virtually don't forget to send us your photos via Facebook @ChooseGangFree
Don’t forget to like and share or posts using the hashtags #CGF #GPAWUTAH #ChooseGangFree #Repyourhoodforthegood
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Special THANKS to all of our CGF Advocates that have worked extremely hard putting this week together, to our school partners and students for participating and to our sponsors for making this possible!
We Thank you!
