PLATFORM : A Territorial Issue

Here in Los Angeles there is a lot of jealousy and infighting among people and programs who have good ideas but keep them to themselves. It’s a territorial issue over who is going to get the best publicity in order to get funding.

Ten years ago, there was a broader funding base for social programs and more federal money. Today, there is a lack of money and funding alternatives.

The bottom line is nobody is an expert (on gangs) because the problem keeps changing so rapidly.

Meanwhile, one of the discouraging things we see now is law enforcement taking on the (former) role of community-based programs to divert young men and women from gang activity.

I’m glad they are trying to get involved. (But) we need to use the community-based prevention programs already out there; otherwise, funding sources may continue to dwindle as public agencies attempt to take over their role.