For most gang members, gangs meet a need. When they learn to meet their needs in a better way, they often decide to stop being a gang member. However, for many gang members, the issue is not if they will decide to stop being a gang member. The issue is whether they will live long enough to make that decision.

"Getting Out:  When gang members decide that they want to get out of a gang, there are a few simple steps that they can begin to follow:

1. Never tell the gang you want out. You may be beaten or even killed.

2. Begin spending your time doing other things. Instead of spending time with your gang friends, find something else to do during that time. Look around. There are possibilities everywhere: sports, recreation centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, art programs, drama, school activities, and even spending time with your family.

3. Try to stop looking like a gangster. For many gang members, dressing down makes them feel safe because other people are scared of the way they look. As you begin to believe in yourself, you will find that you don't need to make other people feel afraid in order to feel good about yourself. Stop wearing the clothes that you think are gangster clothes.

4. Find other things to say, other things to do, and other people to do them with. ( HINT: It is much easier if you stop dressing like a gangster first.) Stop hanging out with gang members, talking like them, and acting like them.

5. Get good at making excuses. Your parents can probably help you with this, but if not, try asking a teacher for help or maybe just an older friend. Some former gang members have said that when they started trying to get out, they stopped taking phone calls from their gang, and had their family tell friends they weren't home.

Find people who support you and believe in you: