Readers ask community to help stop gangs

I read the Herald's supplement for March 22 on Gangs in Grant County and applaud the efforts by all to actively combat this social cancer. We are especially appreciative to our Sheriff's department, schools and other organizations for the strong effort they are putting forth.

We know that young people need the togetherness of groups their own age for all the support and activity they provide. They will seek out opportunities for this at any occasion and as a result, many tend to move toward gangs and the 'satisfaction' they seem to offer.

It would appear that we may have waited a little too long to meet this need constructively but right now may be providing a real opportunity because most of us are 'fired up' about the gang problem.

What if we do a better job of guiding our young people toward 'gangs' that are constructive (vs. destructive). Many of these already exist - Scouting, 4H, church youth groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, FFA, volunteer organizations, Civil Air Patrol, to name just a few. Mightn't participation and serious involvement in these meet the togetherness needs of young people (perhaps even better than dangerous gangs) while providing the real satisfaction that comes from producing valuable services and personal growth as well?

Maybe we adults, parents, grandparents, teachers, youth counselors, et. al. could well direct our efforts toward constructive 'gangs'. Let's not wait for the destructive ones to exert their terrible influence on our most valuable resource - our precious young people.

Bob and Dora Heikell

Moses Lake