youth gangs in Nanaimo

[Noxy]

I am wondering if anyone knows what the situation is in Nanaimo in terms of youth gangs? Is this a problem here? I have recently moved to Naniamo from Prince George where I was part of a task force whose mission was to take back our youth and provide them with the tools to stay out of gangs and become more engaged in the community. I am wondering if there is a need for something like that here of if there is already something like that in place here? Any information would be helpful

thank you

[RyanCoffey]

First I've heard of it, but the town is big enough to have such a community group. I'm sure if you contacted the local social services people or the police they could either tell you who's doing this sort of thing or how to start such a program yourself.

[MrWilson]

Me being Nanaimo teenager, I don't know of any youth gangs, although I'm sure there are. All I ever hear about is the occasional weekend party, but maybe I only here about the occasional one because I'm not the kind of person who attends these gatherings.

[riverrat]

I agree -- I would be surprised if there was much of that, here. There's no shortage of troubled youth here, I'm sure, but I think most of the violence is kept to the video games...?

[Noxy]

Thank you all for your input, it is refreshing to hear that the gang activity may either be non existant or minimal; Also means that one would probably do good to keep it that way - offer programs that keep the youth engaged in healthy outlets...maybe even cut back their video game time - I know my 16 year old needs something other than video games lol...

[PaulStevens]

I haven't heard much about this. But let's hope the gangs never take hold here as they have on the mainland.

[Noxy]

Yes, let's hope. Coming from Prince George I have seen first hand the damage that can be done! This is why I find it so important to keep our youth engaged in healthy activities and provide them with the tools they need to remain strong and independent.

[Nanaimo1]

http://youthstickingtogether.com/ A local organization.

[31jetjet]

i think there are kids/young adults here who "think" they are part of a gang. they would not be doing much harm. i hear adults do recruit kids to do some of the "dirty work" though

[Noxy]

First I would like to thank everyone for their responses to my inquiry, muchly appreciated So, now that I know youth gangs themselves are not really a problem here in Nanaimo, I would like to concentrate my efforts on keeping the youth engaged and giving them healthy tools and opportunities that help keep things as such. What would you guys, as community members, suggest would be helpful and useful in terms of workshops and/or education for this youth project I am designing tokeep youth positively engaged and aware of the negative impact of choices they make. Again, your input would be most helpful and appreciated.

Thank you