Gilpin "Jaguars" Take a Bite Out Of Gangs!

Date: 16 Aug 2005

Author/Source: Kevin Riebau and Tracy Vlnicka

School: Gilpin K-8

Location: Denver, Colorado

Our story…

First, we went to the library to learn about our school and community. We also investigated our community more closely by taking pictures, making maps of the area, and interviewing people. Through this we learned about different issues the community is facing.

We found out that most community members disliked gangs and gang activity like graffiti, violence, and drug dealing.When we voted for our issue, we decided to work on gangs.

We talked about who gangs affect the most and realized it was families. Our action plan was to learn about gangs, find graffiti in the neighborhood, and plan a gang awareness picnic in Curtis Park.

Officer Dempsey from the Denver Police Gang Bureau spoke to us about gangs and we went to the library to gather even more information through research.

With all of our information, we created a gang awareness brochure.

Next, we went around the neighborhood and painted over graffiti using our own paint, and some provided by the Denver Partners Against Graffiti, handed out brochures, and invited people to our picnic.

Finally, we grilled food, talked to community members, and had people sign a contract stating that they will try to do something positive about gangs. Many people came to our picnic and we had lots of fun!

Download a copy of the Jaguar's anti-gang brochure!