Home E-Mail Links

When Sandra Davis came to Stockton, she saw the high level of violence on the streets by Gang Members. She knew that something had to done and quickly. Being a former Gang Member herself, she was able to go out into the streets and get an understanding of where these young people were coming from and what was needed to offer them alternatives to a life of violence. Today Sandra's efforts continue under the auspices of Mothers Against Gang Wars (MAGW), an organization she formed in 1991 to better coordinate her efforts and those of others to curb gang violence in San Joaquin County and it's surrounding areas. Whlie most of the activity of MAGW is done within Metropolitan Stockton, MAGW is always willing to go to any school or organization that feels the need for assistance in understanding today's gang problem. Sandra has spoken to the many service organizations and chambers of commerce within the county as well as local schools to do presentations on gang awareness and gang violence. The group talks to youth from kindergarten through high school, from single classes to full auditoriums. Anywhere the message of putting an end to gang violence is needed, MAGW is willing to go. Sandra has also taken time to work with the wards at the California Youth Authority (CYA) in San Joaquin County. Many come out of the institution and continue to work with MAGW to strive to keep the peace. In Addition to working with schools and government institutions, MAGW also works closely with other organizations within the county. MAGW has worked with groups such as: The Boys and Girls Club, Concelio, Casa de Ninos, and other organizations that are striving to offer today's youth an alternative to violence and a safe place to spend their time. There is much we can learn by being on the streets and working with young men and women in trouble and the cooperation we receive goes a long way in helping to curb the violence. Because hard core gang members and leaders are looked up to by the children and young adults in their neighborhood, we feel intervention at this level can be very effective. They talk to MAGW about what needs to be done to help themselves and others get off the streets, and they have ideas about how to stop the violence. As the youth see what these young men and women are successfully doing to improve themselves, they are compelled to make changes in their own lives. At the root of all gang violence their are people, gang members and non-gang members with real lives, real problems and real concerns. At Mothers Against Gang Wars, we feel that the only way to efffectively deal with the problem is to work on the roots, not just pick away at the branches. We listen to what the young adults are saying and we are working with their support toward a solution to the problems on the streets.

History

Involvement

Education

Thanks

Mothers Against Gang Wars 42 North Sutter St. Suite 215 Stockton, Ca. 95202 209-464-6607