The following chart exemplifies the risk factors impacting the development of gang members and the protective factors that can be used to defeat them and transform students into exemplary leaders.

Risk Factors Impacting the Development of Gang Members		Protective Factors that Prevent Gang Membership and Develop Exemplary Student Leaders
At Home
Family is weak and divided Family does not provide love and affection Lack of rules and no discipline at home		Family is strong and united Family provides love and support Rules at home are clear and enforced in a timely, fair, and consistent manner.
Among Peers
Hate of self Poor resistance skills Criminal friends No personal power Dishonesty and broken promises No responsibility		Student has strong self-esteem Student resists negative peer pressure and dangerous situations. Student chooses good friends and engages in healthy activities. Student has control over personal decisions. Student is honest and keeps all of his or her promises. Student shows responsible thinking and behavior
In the Community
Poverty is seen as a force that enslaves the human spirit. Unemployment Community is indifferent to youth Negative adult role models Destructive use of time		Poverty is transformed into an opportunity to struggle and liberate the human spirit. Employment is sought and obtained Community is supportive of youth Parents and other adults provide positive role models Constructive use of time
At School
No motivation to do well at school No respect for the school Reckless sexual behavior No conflict resolution skills No empathy for others No respect for others Future is seen as hopeless		Student is motivated to excel and graduate from high school Student cares for and respects his or her school Student shows restraint and respect for intimate friend and does not engage in pre-marital sex Student seeks to resolve conflict non-violently Student has empathy and appreciates the cultural, racial, and ethnic background of others Student has respect for the feelings of others Student is hopeful about his or her personal future