Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the structural elements of school/community antigang coalitions contributing to a coalition meeting its objectives, to describe the key individual or agency participants critical to a coalition's effectiveness, to determine the types and sources of resources that move a coalition toward its objectives, and to report the coalition activities perceived to best prevent or suppress gang activities. Methodology. To complete this descriptive research, a random sample of 102 coalition members from seventeen California community antigang coalitions was surveyed via a researcher-developed questionnaire. Data were tabulated reflecting frequency and relative frequency expressed as a percentage. As appropriate, a chi-square test of significance was applied to determine differences in research variables. Findings and conclusions. Factors critical to coalition effectiveness included: the quality of the leadership; the membership of those groups most affected by the antisocial youth gang activity, including law enforcement agencies, school agencies, probation, district attorney's offices, court representatives, and interested citizens; the participation of key leaders of member agencies; the nontangible resources of members' time commitment, members respected in the area, and the cooperation of other groups in the area; the tangible resource of a regular meeting space; the strategies of sharing gang information, coordinated efforts among members (coalition formation itself), preventive activities such as parenting workshops, youth training, community services, increased youth job opportunities, alternative youth activities, and increased visibility and positive presence of law enforcement in the schools; proactive enforcement strategies such as anonymous reporting efforts, creation of gang units in local law enforcement agencies, and graffiti removal programs. The factors listed as most critical were generally related to the ability of the coalition to work together as a team. Recommendations. Schools and other community agencies affected by antisocial gang activity are recommended to enter coalition efforts that at a minimum involve the exchange of gang information and coordinated efforts. Coalitions need to focus on improving the group's ability to work as a team, and to include the constituent groups most directly affected by the gang problem. Key leaders of member agencies should be involved in the coalition. Strategies should include preventive, proactive efforts.