One Man’s Quest to Help Kids in Gangs is Making a Profound Difference

Denver, CO, July 31, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Got Gangs? Practical Guidelines for Parents/Teachers on a Mission for Gang Prevention/Intervention comes at a time when our nation’s cities are struggling with the increasing problem of gang violence. The book is the result of one man’s committed quest and subsequent success in dealing with kids who are caught in the dangerous web of gang involvement. His name is Richard Ramos and his profound effectiveness in such work is the result of a solution that addresses problems through direct intervention “in a most practical, inexpensive, truthful, and caring way.”

In Got Gangs, Ramos shows that there are answers that do make a difference in the lives of youths who have fallen into gang activity and negative lifestyles. The book focuses on:
• Why parents are the best prevention strategy against gangs
• Why gang members are not the enemy
• Inside-out vs. outside-in community solutions
• A look at gangs, authority figures, and the economics of poverty
• The Seven Principles to help gang members become productive students
• The role of faith-based engagement in building the character of students on the school campus

Ramos: “Parents are the best strategy for gang prevention, the faith community is the most effective strategy of intervention, and teachers are the best strategy for the retention of youth learning in the classroom. Through this three-pronged strategy of parents, faith, and education we can catch more, help more, and heal more.”

Author Richard Ramos’ twenty-seven year history of progressive and effective community leadership is widely recognized. Ramos is the co-founder of the Latino Coalition for Faith & Community Initiatives, a national nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen and expand the capacity of nonprofits serving at-risk Latino youth and families. Based in Bakersfield, California, the Latino Coalition helps “find, fund, form and feature grassroots, faith-based organizations that touch lives and transform communities.” Under his leadership, the Latino Coalition is now working in nine cities in six states to address Latino youth, family and community issues.

One could say that Ramos’ background has helped shape his unique blend of leadership qualities. Early in his career, he served as a correctional officer in both state and federal prisons, a Juvenile Hall instructor and at-risk junior high and high school counselor, co-founding director of a gang intervention/prevention community coalition, director of a Latino youth and family Teen Center, Senior Pastor for sixteen years, and founding director of the Interfaith Initiative (IFI) of Santa Barbara County. For his work in the field of human rights and interfaith understanding, he has received numerous accolades and awards. 

Book Statistics
ISBN(s): 1598005138
Retail Price(s): $16.95
Size and Format(s): 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback; E-book also available ($12.00)
Page count: 240
Availability: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.outskirtspress.com/gotgangs

Author Contact:
Richard Ramos
11708 Reagan Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Phone: 805.331.1902
Email: rramos@latinocoalition.org

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