In inner city Toledo, the students at Robinson Middle School watch gang and drug activity every day.  The students on the Youth for Justice team want to bring an end to this activity.  In a survey of students at the school, the Youth for Justice team found that the gang and drug activity are prevalent within Robinson

• 72% of the students in the school have seen drugs

• 14% of the students have taken illegal drugs

• 87% of the students know someone in a gang

• 64% of the students know someone that has been killed by gang violence

To help students make wise decisions to stay away from drugs and gangs, the Youth for Justice team created a slogan.  They decided on “Don’t be a thug, stay away from drugs.”  The catchy theme clearly states their message and position.  The slogan was put on t-shirts and pencils to share with other students.

The YFJ students also organized after school activities to help students stay engaged in positive behavior after school.  The group meets after school a few days a week to play basketball.  This helps the students stay away from the potentially harmful gang and drug activity.  Through all of this, the Youth for Justice team brings change to their peers at school by encouraging their peers to stay away from drugs and gangs.