Q: How does someone become a member of the program?

A: They are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, parents, or current members. They can also be recruited from the Summer Leader Program. They are interviewed by Ulric Johnson, and they are interviewed by the group. They are either accepted or referred to another program. If accepted, they are then put on probation.

Q: What do you do as a member of TAGV and with whom do you work?

A: I/we conduct presentations and workshops on violence prevention, gang violence prevention, peace and justice, -isms, cultural diversity, sexuality, substance abuse, peer leadership, guns, and violence to group organizations such as schools, colleges, churches, etc. We also sponsor events, go on field trips, hold parties, go to the movies, visit other programs, and go on retreats.

Q: Why would someone join a violent gang?

A: It could be for a variety of reasons: lack of love and support at home; a way of getting attention; for money, respect, protection, or a sense of family; or for the need to belong.

Q: What are the TAGV objectives?

A: Our objective is to let society know that not all youth living in the inner city wearing black hoodies are in a violent street gang. We consider ourselves a gang, but we are a non-violent, peace and justice gang. We are not against gangs – we are against gang violence. We are trying to let everyone see that we are all part of the same gang – the human race. If we do not come together and appreciate each others’ differences (the 10C’s), there will be no human race to combat this problem.

Q: On what other prevention efforts do you focus?

A: Violence, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, sexuality, cultural diversity, gun violence, and all destructive -isms.

Q: What are your plans for expansion?

A: We aim to start chapters of TAGV locally and nationally, and to develop a summer institute run by youth leaders to train peers as Peace and Justice Leaders.