THE ANTI-GANG Council for Unity members teamed up to clean their neighborhood. Doing good work helps keep kids out of gangs, CFU leaders say. (Photo: Courtesy of Council of Unity)

Twice a week, Mitchell Wen, 11, of Brooklyn, New York, heads into a classroom at the David A. Boody middle school. There, he and about 30 other kids talk about the importance of having respect for themselves and for others. They discuss challenges their neighborhood is facing and talk about ways in which they can help make positive changes in their community.

Mitchell, a sixth–grader, is a member of the Council for Unity (CFU). It is a New York City–based group whose mission is to provide kids with a positive alternative to gangs. By teaching kids to build their self–esteem and have respect for other people and cultures, CFU hopes kids will develop leadership skills. Those skills, CFU says, can foster unity among different groups of kids in schools. When kids learn how to get along, they are more likely to be able to avoid the negative influence of gangs, say CFU officials.

Gang membership is on the rise among kids, according to U.S. Department of Justice statistics. Kids as young as 9 are being recruited by gangs, experts say. For these reasons, CFU says its work is necessary.

"Gang activity is one of the single greatest problems that our educational system is facing today," says Robert DeSena, a former teacher who started CFU. "CFU is committed to creating an alternative to gangs, based on the ideals of family, unity, self-esteem and empowerment."

CFU members look out for one another and work together on community service projects. They learn conflict–resolution skills and how gangs can have a negative impact on their lives.

"Gangs focus on revenge," says Mitchell. "CFU focuses on helping people."