The introduction explains how to plan and make the most effective use of the curriculum. Teaching tools are suggested, along with how they should be used to assist teachers in illustrating session themes. The introduction also contains background information on gangs and describes the curriculum's approach to intervening and preventing gang membership. The first session explores the difference between a "gang" and a group; and it identifies ethnic and cultural differences in gangs. Session 2 presents and corrects common myths about gang membership. It gives participants an opportunity to discuss common reasons for joining gangs and explores how gang membership relates to human needs; participants assess the positive and negative consequences of gang membership. In session 3 participants examine, through a case study, the five stages of "gang dependency," including the needs being met at each stage and the progression from curiosity to a full involvement in and dependency on the gang. Remaining sessions consider the physical and emotional consequences of gun- shot wounds, the consequences of drug dealing, and how youth can make a difference in countering and preventing the consequences of gang violence. Appended information on gangs and gang behavior, a list of national violence prevention programs and organizations, and a selected bibliography on gangs and gang prevention/intervention with youth from different cultural backgrounds