This week’s episode invites a live panel to discuss gang culture in The CAUSE Theater with a live audience! Join us as The CAUSE CEO Scott Michels sits down with show host Orlando Foreman and former guests Damond Warren, Diane Moss and Ellis Rouse to have a frank discussion on the topic. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss season 2, coming in 2025!

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Welcome to today's episode where we are diving into a critical and often overlooked topic: women in gangs. This episode will focus on the roles, actions, and consequences of female involvement in gang culture. Joining us are several experts and individuals with firsthand experience who will shed light on the unique challenges and dynamics faced by women in gangs. We'll explore the motivations behind their involvement, the specific roles they play within these groups, and the harsh realities and repercussions that come with gang affiliation. Our discussion will cover various aspects, including the sociocultural factors that lead women to join gangs, the nature of their participation, and the impact on their lives and communities.

Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Welcome to today's episode of Gang Culture featuring a dynamic Youth Panel discussion on the topic of youth and gangs. We're joined by eight residents from Wilmington, all under the age of 19, who are eager to share their perspectives and insights on this important issue. Led by Darby, gang culture’s program manager, our panel dives deep into the realities of gangs in schools and how youth perceive their peers who are street identified. From personal experiences to broader societal observations, our panelists offer a candid and thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of youth involvement in gang culture. But it's not all about challenges—our panelists also share messages of unity, empowerment, and hope for their fellow peers. As young leaders in their community, they inspire us with their resilience, determination, and commitment to creating positive change. Join us as we listen to the voices of Wilmington's youth explore the nuances of gang culture from their perspective, and learn from their powerful messages of unity and empowerment. This episode is a reminder that youth have the power to shape their own futures and create a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their communities. Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Today we have an extraordinary guest, Diane E. Moss. With over 25 years of experience in training and development, Diane is a highly passionate facilitator and coach based in Wilmington, Delaware. Diane holds a wealth of knowledge as a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her impressive career spans from serving as a mental health counselor and college adjunct professor to her current role as a Training and Development Consultant at Treehouse Wellness Center. However, today, we are focusing on another critical aspect of her career: her extensive work in gang resistance and violence prevention. For 20 years, Diane served as a Delaware State Trooper, where she played a pivotal role in addressing gang culture and violence. She was a dedicated advocate for at-risk youth, implementing and teaching the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program in the Christiana and Red Clay School Districts. Through this program, Diane worked directly with students to equip them with the skills and knowledge to resist the lure of gang involvement. Her hands-on approach and deep understanding of gang dynamics were instrumental in steering many young lives away from violence. Diane also served in the Special Investigation Unit, where she conducted undercover drug investigations. This role provided her with firsthand experience in understanding the complexities of gang-related activities and the challenges they pose to community safety. Her work extended beyond enforcement; she was deeply involved in mentoring students and supporting their personal development, helping them find alternative paths to success. As a School Resource Officer, Diane's impact was profound. She mentored students, helped implement the H.O.S.T.S. (Help One Student Succeed) program, and supervised other School Resource Officers. Her efforts were recognized with numerous awards, including the Exceptional Performance Award and the Superintendent's Citation from the Delaware State Police. Join us as we delve into Diane's experiences and insights on combating gang culture, reducing violence, and fostering safer communities. Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Today, we have an extraordinary guest who brings profound insights into the realm of juvenile justice, gang culture, and school safety: Aaron Kupchik. Aaron is a Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware, specializing in the policing and punishment of juveniles in schools, courts, and correctional facilities. With a PhD and masters in Sociology from New York University and a BA in Psychology from Boston University, Professor Kupchik offers a rich academic perspective on these pressing issues. He has authored six influential books, with a seventh forthcoming. His notable works include "The Real School Safety Problem: The long-term consequences of harsh school punishment," "Homeroom Security: School discipline in an age of fear," and "Judging Juveniles: Prosecuting Adolescents in adult and juvenile courts." These books delve into the critical examination of juvenile discipline and justice, highlighting the complex dynamics of dealing with youth involved in gang activities and the long-term effects of punitive measures. Professor Kupchik's research has been featured in prestigious academic journals such as Law & Society Review, Social Problems, Justice Quarterly, American Journal of Education, and The British Journal of Criminology. His work is essential in applying sociological research to better understand how we police and punish children, especially those involved in gangs, exploring both effective and harmful methods, and addressing sources of inequality among youth. In today's episode, we will dive into Aaron's extensive research and insights on gang culture, the impact of harsh school punishments on gang-involved youth, and strategies for combating gang violence in our schools and communities. His expertise not only informs academic circles but also engages public audiences in meaningful discussions about policy and reform, aiming to create safer and more supportive environments for all children. Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Introducing our esteemed guest for today's podcast episode: Yasser Payne, a renowned professor at the University of Delaware and a leading street ethnographer. With a passion for shedding light on the structural violence prevalent in communities like Wilmington, Delaware, Dr. Payne brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to our conversation. As the mastermind behind the Street PAR (Participatory Action Research) initiative, Dr. Payne delves deep into the lived experiences of Wilmington's residents, uncovering the harsh realities of street life and the factors that contribute to its perpetuation. Through his groundbreaking work in street ethnography and social psychology, he challenges conventional wisdom and exposes the root causes of issues such as gun violence and gang culture. Dr. Payne's mission extends beyond academia—he is dedicated to teaching the streets about the devastating impact of gun violence and the systemic inequalities that plague communities. By engaging directly with those affected by these issues, he seeks to empower individuals to enact positive change in their own lives and communities. During this episode, Dr. Payne will share insights into the formation of gang culture and its profound effects on youth, drawing from his extensive research and personal interactions with community members. His goal is to raise awareness of the structural violence and exploitation that pervades our society, advocating for solutions that address the root causes of inequality and injustice. Join us as we delve into the raw realities of street life, explore the complexities of gang culture, and learn from Dr. Yasser Payne's invaluable insights into building a more just and equitable society for all. Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Introducing our guest for today's podcast episode: Damond Warren, who is a dedicated educator and advocate coming from Philadelphia. Born and raised amidst street culture himself, Mr. Warren brings a unique perspective to the conversation, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by young individuals navigating similar environments.

With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Warren has been a stark figure in the realm of youth education and empowerment. The former Principal of Ferris School for Boys, Damond Warren's passion for serving the community led him to found the P.E.A.C.E. organization in 2020. P.E.A.C.E., which stands for "Please Educate All Children Equally," embodies Mr. Warren's unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and equity in education, particularly within the Philadelphia youth community.

In today's episode, Mr. Warren joins us to shed light on how juvenile detention centers navigate the complexities of gang-affiliated youth. Drawing from his extensive experience, he addresses critical questions about gang culture within educational spheres like Ferris, strategies for handling gang-identified individuals, and actionable steps to support these youth as they reintegrate into society. Join us as we delve into the vital role of education in shaping the futures of our youth and explore ways to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).

Welcome to today's episode, where we have the privilege of sitting down with Jason Pires, a true jack of all trades in law enforcement. With a diverse background that spans from SWAT to the drug task force, and even serving as deputy chief of police at University of Delaware, Jason brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

In this riveting conversation, Jason opens up about his time working undercover, offering unique insights into the world of undercover operations and what it's like to walk in the shoes of those on the other side of the law. Drawing from his experiences on the gang task force, he shares firsthand accounts of his encounters with gang members and the challenges of combating gang-related crime. But our conversation doesn't stop there—Jason also delves into the difficult topic of dirty cops, offering his perspective on how law enforcement agencies can address issues of corruption and misconduct within their ranks. And for those who find themselves mistakenly identified as gang members, Jason offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenging situations with integrity and resilience.

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of law enforcement with Jason Pires, gaining valuable insights into undercover operations, gang culture, and the importance of integrity and accountability in policing. This episode promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the complexities of law enforcement and the pursuit of justice.

Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).