Guest Speaking
Houston Gangs
If you've been seeking Houston-based information on gangs, you've probably found that there's a lack of resources available that provide accurate education. The internet is filled with informational websites that explain how gangs in California and Chicago originated. The problem is, Houston operates in a completely different manner and our gangs commonly break the traditional gang rules of the past.
Gangs are claiming more and more of our youth population by the hour. Our kids are being influenced on the streets and in the schools. Adults are not aware of the warning signs and youth are not aware of the consequences. By the time everyone is conscious of the problem, we are emotionally deteriorated and lives have been destroyed.
It has been interesting to see the desire of Houston area residents and educators wanting to learn more about gangs. Administrators who once said "we don't have a gang problem" are recognizing the presence and have been pro-active in dealing with the issue. An increase in gang education has equipped parents and school personnel with the tools they need to identify and address the activity early on. Lives are being saved and the school environment is becoming a safer place to learn.
Alternative Behavior is honored to be part of the solution.
Gang in Schools
Gang awareness on the school campus has become vital with today's evolving youth. Teachers explain that it is long over-due and most admit they don't even know what to look for. Administrators with a desire to educate their staff can request a presentation by completing the Speaker Request Form.
Training topics can be modified to fit the needs of your campus. Providing Alternative Behavior with confiscated materials or pictures relating to gang activity will assist in the direction of information to be discussed. Items may be e-mailed in advance to james@alternativebehavior.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for training?
- Yes, there is an hourly rate for training and event presentations
Is there a minimum of hours requested?
- Requests outside Harris County require a (2) hour minimum
- Requests outside the state of Texas require a (4) hour minimum
What topics are available for training?
- Adt-Understanding Street Gangs
- Adt-Houston's Most Active Street Gangs
- Adt-Outreach & Gang Intervention
- Adt-Employing and Supervising Gang Members
- Adt-Gangs and the Construction Industry
- Adt-Gangs and the Medical Industry
- Adt-Deciphering Gang Graffiti & Graffiti Tagging
- Yth-Gang Prevention and Awareness
- Yth-Bullying on the Campus
- Yth-Understanding Anger
- Yth-Alcohol Education
- Yth-Tobacco Awareness
- Open Audience-Modivational/Testimony
"James has a true gift for building rapport with youth. It is amazing to see him at work. James exhibits the utmost level of professionalism. I have proudly referred him to fellow co-workers for assistance in the area of gangs/mediation/parent awareness. He is honest, charismatic and is extremely goal oriented. James has always acted in the best interest of the youth we service. James has willingly assisted this Department in our efforts to better deal with our Gang population. It has truly been a pleasure working with Mr. Odom."
Jo Droddy, Supervisor Specialized Programs Unit Harris County Juvenile Probation"Our future is in good hands with persons like James."
Adrian Garcia, Sheriff Harris County Sheriff’s Office
"James Odom is an extremely important resource that all school districts need to use because the threat of gangs and their influence over our children is a reality that is becoming far too common in the Houston area."
Jason McConnell 11th Grade Principal Security Coordinator La Porte High School
"He has given tireless service to our organization by providing training sessions, mediations, school visits and field safety training. He has a keen understanding of what he is dealing with in his line of work. His experience has given him the knowledge and patience to successfully work with the gang population."
M. Julia Ramirez Deputy Director Field Services Division Harris County Juvenile Probation
"Mr. Odom has provided valuable information to me and to our staff. The information that he provides to us in dealing with certain students and situations helps improve the academic learning environment for the individual student and the school as a whole. He brings a high level of expertise on interventions that help at-risk students in the school environment. Our staff and students have benefited from his expertise."
Jose Hernandez Assistant Principal Elsik Ninth Grade Center
"I cannot begin to tell you what an extraordinary job Mr. Odom did of articulating his anti-gang stance. Not only was he extremely informative and professional. but he actually held our students' interest by getting on their level so that they would listen. That was an event by itself. I had many staff as well as students who came up to me afterwards commending his presentation."
Tayyaba Q. Ali, MA, LPC Harris County Department of Education
Speaker Request Form
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View bio (extended)
FRUIT Magazine Articles
How do I request a training/presentation?
- Download the Speaker Request Form
- Complete the information
- Return by fax
Alternative Behavior - 1320 Scott St. Pasadena, TX 77506 - Phone: (281) 481-1985 - Toll Free: (800) 655-0835 - Fax: (281) 481-3451
