What is GAIN all about?
Gang Action Interagency Network or GAIN is the new name of a grassroots committee with members from about 25 of Winnipeg agencies and organizations. A year ago, the committee had a PATH session, a process designed to help individuals or groups plan the path to their dream. Our dream was “to have none of our youth in street gangs”. The intent is to create a “go to” network for government and media outlets who are looking for anti-gang expertise, and eventually, create and maintain an effective, one-stop-shop network for parents of youth at risk and members who desire to exit the gang life.
The mission of GAIN is to collaborate community resources, consistently share service and awareness information, build strong relationships within agencies and the community and address the needs of our clients. We will achieve this by sharing information about what everyone is doing with regards to gang prevention, intervention or exit options. GAIN wants to help you connect. With your permission, we will share news about “what’s happening” and “who’s doing what” within government and community anti-gang strategies. Membership to the committee is welcome and flexible. There is no box to fit in to qualify. You and/or your agency are welcome to sign up or sign off of the committee membership at anytime. The commitment is overall communication between all systems of community and justice.
We want you involved by becoming a member of the committee and list the contact information you choose provide on the GAIN website. You will never be listed with out your request. The information can be shared on a live website. Think of it as “a bulletin board” with regular updates and changes. You do not have to be a member to access the information. If you have a workshop or info session, such as this one today, you can email it to GAIN and, at your request, the information will be posted to the website. GAIN will not post events or info without your permission. Media released information will be posted. Web links to members websites will be posted.
The committee meets the first Wednesday of every month at the NEEDS Centre on Notre Dame. GAIN has sub-committees, one currently working on the website, one working on a Run for Awareness (further information will be posted on GAIN website) and one was set up to prepare media release regarding the end to funding for five Winnipeg Gang Prevention Programs. Recently, the Prime Minister renewed the anti gang strategy fund and we didn’t have to complete the media package, but the idea is that there was a call out for a need, those who wanted to, came together and got a task done.
We welcome you to use GAIN. It’s cost effective and the two Co-Chairs of the committee will do their best to keep it consistent and updated with all the information that you provide.
Collaborations are powerful and we want to serve as a communication tool for sharing resources within community organizations. GAIN is a vehicle for everyone. It is an on going, ever changing network of opportunities. It is a consolidated dream for Winnipeg and Manitoba to be gang free, remember the dream.
The Government of Manitoba works in collaboration with the community agencies involved with GAIN. The government of Manitoba supports GAINs vision to collect information in initiatives that address gang issues. While Manitoba is connected to GAIN, GAIN doesn’t necessarily reflect the vision of the Manitoba Government.
Contact information:
Floyd Wiebe : 229-9633 OR Jessica Dumas: 779-5430
email: GAIN@LIVE.CA
