Bob Cornwall/Faith in the Public Square

Hillary Clinton, then first lady, quoted an African proverb and opined that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Her word of advice was countered by claims that strong families, not the village, are what we need.

Families are important, but the point of the proverb is still difficult to refute, for even the strongest families can't raise their children alone. It takes a community committed and willing to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment, one that offers quality education and opportunities to explore one's creative side or participate in sports. It takes families, government, nonprofits, religious organizations, businesses, and yes, law enforcement to provide such an environment.

Like many communities, Lompoc faces difficult challenges, including gangs and drugs that threaten the wholeness of the community. Though families play a significant role in responding to these challenges, they can't protect their children forever. If we think that the solution is simply increased support for law enforcement (whose job it is to suppress or keep at bay the gangs and drug traffickers) then we are naïve. Law enforcement plays an important role, but it doesn't get at the root issues.

Gangs are successful because they promise to give young people a sense of purpose and belonging. They're like tribes that offer an alternative to the village (which includes the family). For many kids lacking self-esteem and strong community images, they offer a sense of family. They enforce a sense of loyalty and provide mutual commitment.

To the outsider they may appear to be just a bunch of thugs, but gangs aren't anarchists. They're tightly knit organizations that give order to the often chaotic lives of the gang members. Loyalty and honor are prized above all else, so if you offend my honor, my tribe will defend me - sometimes to the death.

Violence is the means of expanding gang turf, but more importantly it defends the honor of the gang and its members. In this, it mimics the nation-state, which expands its borders, and defends its honor, often violently.

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I'm not an expert on gangs, but I believe that if the village (the community as a whole and not just the government) has the will, it can marshal its resources and offer clear and positive responses. It will take all segments of the community - business, government, schools, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, and of course families. The community's responses must be more than offering diversions or entertainment; it will take a multi-level approach that includes investment in our public schools, in vocational education, in mentoring opportunities and internships, along with increased support for music education (both instrumental and vocal), theater, the arts, and athletics. These kinds of programs build leaders and offer young people a sense of purpose. Programs that teach young people how to resolve conflicts nonviolently and reinforce virtues such as respect, tolerance, and justice are also crucial.

There is also a need for affordable counseling programs that can help young people find their way out of gangs and drug addiction. This will take money, but in the long run it's a lot cheaper than building prisons. If the village is going to respond effectively then it must start its work when children are still young; the longer we wait the more difficult it becomes.

If the image of the village seems foreign, then perhaps the image of the extended family will work. Jesus defined the family broadly, including in his family all who followed him. So perhaps we can think of ourselves as a big and very diverse family that is able to expand and embrace everyone, as well as being compassionate to those in need. It's the kind of family where everyone is an aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather, who is willing to guide and mentor, teach and encourage.

Mine is a small church that has more seniors than young people, but I enjoy watching these seniors love and encourage our young people. In a mobile society like ours, children need an extended family that makes sure no one falls through the cracks. Yes, it takes a village or maybe a great big family, to face down the challenges to the future of our children.

Dr. Bob Cornwall is pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lompoc (www.lompocdisciples.org). He may be contacted at lompocdisciples@impulse.net or at First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1056, Lompoc, CA 93438.

June 11, 2006