Wesley Community Action

Wesley Community Action (WCA) is seeing the value of working along members of communities commonly referred to as ‘gangs’ that want to see support positive changes.  Gangs have traditionally been male-dominated groups that are relatively closed off to the non-gang world, says WCA, but some members are now viewing them as whānau groupings, and as a result are more inclusive towards women and children.  Results of the new development have been very positive.  Some groups of women within these communities are getting together and organising themselves to move on to better futures.  Working alongside women and families in the Wellington Black Power community, worker Tualie Smith encourages physical activities, and is helping set up a catering business for the women.  These are playing a key role in supporting positive attitudes and lifestyles in the community.

WCA says zero tolerance towards gangs is an understandable response to criminality, but has not helped change the drivers of crime or offending.  The new initiative employs co-workers from within gang communities who have mana, want positive change and don’t want their children to go through what they have.  The approach builds on existing individual strengths and ensures that the process is solution-focused and responsive to client ideas and preferences rather than those imposed from the outside.

The key predictor of good outcomes is the relationships between the client and the co-worker, WCA says.  Co-workers have access to whānau that are gang affiliated, and are trusted because they are members of the same communities.  These WCA staff are some of the few representatives of outside support organisations that gang whānau have willingly let into their lives.  “We believe this approach is critical if we are to bring about medium to long term positive changes in behaviour and build collaborative relationships with other organisations”, says Liz McMillan Makalio, Team Leader with WCA and partner of a member of the mongrel mob.

Some planned projects and outcomes are diminished use of P, peer-based training of wahine to teach parenting skills, physical activities to increase confidence, fitness, strength and capacity in preparing for work; self defence courses and healthy eating.  Other initiatives will take shape as a result of discussions within their respective communities.