Gangs are no longer the exclusive problem of large metropolitan areas. Suburban schools and communities are now vulnerable, and the problem is spreading. To combat the problem, it is essential to overcome denial in the school and community. The case study of Chris, a junior high school student, exemplifies suburban youth gang members. Administrators, teachers, and parents are not "gang literate"; they often do not recognize the signs of gang participation, including use of certain sports products as gang emblems. Gang members typically begin as marginal, or surface members, advance to hard-core status, and may go on to be elite gang members as adults providing leadership. Actions that schools and communities can take to help combat gangs include the following: (1) take the gang problem seriously; (2) enhance community and parental involvement and knowledge about gangs; (3) develop a clear policy on gangs and make it clear that school is a neutral place where students must feel secure; (4) develop positive incentives to increase rewards for those who refuse gang influence; (5) educate teachers to be gang literate; (6) work with local police to develop effective communication and a good working relationship; and (7) devise strategies to involve students in afterschool activities. The threat of gangs must be taken seriously from elementary school through high school. (Contains 10 references.) (SLD)