After a period of decline, gang membership and gang activity are on the increase in the United States. Recent Department of Justice figures indicate that there are currently over 26,000 gangs involving over 800,000 members active in virtually every community in the nation. No longer territorial, gang activity extends from the most impoverished and blighted communities to the most affluent suburbs and isolated rural areas. Beyond engagement in illegal activity, and the economic rewards that brings, gangs provide a sense of power, belonging and recognition for their members. The fastest growth in gang membership is among middle level youngsters, a group that has changed its status from gang "wannabees" to "gonnabees." The Principals' Partnership is pleased to bring this resource unit on gangs and gang activity in school. This resource unit provides information, tools and links on these topics: (1) The extent and nature of gang activity in communities and schools; (2) Strategies for dealing with gangs in schools and communities; (3) Strategies for discouraging gang membership; (4) Ways to curtail gangs and gang activity in and around the school community; and (5) How schools, parents, the police and juvenile justice officials can form partnerships to control gang membership and activity in the community. Gangs and gang membership are complex topics and a large number of private foundations, government agencies, schools and law enforcement agencies are working on the problem. This resource brief provides useful information and links to many of these groups. It is organized so one can move quickly to the information needed in a school or community situation. A list of resources is included. ("The Ten Most Asked Questions about Gangs" was written by Mike Muir.)