The common issues that our communities are facing and how they are all interconnected.

1. Critical Issues In Our Communities Most Common Issues In The Snowblog Community

2. Most Common Issues From everyone’s posts and comments the following seem to be the most common themes: The Economy Gangs & Violence Taxes & How They Are Spent Activities & Programs For Youths

3. All of These Issues Are Connected

4. Chain Reaction Solving one of these issues can indirectly solve another.

5. The Economy The economy has the most profound impact on its citizens. A poor economy sees many people without jobs. The unemployed don’t spend as much money, therefore causing businesses to close, and as a result more and more people are out of work. Unemployment can snowball very rapidly.

6. The Economy continued… Effects of unemployment: More government services (unemployment benefits, etc.) can result in higher taxes. Increasing crime rates and growth in size of gangs (mostly youths). More citizens unengaged.

7. Violence & Gangs Violence is on the ascendency. Whether it’s Mexican drug cartels, terrorism, or gangs in Newburgh, violence seems to be everywhere today. Unoccupied youths can be attracted to gangs. Gangs give troubled youths a sense of acceptance. Fills void created by unemployment, boredom, etc.

8. Violence & Gangs continued… Effects of increasing violence & gangs: More tax money spent on law enforcement and legal system. Local businesses closing in high-crime neighborhoods, increasing unemployment. More youths heading down the wrong path, not accomplishing anything that gives back to the community as a whole.

9. Taxes & How Money Is Spent Taxes are a necessity in developed nations. However, the government needs to spend the money wisely and effectively.

10. Effects of Taxes If money is spent efficiently: it can curb unemployment rates Provide citizens with more public activities and places to spend their time. If taxes are raised and/or money is spent recklessly: then citizens keep less of what they earn. As a result, people will spend less, therefore hurting the economy, and indirectly leading to more unemployment, criminal activity, etc. Businesses laying off employees.

11. Activities & Programs For Youths Most youths get into trouble between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. After school, youths have nothing to do in most communities.

12. Lack of Activities & Programs Effects of Lack of Activities/Programs for Youths: Young people getting into trouble. Tax money spent on services to combat youth crime (law enforcement, court costs, etc.). Crowds of young people can deter customers from businesses. Ex: Local malls don’t allow teens to shop without being accompanied by a parent.

13. Positive Effects Effects of More Activities/Programs for Youths: Young people become well-rounded citizens (more involved in the community). Reinforces positive behaviors (as opposed to gangs). Can create more jobs in the community.