Adults Quote by Luis J. Rodriguez
“To go against gangs or drugs is meaningless unless this is mostly done by filling in the empties, the vacuums, and stop the neglect and harm we do as detached, mean, irresponsible adults and communities. The answer is in our hands.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New York Times, "Community Healing", 2015
Addressing social issues requires filling gaps and caring for neglected people, not just opposing harmful groups.
In simple terms: Help fill voids, don’t just fight.
Key Takeaway
Focus on community support and inclusion.
Themes
social justice
community care
activism
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
manifesto
call to action
When to use this quote
- neighborhood outreach
- youth programs
- mental health services
Key Concepts
systemic neglect
empowerment
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What voids exist in your community?
- How can you contribute to filling them?
A Different Perspective
Change is slow and requires sustained resources.
![“We [people] all need each other. Gangs do try to fill that void - but they can't do what healthy, balanced, and coherent families and communities can do. Let's strengthen our core relationships from the start - and all the way through a young person's life. This is the best way to avoid the growth…” quote by Luis J. Rodriguez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5f3/luis-j-rodr-guez-15197_balanced_we-people-all-need-each-other-gangs-do-t_933688.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
