CGA will always be effective because of our individual commitments to change.

- Richard M.

COMMON BELIEFS OF THE CRIMINAL

AND GANGMEMBER  AND THEIR NEED

FOR CGA

Other people cause us to react the way we do, so I have to be aggressive.

We have to take what we want-we deserve it.

Why not do it, when it’s quick, easy, fast money!

We are invincible and can not be caught.

They keep flirting and teasing me, or they wanted me!

If they hurt someone I love, I have to retaliate.

It’s easy, there is enough, and no one will ever know I did it.

Can’t afford to leave witnesses.

I can’t show any fear, weakness or be disrespected.

We make excuses for doing wrong, claiming it’s for the right reasons.

We have to be in control of every situation and the results have to meet our satisfaction.

We have many different prejudices.

We don’t believe those recovery groups can help.

We don’t ask for help, we don’t trust, we can change alone.

We believe God will answer all our requests and we simply wait for the response.

We believe we can use the twelve steps without the guidance of an experienced sponsor.

We say how smart we are while living very stupid considering the risks we take and the things we do.

If you have carefully considered the facts above, the fact is it may be to your benefit to contact CGA today.  We will help you, help yourself.

WHO WE ARE AS CGA:

Criminals & Gangmembers Anonymous is a twelve step recovery program for anyone who is willing to be sincere about their inability to stop committing crimes regardless of age, ethnic group, gender, social circle or professional status.  Each of us in CGA admit and wish to resolve, a series of common problems in character caused by our lifestyle problems and bad habits caused through our addiction to a choice of illegal activity.

In CGA we do not glorify the wrongs we’ve done, nor make excuses to justify our actions.  We are not here to blame anyone, to continue disputes or hold hostility with anyone or any group.

CGA does not unite with nor will it oppose any other programs or organizations.  We do not challenge nor support any matters of controversy with a person, group or other establishments regarding their practices or belief systems.

We are people who are becoming responsible for ourselves while being accountable for our actions.  Our primary purpose is to develop and practice a better way of living free of destructive addictions and reach out to help other criminals find a peaceful, productive way of living.

If you are looking for help with your problems, CGA has a place for you. If there is not a group in your area yet, we will help you in getting your own group started.

OUR LIFESTYLES & ADDICTION TO CRIME:

Criminals and Gangmembers are people who can quickly display a personality that fits their needs.  Yet behind the mask we wear to deceive others, we are driven by a set of warped beliefs along the lines of evil.  We have no respect for rules, laws or the rights, property or freedom of others.

We do things illegal to satisfy ourselves whether physical, sexual, financial or for material gains, control and simple greed.  As a gangmember, we generally follow traditions passed down to us. As criminals, our manners can be deceptive. On the surface, some of us can fit into normal places, among normal people yet we move behind the shadows committing crimes of a wide sort.

Our addictive behavior makes criminals and gangmembers more destructive than any other addicts.  When we get an irresistible idea, desire or an emotional rush to do something and convince ourselves we should and that we can get away with it, we act.

We repeat the crime over and over again until the behavior is automatic. We do not consider ourselves as having a problem - while insisting that everyone else is out to get us or is doing us wrong.

WHAT IS ANONYMITY?

Anonymity is CGA’s assurance to you of your right to protect your privacy and CGA’s request to you that you respect our right of privacy.It is a freedom given to you and a safeguard for the individual, a CGA group and CGA as a whole.

IS RECOVERY TRULY POSSIBLE FOR US?

Recovery is possible for anyone who takes recovery serious.  Through the support of the CGA group and the helpful guidance of a CGA sponsor, we begin to change our attitudes, choices, and decisions, rather than continue arguing for our own limitations.

In CGA recovery we share our past and present common experiences with others, relate to similarities rather than challenging or debating any differences.  Through the power of self honesty we open our minds to become willing to follow a spiritual path outlined through twelve simple steps.  Each day we remind ourselves that recovery is a process requiring patience, commitment and practical application.

IS CGA A RELIGIOUS PROGRAM?

CGA is a spiritually based program having direct roots to religious principles drawing toward the common universal belief that all human beings are ingrained with the spirit of love and the capacity to practice it rather than evil.  We believe our human nature is defected with imperfections and we should help those we can and remain open-minded and caringly available to understand and support those who may come to CGA seeking change.  We shall not turn away from anyone who lacks spiritual beliefs nor challenge anyone because of their religious beliefs.  CGA is here to help the criminal and gangmember with their common problems so all may find the light of truth and love.

CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS

If you are interested in obtaining further information on CGA or wish to start a CGA group in your community and/or institution you my contact us at:

CGA Services, Inc.

2049 South Santa Fe Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90021-2919

E-mail: petermeji@aol.com

Website: www.CGAnon.org

Phone: (213) 438-4833

Fax:     (213) 489-7601

CGA-PM-3