For example, if I chose a group called "Mothers of East L.A." yes, they really do exist, and yes I can find them and talk to a few members. I'll organize my research to include their purpose. Their purpose is to alleviate gang shootings, killings, and warfare on the streets of East L.A. They literally get together at night, walk the streets looking for a gang hanging out, or wait for bullet shots. They'll walk in the direction of the shots and hopefully find the gang members. Many of the women who are involved lost sons (and daughters, but mostly sons) to gang killings. I'll then focus my research on their language, their approach. The mothers then use a very very pathos approach by showing the gang members photos of thier sons. They ask the gang members if they've seen their sons, and then explain their relationship to that photo. As mothers they explain their grief, their anger, their wish for no other mother to experience the loss of a son in both English and Spanish. Whichever language they are most comfortable with. The mothers translate languages for one another to make sure the gang members understand. They then ask the gang members to go home. They ask them to change the violent patterns. They suggest other ways of expressing their anger, their manliness, their rights to empowerment. They never ask them to leave gangs because they understand while they can do that, such a request is solely up to the individual. I'd then think about how this one groups' actions are hopeful. What are the challenges? Not to get killed. To be taken seriously. What are the obstacles? They range in ages, some are grandmothers and can't walk too many streets. What is so hopeful? Women, many who do not master English, many who do not have more than elementary years of education, can and are making a difference. They are so organized, they were recognized by an L.A. City Councilwoman, and they began "touring" L.A. giving talks to other grassroots organizations about gang violence. Back in 1993 or 1994 (I forget), South Central had over 100 gang killings. East L.A. had 1 (uno, one). This one group of women, mothers, grandmothers, walking the mean streets of East L.A. used their honesty, their willingness to put themselves in the front line to make a difference. And it worked, and continues to work. They've made several adjustments because times change.

My research would be on gangs in L.A., what's being done, what's being said. I'd look at activist groups that are funded, then I'd look for this group.

My project would most likely be to show you photographs of the areas they walk. Pictures of the women themelves, and probably clips of the women describing their commitment, their wok, their reasons for hope.