Vandalism is the willful destruction or defacement of public or private property. This includes smashing mailboxes, trashing someone's property, drawing graffiti on public places, breaking windows, and destroying abandoned buildings. Vandalism costs schools, homeowners, businesses, youth, and others more than $15 billion a year.

Projects against vandalism and graffiti seek to get rid of, reduce, or repair the willful destruction or defacement of property. Antivandalism activities can include:

	Repairing damage caused by vandalism.
	Educating others about the costs of vandalism.
	Sponsoring a graffiti paintout.
	Organizing the beautification of a plot of land that is piled high with trash.

The activity might be a one-time project or a yearlong effort, depending on your group's interests and resources.

Youth In Action Bulletin

December 1998     Number 02