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Community leader urges Palm Springs Unified to rename 'gang intervention counselor' position
Summary
Rick Saldivar of Chance Initiative told the board that the title 'gang intervention counselor' carries stigma and recommended alternative, more empowering titles to increase student engagement.
Rick Saldivar, founder and director of Chance Initiative and a program specialist at College of the Desert, urged the Palm Springs Unified School District board on April 8 to reconsider the title of a recently approved position labeled "gang intervention counselor."
Saldivar said the phrase can carry stigma and deter students from engaging with services the district hopes will reduce gang involvement. "The title gang intervention counselor counselor feels somewhat dated, perhaps reminiscent of the 1990s," he said. "Some of the youth might be hesitant or reluctant to openly engage with someone labeled gang intervention counselor."
He told the board he had spoken with probation officers and students who said the label could be a barrier. To reduce stigma and make the role more approachable, Saldivar suggested alternative titles including "Promise Youth Advocate," "Empowerment Counselor," and "Success Counselor," arguing the alternatives emphasize potential and opportunity rather than affiliation with gangs.
Why it matters: Title and labeling can affect whether the target population seeks help. Saldivar framed his recommendation as a practical change intended to increase participation in a prevention and reentry-focused role.
Board response: Board members thanked Saldivar for the suggestion and said they would consider his feedback during cabinet discussions.
