On Sunday, July 28, 2024, ASEZ members from California State University, Fresno held a street cleanup in hopes of preventing crime. The club aims to host a crime prevention forum and this was the first step in making a big change in the local area.
The Broken Windows Theory, which became popular in the ’80s, states that “a well-maintained environment signals that the area is monitored and that criminal behavior is not tolerated.” With this in mind, the club carried out the street cleanup and is planning to carry out similar activities to prevent and reduce crime.
Similar events are held by ASEZ in various parts of the world to make the world a better place. One such event was in Philippines who held the Crime Prevention Seminar at University of Southeastern Philippines. In January of this year, ASEZ in San Diego area held the crime prevention forum in celebration of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. These events gives an opportunity to think about an individuals role in preventing crime; to acknowledge and address crimes in society instead of ignoring them.
ASEZ Cleaning Up the Streets
During the cleanup, as many as 40 ASEZ members participated and gathered at 8 AM to collect trash. Members broke off into two teams: one that went into a heavily-littered alley, and another team that went across the street and cleaned the neighborhood and a smaller alley.
The participants carried out the event in accordance with God’s teaching in the Bible to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
As many as 50 bags were collected, as well as a few boxes of trash. Since the area is filled with numerous transients, it is often cluttered with debris, bottles, and other forms of trash that often sit for a long time. The volunteers took the first step in beautifying the area in hopes of creating a cleaner and safer neighborhood, and preventing crime all around.
ASEZ club at Fresno State
The ASEZ club at Fresno State has been very active in the community and held numerous events in the past, including tree and flower planting at the University to help with sustainability. They also held an event to remove unnecessary grass and lay gorilla hair mulch, which helps reduce the water consumption at the school.
Through events such as these, the club is hoping to make small, yet consistent efforts that will culminate into a big impact on a big city. They also plan on hosting a graffiti removal in September and are working towards other street cleanups and initiatives that align with the city’s needs.
Heavenly Mother whom the Church of God believes in always teaches the members of ASEZ to consider their neighbors and help the community. With the love of Elohim God and the determination to save the earth from A to Z, the members of the ASEZ club at Fresno State will surely succeed.
