The work of Guitars Not Guns is even more important in today's economic environment where schools are cutting arts programs. GNG serves low-income children in DC whose parents cannot afford to purchase instruments or lessons for them. These children are also heavily at risk for joining gangs. GNG provides a positive and creative outlet - learning to play guitar - that helps introduce young children to the arts and lets them know that they have other options besides getting involved with violence. GNG has a lesson plan for the children who participate in the program - they learn all of the basic chords for guitar. Kids graduate from the program when they are able to play all of the chords and they are given the guitar to keep to hopefully continue playing.