5 Organization And Program Manual by MidHudson Angels

THE OFFICIAL GUARDIAN ANGELS TRAINING BOOK: 5. ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS MANUAL

International Alliance of Guardian Angels

Version 1.1 2004

5. ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS MANUAL Table of Contents Volunteer Demographics.......................................................................................2 Guardian Angels Positions ....................................................................................3 Programs .........................................................................................................5 Advisory Board ...........................................................................................6 Patrol .........................................................................................................8 Finance.......................................................................................................9 Marketing..................................................................................................15 Media Relations........................................................................................17 Administration...........................................................................................20 Community Affairs ....................................................................................23 Community Emergency Response ...........................................................26 Crisis and Conflict Mediation ....................................................................27 Criminal Affairs .........................................................................................28 Inter-Chapter Affairs .................................................................................29 Special Events..........................................................................................33 Cyber Guardian Angels ............................................................................34 Education Programs .................................................................................35 Youth Programs........................................................................................37 Senior Programs.......................................................................................40 24/7 .......................................................................................................41 The Guardian Angels Theory ..............................................................................42 Guardian Angels Reintroducing Community Policing ..........................................45 Devolutionists......................................................................................................46 Appendix A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

Sample Leaflet Sample Flier Sample Press Release Sample Youth Documents Safety Tips Manual Behavioral Self-Defense Sample Letter to Councilmember

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Guardian Angels: 5. Org. & Programs Manual

Guardian Angels Volunteer Demographics

In the past, almost all Guardian Angels patrolled. Members were usually between the ages of 16 and 24, mostly male, from poor neighborhoods, and often minorities. At the time, many people viewed poor minority youth as criminals and gang members, and now, as Guardian Angels, people see them as volunteers sacrificing for their own communities. It was very important to show that young kids were not only part of the problem, but they could also be part of the solution. Few other organizations attracted young adults to their volunteer and community programs like the Guardian Angels. The Guardian Angels still aggressively recruit young people from poor, crime-infested neighborhoods as part of patrol activities. However, there are many other people who are also interested in the Guardian Angels and in what we stand for. Our goal is to truly reflect the communities we serve. Not only should we be racially diverse, we should also have both female and male members, members from all income groups, and of all different ages and backgrounds. Since most people International Conference 2001, Chicago remember us from our early years, it is a difficult challenge convincing people that they do not have to be young males to join. In addition to a diversity of demographics, our programs have also expanded. Patrolling is still our core program, but we also need volunteers who are interested in non-patrolling programs. Our greatest need is for non-patrolling volunteers.

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Guardian Angels Positions

EXECUTIVE LEVEL President/Founder The Founder and current President is Curtis Sliwa. He is in charge of the goals, direction, and operations of the entire organization. He holds the ultimate authority on all things Guardian Angels. Executive Board of Directors The Board of Directors is comprised of New York residents and hold limited influence over the organization. Curtis and Frances Sliwa are members of the board. Secretary/Treasurer Frances Sliwa is Secretary and Treasurer as well as the mother of Curtis Sliwa. She is in charge of all finances as well as distribution of official logo supplies. International Director This position is currently vacant. The last person to hold this position was Sebastian Metz. This position is in charge of the development and coordination of all the chapters focusing mostly on chapters outside the United States. Program Directors Currently, there are three programs at the executive level: Cyber Guardian Angels, Urban Guardian Angels, and Angels in the Classroom. The difference between an executive level program and a chapter level program is that the executive level is more centralized, uniform, and standardized. The creation, development, and operation of the program require a more structured and organized format. Any chapter can create their own Junior Guardian Angels or Self-Defense programs. The Executive level programs must be run according to strict guidelines with a fully trained staff. Regional Director A Guardian Angels region may involve a number of different countries, states, or even cities within a state. Japan is considered its own region that includes a dozen or so chapters in several cities. Europe is considered a region that used to have a dozen or so chapters throughout several countries. Los Angeles was also once a region when it had several chapters in several cities. The Regional Director is in charge of the

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development and coordination of all chapters within her region. She is the ultimate authority over those chapters. CHAPTER LEVEL Chapter Leader A chapter usually covers an entire city. However, in the case of large metropolitan areas, there may be several chapters within one city. The Chapter Leader is in charge of the development and operations of her chapter. The CL should be in charge of all financial matters and be closely involved in monitoring patrol activities. Assistant Chapter Leader The duties of the Assistant Chapter Leader are up to each chapter. He can actually run the entire chapter and receive minimal direction from the CL. He may also just be a stand-in for whenever the CL is out of town. Ideally, the CL should share all aspects of her job with the Assistant. In other words, if the CL were to move, the Assistant should be able to easily step into her shoes and continue running and developing the chapter. Program Directors Members should be provided the opportunity to start or operate local programs like self-defense classes, Youth Guardian Angels, or Emergency Response Guardian Angels. Ideally, they should have at least one year experience as a Guardian Angel. Patrol Sergeants Some members avoid taking on leadership roles. Being a leader, however, is the same thing as being a Guardian Angel. For those who do not wish to do anything else but patrol (patrol junkies);they should eventually become Patrol Sergeants. They do not lead out every patrol. That task should be circulated evenly among the Safeties. Their duty, however, is to either train or assist in the training of recruits and other Safeties. They should become experts on the patrol area and tactics.

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Guardian Angels: 5. Org. & Programs Manual

Guardian Angels Programs

Advisory Boards

Advise, support, and help guide chapter

Patrol

Street, neighborhood, nightlife, special events patrols

Finance

Finance, accounting, budgeting, grant writing, fund-raising

Marketing

Marketing, market research and development, promotion, campaigns, literature, archives, public information

Recruitment

Recruitment drives, training, public outreach

Media Relations

Media interviewing, media contacts

Administration

Administration, facilities management, equipment, records, member development and training, internal development, training, program and strategic review

Community Affairs

Community meetings, contacts, outreach

Community Emergency Response

Community emergency response training covers both natural and human created disasters

Crisis and Conflict Mediation

Individual conflict resolution to community mediation

Criminal Affairs

Police relations, criminology, crime statistics, crime research

Inter-Chapter Affairs

Travel planning, Infoshare, International Conference

Special Events

Special events organization, planning, and promotions

Cyber Guardian Angels

Computer safety workshops, website development

Education Programs

Teach the Teachers, Humane Education, Self-Defense

Youth Programs

Youth, Urban, and Junior Guardian Angels

Senior Programs

Senior outreach, self-defense

24/7

Full-time, live-in Guardian Angels

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Guardian Angels: 5. Org. & Programs Manual

Guardian Angels Advisory Board

Many Cities and Counties today are creating citizen advisory boards. Their job is to help provide the City and County governments with advice, feedback, guidance, and support. While the City Council and County Commission actually run government, these boards take on a limited advisory role. The board meetings also provide a forum for public input and involvement. Advisory board members are not employees of the City or County, so they mostly retain their independent ideas and perspectives. A chapter may wish to adopt some sort of advisory board for the same reason. This should NOT be a Governing Board. The Chapter Leader is the highest authority in the city, and he reports directly to his Regional Coordinator who reports directly to Curtis Sliwa. This chain of command should not be impeded or broken. The Advisory Board acts as a liaison with the community as well as a resource in and of itself. It can be comprised of anyone in the community;however, they should be reputable, lawful, and “up-standing”citizens. Some suggestions are: police officers, social workers, the City’ s neighborhood advisory board member, City council member if possible, criminologist, Chamber of Commerce member, youth program director, lawyer, paramedic, martial arts instructor, marketing professional, minority group director, church leader, other non-profit leaders, and leaders from the area’ s major industries. It should also be comprised of the general public. How many times have you tried to recruit someone, and he said that he did not have the time, he thought he was too old, or he was not interested in patrolling. Ask him if he would like to be a member of the Advisory Board. Advisory Board Duties The job of the board is mostly to advise you and not operate the chapter. They should review the objectives and accomplishments of the chapter and provide suggests as to the strategies and goals of the chapter. The benefit of a Board of Advisors is to lend credibility to the chapter as well as provide the community with some official influence over the activities of the chapter. It also provides the chapter with the resources and contacts the board members bring with them. Keep in mind, the Board does not tell you what to do. At the same time, you should not ignore or belittle their ideas and suggestions. You should make an honest attempt to incorporate their feedback and take note of it at the next meeting. E.g., “Ms. Smith, last meeting you suggested that we work with the Red Cross on this event. We now have them involved, and they are helping out a lot.” The Advisory Board should meet monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly depending on Chapter activities. The Chapter and Program Leaders must attend and provide a report on Chapter activities. The Board provides their suggestions or recommendations on these activities. You should start with what the Chapter has done, then what it is doing, and then end with what it will do. When covering future events, you should solicit as

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much assistance from the Board as possible. The Board should also be invited to attend and view any Chapter activity they may be interested in. They receive VIP invitations to any major Chapter event. They should also be called upon to help you with the media. Each year, you should hold a special event for the Board where all Chapter members can meet them. You should also provide them with certificates of appreciation, supporter t-shirts, or other Guardian Angels logo merchandise.

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Guardian Angels Patrol

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We slam and jam the crooks. We rock and shock the streets. We are hemorrhoids to the dope dealing, herka-ma-jerk, mutants. We give free therapeutic concrete back massages to those Uzi-toting, dope-smoking, huckleberry, freakazoids oozing out the armpits of the cesspool of our cities.â&#x20AC;? The Guardian Angels patrol is the most visible and well-known part of the Guardian Angels. In fact, it is so well known that most people assume that is all we do. The patrol is also the most controversial and potentially dangerous program. For this reason, patrol volunteers spend significant time training. Because of the risks and demands, patrolling also offers greater self-rewards and a deeper understanding of the principles and ideals of the Guardian Angels. Patrol Trainer/Instructor

Tending to a victim, Super Bowl weekend, San Diego 2003

The Chapter Leader is not necessarily the best suited to be the trainer or instructor. A CL may find himself busy working with the police and community leaders in the patrol areas. The Patrol Trainer/ Instructor should be the one best suited to train, motivate, and develop other patrol members.

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Guardian Angels Finance

Besides the Patrol Program, the Finance Program bears the greatest responsibilities and risks for this organization. No chapter can afford improper, incomplete, or inaccurate financial management and reporting. The person in charge of this program should be particularly mature, responsible, and financially stable. Director of Finance Usually the Chapter Leader is in charge of financial reporting and spending. If the chapter revenue grows significantly, however, a CL may decide to appoint someone this responsibility especially if his bookkeeping skills are superior. Most Chapters can operate under $2,000 a year. Those Chapters that operate above this are usually receiving grants, which require more organized and professional budgeting and accounting procedures. Fundraiser The Fundraiser is in charge of creating, planning, and promoting fundraising events including booths at special events, Guardian Angels merchandise sales, car washes, auctions, or dinners. Grant Writing Grant writing is truly a unique position for two major reasons. First, grant writing itself is a specialized skill that usually requires years of experience and training. Second, the grant writer needs to understand all aspects of the entire chapter or funded program. For example, a grant writer for a patrol program needs to know everything about the program including the number of patrols, number of patrol members, dates of patrol, goals of each patrol, and crime statistics in the patrol area. She then needs to record how the money was spent and where it went. The grant writer is involved from the conception of the program to its completion and review. A grant application is much like a business plan;however, instead of convincing an investor that your business will make money, you are convincing a donor that your program will make a difference. Also, many donors are business investors, so the more your application looks like a professional business plan, the more likely the donor will find it credible. Donors usually ask the following questions: • • • • •

What is your program about? Why is your program important? Who will be running it? How will you run it? Who will it benefit?

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Guardian Angels: 5. Org. & Programs Manual

• • • • • • • • • •

Why is your program unique? Why can’ t other organizations or agencies do this? What is the problem that you will be solving? How will you measure success? Can you provide me with substantial, measurable, and verifiable results? How much will it cost? How is your program cost effective? Who can vouch for your credibility or program? Do you have the support of other community groups? Do you have any experience with this kind of program? What makes you qualified to run this kind of program?

The Grant Writer must first identify the goal of the organization and its specific program. There should be both measurable objectives and predicted outcomes. Good example: Our goal is to motivate at-risk high school students to improve their attendance and interest in school. We believe their inability to deal with their personal problems is at the root of their poor school performance. Our method is to empower them will skills to deal with their problems including conflict resolution, peer mediation, building self-esteem, anger management, relationship building, communication, and self-defense. We will also educate them about the pitfalls of drugs, alcohol, gangs, teenage pregnancy, unsafe sex, and crime. Bad example: We hope to help youth and make them better citizens. Pointers •

Measure the impact and effect of your program. Create a before and after participant survey. For example, the survey should ask them what their attitudes are concerning school, college, careers, themselves, and their future. You can then report improvements like: Only 10% of the participants said they were interested in attending college at the beginning of the program. By the end of the program, 70% expressed interest in attending college. Try to report their attendance record before and after the program.

•

Create an activity statement and scope of work or plan of action.

•

Record all activities including the frequency, intensity, and duration.

•

Create a budget. Start out with a dream budget with all the staffing and equipment you could possibly need. List the resources you already have. Attempt to find matching grants or resources.

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Financial Management Appropriate Expenses  Gas for traveling to another chapter  Medical supplies for the chapter  Airfare to visit another chapter for official business (only if taking Greyhound will take more than 8 hours one way)  Copying of fliers  Cell phone bill for Guardian Angels cell phone  Guardian Angels t-shirts and jackets Inappropriate Expenses (excludes 24/7 Program)     

Cash Food Gas for picking up and dropping off members BDU’ s and boots for yourself or any members Personal cell phone bill

Keep all receipts. Provide a receipt for any cash donations above $10 (record ANY cash donation in the monthly reports). Record all expenses paid out of the Guardian Angels account and all cash donations provided to any Guardian Angel. Donations A donation is the giving of money, products, or services with no expectation of a return of any kind of money, products, or services. We do not accept donations in exchange for anything including security, self-defense classes, or after-school programs. If you want to charge for a self-defense class or after-school program you must charge a fee only to cover your out-of-pocket expenses. We do accept grants in exchange for providing programs and services. If someone wants you to patrol their special event or apartment complex, you may tell them that you accept donations (which may include free lodging), but the donation is not in any way considered a contract for services. Tell them, however, that you will personally commit to their event.

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Monthly Reporting A monthly financial report must be submitted to the Treasurer, Frances Sliwa. The report must include: 1.

4. 5.

Balance page. Includes the name of your chapter, the name and position of the reporter, starting balance, total monthly expenses, total monthly donations, and ending balance. You must sign this page. Expenses page. Itemize each expense including the Guardian Angels check number, the payee, a brief description of the expense, the dollar amount, and then the total monthly expenses at the bottom. Donations page. Itemize each donation including the Guardian Angels receipt number, the donator, a brief description of the source of the donation, the dollar amount, and then the total monthly donation at the bottom. Copy of the checking account statement. Copy of all expense and donation receipts.

Send this report on a monthly basis to: Frances Sliwa Guardian Angels 982 E 89th St Brooklyn, NY 11236 WARNING: Any failure to submit these reports in a timely and correct manner may result in the closing of your chapter. Financial Report Sample: [Page 1] FINANCIAL REPORT CHAPTER: Reno, Nevada MONTH: December 1 to 31, 2003 Last Month’ s Balance + Donations TOTAL - Expenses New Balance

a) b) c) d) e)

$500.50 $194.25 $694.75 $130.00 $564.75

Prepared by _________________ Freda “Bean Counter”Hayek

Chapter Leader

________________ Don “Surfer”Ho

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[Page 2] DONATIONS CHAPTER: Reno, Nevada MONTH: December 1 to 31, 2003 FROM

RECEIPT NO.

AMOUNT

Citizen on the street Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Mini-Mart United Way Quarterly Contributions

N/A 1375

$ 20.00 $ 20.00

N/A

$154.25

TOTAL

(page 1, line b)

$194.25

[Page 3] EXPENSES CHAPTER: Reno, Nevada MONTH: December 1 to 31, 2003 PAID TO

TYPE OF EXPENSE

AMOUNT

Galls, Inc. U.S. Postmaster Bancroft, Inc.

Latex gloves Mail box 6 month fee 12 berets

$ 10.00 $ 24.00 $ 96.00

TOTAL

(page 1, line d)

$130.00

Financial Malfeasance Managing money is a huge responsibility with huge temptations. Ideally, a Chapter Leader should have a steady job with good to excellent credit. It does not make sense for a CL to be unemployed and broke and manage a $3,000 Guardian Angels account. This does not mean you cannot be a CL if you are unemployed with terrible credit. You can be the CL;however, you cannot have a Chapter bank account. All financial transactions should be managed by the Regional Leader or the nearest Chapter with a bank account. All donations should be forwarded to the RL or nearest Chapter. They will set aside these donations for your expenses. Any inappropriate use of Guardian Angels property, assets, and money will lead to discipline and/or termination. Being a Guardian Angel means upholding the law and also affirming a higher moral code. We depend on the public trust for our safety and

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lives on patrol. If the public discovers that the Guardian Angels cannot even handle its own money, we risk losing their trust. This directly jeopardizes our safety and lives on the street.

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Guardian Angels Marketing

Most people think that Marketing is just about advertising or promotions. Marketing is truly a lot more complex, profound, and broad. Marketing goes to the very core of why an organization or company exists in the first place. Who are we serving? What are we doing? What do we expect to accomplish? Why are we doing this? How will our services help anyone? What services should we offer? Director of Marketing The Director of Marketing (DM) holds the very heavy responsibility of defining the organization or chapter. The DM may even determine that patrolling may not be the best way to serve the community. He is the connection between our goals and mission and meeting those goals and fulfilling that mission. This can also be referred to as Strategic Marketing. The DM determines how to improve our value to others and is therefore deeply involved in defining our meaning and goals. The second job of the DM is to then share our goals and strategies with everyone. The DM educates others about who we are, whom we serve, what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. Besides perhaps the CL, there is no other Guardian Angel who more deeply understands the entire organization than the DM. It is only then that the DM will begin a recruitment, advertising, or promotional campaign to spread that message. Information Officer The Information Officer (IO) is in charge of all written material including training manuals, fliers, advertisements, and brochures. She is also in charge of photos and the history of the chapter including all articles or shows about the Angels. The IO should fully understand the goals and strategies of the Guardian Angels in order to write accurate and compelling information. When the DM is unavailable, the IO should be able to answer any questions about the organization. Communicating Our Goals, Purpose, Vision A Marketing volunteer should be a master of language. His job is to communicate our goals, purpose, and vision. He must not only be clear and concise, but he must also be able to arouse interest and positive energy through creative language. He should be articulate, eloquent, and inspirational. At the same time, he should avoid being offensive, unclear, or excessive.

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Here are some examples of clear and creative ways to communicate our goals:  Preventing crime and public apathy that threatens to disintegrate the soul of our communities.  Developing safe, healthy, and collaborative neighborhoods.  Educating, empowering, and engaging individuals and their communities.  Improving the quality of life. Here are some bad examples:    

Pulverizing crooks and thugs into the ground. Crushing their skulls into dust. Maximizing the reinvention of the holistic paradigm of communal insolvency. Making cities look joyous and feel even better. Instigating the enlightenment of the ignorant masses.

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Guardian Angels Media Relations

Most companies place Media Relations inside the Marketing Department. For the Guardian Angels, the media is not just a tool for getting our message out to the public. The media is part of the community, and we should be developing relations with them. The public often addresses the media when they have nowhere else to turn. Most of the time, the media cannot help them. This is where they can refer people to other community groups or services, and we may be of assistance. Director of Media Relations This position is the media contact and performs all media interviews. His job is to build relationships with all types of news media including press, Internet, television, and radio. This Director is also in charge of media promotions. He should determine what media is appropriate for what messages as well as determine what messages to deliver. He may also be involved in creating our own media programs including community access television or radio shows. He should work closely with the Director of Marketing to ensure that our message is consistent.

Curtis Sliwa speaks with news media, Venice, California Chapter Opening

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Media Relations Someone approaches you for an interview. An I Support steps up and tells her that the goal of the Guardian Angels is to find criminals and smash their heads in. Or you answer questions politely, but there seems to be no end to the negative, unfair accusations. Or halfway through the interview, you realize it is a high school project, and the title of their project is “Freaks and Wierdos on the Streets.” In order to avoid these scenarios, you will need some basic training in media interviewing. First, designate a media relations or public information person. They should be fully trained in media relations and interviewing. They should also be the goto person for any media interaction unless they specifically want to talk with the Chapter Leader or a new recruit. Sometimes the media wants to get a personal account of being a Guardian Angel from new recruits. This is why all members should be trained in media interviewing. Second, find out who is interviewing you and why. You will be able to customize your interview for their program. If it is a martial arts documentary, you should obviously focus on your Use of Force training. If it is a news report on gang violence, you should talk about programs designed to combat gang violence. Third, consider the media interview as one of the most economical and effective means of spreading the Guardian Angels message. As much as possible, use the interview to sell your programs, ideas, and mission. Also, when you sell something, you will naturally be less self-conscious and nervous. Media Relations Guidelines  Create a media contact list containing the names, addresses, contacts, telephone numbers, faxes, and e-mails for the major television, radio, and newspaper media.  Stay tuned to the media. Not only should you do this to understand crime concerns and issues in your community, this also allows you to understand what the media is looking for and their positions on those issues.  For contacts, try to find the news desk, news editor, or assignment editor. Try to find exact names and titles.  Try to set up a meeting with these contacts to introduce yourself and the Guardian Angels chapter or programs.  When distributing press releases, always try to deliver them in person and arrange an appointment with the contact.  Try to avoid e-mailing press releases. The media prefer to have hard copies to work with.  Ask television and radio stations about public service announcements (PSA’ s). Even if they are not interested in promoting you now, they may help you create a PSA.  Television and radio stations prefer to record their own PSA’ s for you. It is not necessary to have one professionally produced.  Even if they are not interested, they may use you at a later date as a filler story.

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 Keep in mind media people are humans under a lot of stress. Always be kind, courteous, and friendly, even if they are short, curt, or rude. If they think you are dedicated and easy to work with, they may eventually give you a break.  Think of media folks as integral parts of their communities and potential partners. They need to care, because they need to know what the community cares about.  The news media also happens to be some of the largest charitable donors to the communities. They literally donate millions of dollars of airtime for nonprofit causes and campaigns.  Do not use gimmicks or stunts. These may damage your credibility.  Do not harass or badger your contact.  Always be punctual to meetings and dress to impress.  Always be positive and energetic.  Never be critical of the media and blame them for reporting too much violence or crime.  Try to avoid promoting things on television in the months of February, May, July, and November, which are ratings periods. (Unless of course, you truly believe your story will help boost their ratings.)  For television think visual. Think of exciting settings or visually stimulating images.

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Guardian Angels Administration

Many people think that Administration basically covers the drab office work of filing, photocopying, typing, licking envelopes, and answering phones. It does. However, Guardian Angels Administration also involves the important work of making sure the entire Chapter is running smoothly and effectively fulfilling its mission and goals. While the Director of Marketing defines how we fulfill our mission, the Administrator determines how well we are doing it. Administrative Director The Administrative Director (AD) is in charge of membership, managing records, internal affairs, facilities, and equipment. She is in charge of disciplinary procedures, conflict resolution, and grievances. The AD is truly the Resource Developer in charge of developing our human as well as capital resources. If a member feels uncomfortable approaching the CL, he should feel comfortable approaching the AD. The AD should keep all conversations in absolute confidence unless it involves a serious breach of conduct, rules, or laws. The AD also reviews all on-going programs and strategies to make sure they are all in compliance with our rules and regulations. They are also reviewed to ensure that there is no waste, and they are effectively serving the Chapter and our mission. For instance, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s say the Chapter decides to spend $100 going to a park and trying to raise money by selling pins. If the Chapter only takes in $10, the AD may advise the Chapter Leader to pursue a more cost effective fundraiser. If the Chapter is spending $50 a month for 1000 minutes of airtime but only averaging 500 minutes, the AD may suggest using a cheaper plan. The AD also provides all types of administrative support to the Chapter Leader including photocopying, typing, e-mailing, purchasing, etc.

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Guardian Angels HQ Guidelines Source: San Francisco V.002 – Nov 11, 1995 1)

4) 5)

7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15)

The HQ should be excessively clean and tidy at all times – tidied every night and thoroughly cleaned twice a week. HQ should be treated as a temple, i.e., respected and honored. HQ should be a Decompressing after New Years 2000 at Fort Apache, NY working machine, organized as a professional office. Work needing to be done should be clearly identified so that people coming in know what to do. Everyone should be encouraged to get involved in HQ work. All Angels should be searched into HQ at all times, with no exceptions, and also before any patrol. Guests should not be searched, but guests should never be left alone in HQ ever. There is no need to search members out before they go home. Anyone at HQ should be there for a purpose and should know that purpose. That purpose may be for administrative work, meeting for patrol or for GA downtime/social activities. Everyone should try to make a clear distinction between work and downtime periods at the HQ. The working environment should be fun! HQ should always have a senior leader present to supervise work. Angels should always expect the Mayor or the Chief of Police to walk through the door at any moment. The condition of the HQ should reflect this attitude. Good music is excellent in the HQ providing it is not too loud. HQ should be prepared to not only tolerate but also welcome many different tastes in music. Everyone at HQ should be in colors at all times including downtime periods spent at HQ. Full time volunteers should pay special attention to their personal hygiene. HQ should be an inspiring place. Walls should be decorated with positive Angel material – photos, articles, etc. All telephone calls into the HQ should be clearly recorded in the telephone message book. HQ is a drug-free, weapon-free, and alcohol-free place.

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16)

17)

18)

19) 20) 21)

No pornography, pin-ups, or any other degrading or insulting images of women or men are permitted in the HQ. In the event of any dispute, leadership (coordinators) will decide what constitutes “pornography, pin-ups, degrading, and insulting.” Racist, sexist, and homophobic (anti-gay/lesbian) talk is not permitted in the HQ (see “Respect Guidelines”for more information. There is a fine line between laughing and joking, and dissing and disrespect. HQ should be a place where respect is given to each other not a place where members constantly dis each other (see “Respect Guidelines”for more information). Painting by Chaco at Fort Apache, NY 2000 No fighting (rough housing) in HQ. Excessive swearing/cursing in HQ is not encouraged, because this creates an aggressive and negative environment. HQ belongs to all members of the group. Make sure everyone feels welcome.

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Guardian Angels Community Affairs

Director of Community Affairs The Director of Community Affairs is in charge of creating partnerships with community groups, other nonprofits, business owners, schools, elected officials, government agencies, and residents. She attends as many community meetings as possible. This position is becoming increasingly important for the Guardian Angels and the concept of Interactivism. The Guardian Angels, after all, is the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s tool, and as such, the community should have some influence over that tool. By ourselves, we may be able to clean up a neighborhood, but there still may be more problems in other parts of the city or a whole new generation of criminals may take their place. By becoming more attached to the community and working together, we can more effectively JC Penney Awards, Reno, Nevada address community needs and solve them with more lasting results. Working separately, groups often start duplicating work, create problems with other groups, and may not even be solving those problems the community is most concerned about. If we want to be of value to people, we need to find out what they value most. The Revolution in Government Communism was a huge revolution in the way government worked. Private property was outlawed, and most facets of everyday life was controlled or regulated by centralized authority. The central government supposedly knew best, and the masses were forced to accept it or be imprisoned. Communism is dead. The concept of central power and authority is also dying out. Today, America is embarking on a new concept called citizen involvement. Well, it is not that new, since Abraham Lincoln once called for a government by the people, of the people, and for the people. Now more than ever, government is trying to follow that creed. They can no longer view themselves as the know-it-alls or elitists who know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s best for the masses. With budget cuts and growing anti-government sentiment, they know they must change their attitude. They can no longer afford to be viewed as arrogant, elitist, condescending, and secretive. They must be more user friendly, improve customer service, be more open with information, promote their ideas instead

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of assume everyone will like it, be more accountable, and most importantly allow citizens to become more involved. Back in 1979, the Guardian Angels called for more citizen involvement. Although, most citizens loved the idea, most governments felt threatened. Today, government has embraced the idea. Many Cities have set up numerous avenues for citizen involvement, and we must take advantage of all of them. This is where some of the most concerned and influential citizens gather. Many Cities and Counties have neighborhood/citizens/community advisory boards/councils/committees. Some even have grant money for small community projects. People used to accuse the police of being aloof and unapproachable. They should not be able to say the same of the Guardian Angels. While we develop relationships with numerous people on the streets, they are not an equal representation of their communities. We must try to reach out to our communities as well and allow them to have a say in what we do and how we do it. Politics Many people are repulsed by politics. They think that it is run with special interest, money, and egos. Many people can watch City Council meetings on local cable television, and it is the most boring event interrupted by brief bouts of heated attacks and debates. It is also well known for the public comment period where it seems the most eccentric and unstable citizens within city limits use it for selfpromotion. Unfortunately, this is keeping most citizens uninvolved in the political process. Millions of Americans do not even register to vote, and of those who do, as much as half do not vote. People should be involved in politics, just as we are involved in our communities. The political process determines how our society is run. Now more than ever, government is allowing citizens to become more involved in this process. Now more than ever, we should be more involved as well. We should attempt to contact our local representatives and government directors. Whenever a new chapter is opened, you should write an introductory letter to the Police Chief, Police Commissioner, Mayor, County Commissioner, and City Council members. They will probably not respond, however, they will circulate your letter to their staff. When information comes from the top down, their staff will be more responsive to it. If the people on top are informed of us through their staff, they are more likely to respond with cynicism and apathy. Addressing Higher Authority You do not have to bow to your City Council member, however, there is a certain decorum and protocol you must follow. If you are in court, you must address the judge as â&#x20AC;&#x153;your honor.â&#x20AC;? You must be well groomed, respectful, and not speak out of turn. Similarly, you should exhibit a certain amount of respect and courtesy to those in high positions. By no means does this mean that you view them as more intelligent or important. What you are really communicating is respect for those they represent. Showing a Police Chief respect is showing his officers respect. Showing the Mayor

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respect is showing the citizens of his city respect. Showing Curtis Sliwa respect is showing all Guardian Angels respect. When writing letters to people of higher authority, make sure you use the following form of address: US Senator US Representative Governor State Senator/Representative Mayor Commissioner Justice Judge

Dear Senator Gomez Dear Ms. Gomez Dear Governor Gomez Dear Ms. Gomez Dear Mayor Gomez Dear Commissioner Gomez Dear Justice Gomez Dear Judge Gomez

All the above titles should be addressed as:

Agency Director Police Chief Sheriff Captain Lieutenant Sergeant Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Deputy Officer

Dear Director Gomez Dear Police Chief Gomez Dear Sheriff Gomez Dear Captain Gomez Dear Lieutenant Gomez Dear Sergeant Gomez Dear Deputy Gomez Dear Officer Gomez

Anyone with a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree

The Honorable Jane F. Gomez

Dear Doctor Gomez

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Guardian Angels Community Emergency Response

The Guardian Angels have always been responding to community emergencies and disasters. We have provided assistance during flooding, riots, and earthquakes. After 9-11 there is much greater focus on human made disasters also known as major terrorist attacks. Many people feel helpless and consider public involvement the same thing as turning in your neighbors. In reality, citizens can do a lot and will always be the frontline in any possible terrorist attack. While the police and fire fighters did an incredible job on 911, thousands of civilians volunteered their efforts to help victims and support the police and fire fighters. With proper training in first aid as well as identifying chemical or biological attacks, citizens can significantly reduce injuries and deaths resulting from terrorist attacks. The process of training citizens is also a major psychological defense against the worries and fears that terrorism 9-11 WTC Attack in New York City, 2001 generate. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of how to get proper training. The Guardian Angels cannot only help train citizens, but we can also act as a liaison between the public and many government agencies that are now providing free training. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. They will also certify those who take their classes. As certified CERT members, they can more easily trust and utilize you to assist them with any type of disaster. Local law enforcement agencies are also receiving grants to train the public in community emergency response.

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Guardian Angels Crisis and Conflict Mediation

Oftentimes violence and community problems are the result of two parties being unable to effectively negotiate with each other. Neighbors usually are unable to resolve differences, and if one neighbor calls the police, he is branded a rat or it is interpreted as escalation or retaliation. Few people want a criminal record. Usually, police officers do not have the time to sit down with both sides and mediate. Their job is to enforce the law. They determine who is breaking the law, and then they issue a citation or make an arrest. Also, some people may not trust the police or have minor criminal offenses. They would just as soon avoid dealing with the police. Without any mediation, however, petty conflicts can easily lead to feuds and violent vendettas. This is where the Guardian Angels can be a great preventive service for the community. Different types of mediation:  Tenant and landlord  Customer and merchant  Coworkers  Neighbors  Family  Community groups Guardian Angels mediation is strictly confidential;however, you must make clear that if any party talks about serious criminal activities, we are obligated to report it to the police. Do we mediate between gangs? This is a highly controversial and potentially dangerous issue. We can mediate between gangs;however, it takes an extremely high level of maturity, professionalism, and tact. We DO NOT mediate criminal activity. For example, we do not mediate how much cocaine Gang A should sell to Gang B and what the price should be. However, if Gang A is about to retaliate against Gang B for a minor fight, we can mediate to avoid a deadly confrontation. Keep in mind, this is a very high-risk situation, and the benefits should be large enough to outweigh all the risks. Mediating between two criminal parties may be construed in court as being an accessory to crime. From the outset, you should make it absolutely clear that you will report any discussion about criminal activities. Never mediate at a location of one party’ s choosing. Always mediate on neutral and public ground. Do not develop impartial or personal relationships with either party.

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Guardian Angels Criminal Affairs

A Guardian Angels patrol targets a neighborhood that is being overcome by tagging and graffiti. The Guardian Angels begin regular patrols and the tagging and graffiti slows down. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the Guardian Angels, a London Guardian Angels assist English police “Bobbies”1998 nearby community has become overrun by drug dealers and gangs. In this scenario, the Guardian Angels are working in the dark both figuratively and literally. A Chapter needs to work closely with the police department in order to fully understand the scope and concentration of major crime problems. A Chapter must be fully aware of recent crime trends and statistics not only for each neighborhood but also for the entire city as well as the entire country. Director of Criminal Affairs/Criminologist/Crime Researcher With the appropriate expertise and resources, a chapter may want to have one person entirely focused on researching crime matters. This person must study criminology and is the designated contact with the police department. She must attend all public police meetings and attend a citizen’ s police academy. The Director should also research other crime fighting tactics and methods from around the world. The Director then provides training for all Patrol members and works with the Patrol Commander in developing crime-fighting strategies.

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Guardian Angels Inter-Chapter Affairs

One of the greatest strengths of the Guardian Angels is the existence of numerous chapters all over the world. Many local neighborhood watch and crime fighting groups often come and go, losing valuable experience, skills, and tools in the process. Although, Guardian Angels Chapters may come and go, there is a continual evolution and progress of knowledge, experience, tools, and skills. By sharing our experiences and strategies with other chapters, we are building a richer and more refined organization. Whether our chapter will succumb to inactivity, at least our lessons will continue to circulate among the active Chapters. This is why it is crucial for Chapters to interact with each other. It is also a motivational boost to members to experience new cities and meet other members. Director of Inter-Chapter Relations This position is responsible for issuing Infoshare reports on the Internet. She is also the contact for any coordinated activities between chapters. She creates and manages travel plans. She is also in charge of representation at the World Conference. She should be the primary person to travel and assist other chapters.

Guardian Angels in Poland, 2004

Road Teams/Chapter Opening/Development Sometimes when funding and resources are available, the Guardian Angels create Road Teams that help open and develop new chapters. Otherwise, members may become part-time Road Teams and visit other chapters on the weekends or once a month.

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World Conference The World Conference is held each year usually around Labor Day weekend. It usually includes seminars, workshops, patrols, training, presentations, lectures, city tours, exhibits, meetings, and award ceremonies. It is an excellent opportunity for members to learn about new programs, ideas, concepts, and perspectives. It is also highly motivational when you see other Guardian Angels from around the world as dedicated as you are. At the same time, it is also an opportunity for you to sell your chapter and attract visits and support. Every single member of the chapter is encouraged to participate from new recruits to seasoned veterans. There is something for everyone. International Conference 2001, Chicago

International Conference 1999, Tokyo, Japan

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GUARDIAN ANGELS Travel, Visit, and Conference Guidelines and Rules

Representation and Dress  Members will be briefed on the purpose and objective of the travel.  Polish and shine shoes, wear clean clothes, wear clean colors, and have a properly shaped beret.  After the trip, members will be debriefed and asked what they observed and learned. Review any goals and objectives created from the trip. There will always be a Travel Leader who will be in charge of ensuring that these guidelines and rules are strictly adhered to. The Travel Leader is responsible for the welfare of all travelers and will ensure that all travelers arrive and depart on time, eat three square meals per day, are properly hydrated, get proper rest, and call their loved ones upon arrival. Transportation (paid for by the Guardian Angels)  Travel in colors.  Behave as if you are on patrol 24/7.  Drive safely. Obey all traffic laws, and do not engage in road rage activities. Hotel (paid for by the Guardian Angels)         

Do NOT make unauthorized long distance phone calls. Treat the hotel like a 24/7 headquarters. Do NOT order room service, movies, or video games without paying for it. Do NOT order pornographic movies or bring pornography. Do NOT bring weapons or alcohol into the room. Leave room clean and do not make a mess. No overnight visitors allowed. Roommates will always be of the same sex. No members of the opposite sex shall be in the same room after 10 PM.

Participation  Do NOT nod off or sleep during presentations and classes. Stand up at the back of the room if you feel drowsy or get leg cramps.  When you first meet a Guardian Angel, introduce yourself and shake his or her hand. If you are sitting, stand up.  Try to remember the codenames of everyone you meet. Write down their names, where they are from, and a brief description.  If the host chapter requests volunteers for any kind of duty, volunteer.

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 Try to help the host chapter whenever and wherever possible, even if it means taking out their garbage.  Bring a notebook and pen.  Show interest and ask appropriate questions at workshops.  Show interest and ask questions about the host chapter, its community, and its unique city problems or programs.  Do NOT gossip.  Do NOT complain and whine about the host chapter, its members, meals, accommodations, or the activities.  Treat all host members with equal respect and attention even new recruits.  Do not argue about how your chapter does certain things better or how the host chapter does certain things worse.  Thank the host members and chapter for their hospitality and any accommodations they have provided.  Show up when you are scheduled. If you have to wait, do not complain or whine.  Stand up and put your beret on when a chapter, regional, national, or international leader enters the room for the first time.  If someone is looking for someone else, if you do not know where he is, help look for him.  Do not make promises of calling or visiting anyone again if you are not seriously planning on it. Tell them you will try.  The Travel Leader ensures that for prolonged visits, religious members are able to attend religious services.  The Travel Leader attempts to arrange for a tour of the city with the host chapter. Downtime is NOT guaranteed. Patrol  Respect the unique rules, customs, and regulations of your host chapter.  Do not start shit on patrol. Always obey the Patrol Leader no matter how differently he or she does things from your chapter unless of course a life is in danger. Partying, Fraternization, and Drinking     

Do NOT party at or around the hotel or Guardian Angels facilities. Do NOT become inebriated in front of other Guardian Angels. Do NOT party all night long and show up the next morning with a hangover. Do NOT fraternize with other Guardian Angels around other Guardian Angels. Behave like a Guardian Angel even during down time and out of colors.

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Guardian Angels Special Events

Special Events and Campaigns Coordinator This position is in charge of organizing special events and campaigns. For example, she will register for a festival and set up the promotional booth. A campaign may involve rallying against domestic abuse and a march to the State Capitol. Annual philharmonic fundraiser, Reno, Nevada 1999

Tables/Booths When setting up tables or booths try to bring the following material:          

Fliers, brochures Pens Small rocks, pebbles, or weights to keep the paper from being blown away Sign up sheet. Applications Large jar for donations Photos of Guardian Angel events and activities Tents or umbrellas to block the sun Chair for taking breaks Water and snacks Attention getting device like chess board, self-defense demonstration

Do not just sit at a booth and wait for people to ask questions. Have one Guardian Angel standing while the other is sitting. When someone approaches your booth, greet her and ask her if she has heard about the Guardian Angels. This is your opportunity to recruit and educate the public. Also, have Guardian Angels visit other booths at the festival and make contacts. This also breaks up the monotony of hanging around your own booth.

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Cyber Guardian Angels Source: Role Models for Real Life, Guardian Angels brochure

Sole recipient of the 1998 Points of Light Presidential Service Award, the Cyber Guardian Angels was founded in 1995 as the first cyber-neighborhood watch and is now the largest in online safety education. Functioning as a “virtual 411”safety destination, it addresses the concerns of parents, the needs of children, on-line abuse and cyber crime, while supporting the right of free speech. IT professionals and law enforcement officers from around the world work together to combat Internet crime, and due to a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies, the Cyber Guardian Angels have been instrumental in putting child pornographers and predators behind bars, where they belong. Teachers, librarians and parents work together to teach children and teens how to take advantage of the Internet’ s vast resources safely, and provide online classes on many topics concerning Internet issues for the general public. More information and training can be found at the Cyber Guardian Angels website at:

www.cyberangels.org

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Guardian Angels Education Programs

Raising awareness is truly half the battle. The Guardian Angels provide a number of education programs that offer innovative and reality-based lessons to provide the public with greater understanding and confidence in dealing with special problems or issues. Self-Defense and Domestic Violence Programs When people think of self-defense, they automatically think of martial arts and physical skills. Most violent encounters, however, occur between two people who know each other. In these cases, it is very difficult for the victim to know when the line has been crossed and when to resort to physical self-defense. The Guardian Angels Self-Defense program not only focuses on common sense safety tips and physical self-defense, it also deals with verbal and psychological tactics. It is an extremely innovative approach to teaching self-defense that is more safe, preventive, and practical. Angels in the Classroom – Teaching the Teachers (Source: Role Models for Real Life, Guardian Angels brochure) Classroom management – and its more emotionally charged cousin, violence prevention – is one of the most essential elements of teacher training today. Whether it is addressing the more benign aspects of daily behavior, such as teasing, to the most serious problems of gang violence, the Angels have structured an effective curriculum for all teachers. Incorporating an understanding of the underlying psychological issues, with a practical step-by-step intervention and problem-solving workshop, these courses are now being used by the New York City Public School System, as well as individuals in teaching roles at such community-based services as the After School programs of the YMCA. Programs reach students from the elementary grades through high school, and often employ the skills of trained Guardian Angels as well as school personnel. The need for such training has now been recognized by New York State (Chapter 544 of the 1988 law regarding school violence prevention), which has mandated all teachers, whether in training at the university level or working in the field – complete violence prevention coursework. We are now working with the prestigious St. John’ s University to offer workshops that fulfill this requirement and are an approved provider of such coursework by the New York State Education Department.

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Humane Education Created and taught by Doriane Lucia of the Los Angeles Guardian Angels, this program extends the wings of the Guardian Angels to not only protect people but also children around the world, animals, and the environment. While most Guardian Angels programs have focused on immediate and local community needs, our compassion and caring should be limitless. Teaching children how to care is also a solution in and of itself to many local community problems. Humane education teaches us to become aware and involved in stopping hatred, violence, destruction, and abuse. When we only address immediate and local community needs and problems, we directly benefit from this because we live in these communities. When we care about children on the other side of the globe or animals in the ocean or rainforests on another continent, our compassion and involvement is truly selfless. Becoming an empowered individual does not just mean being able to help and improve your own community. It means possessing universal compassion that extends beyond borders and boundaries.

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Guardian Angels Youth Programs

The image of the American youth, especially minorities is negatively portrayed to the rest of the world. People think of American youth as lazy, selfish, sexually promiscuous, pregnant, drug users, and gang members. American Guardian Angels youth are the antidote showing the world the best of America’ s youth. Fighting crime by focusing on adult offenders would be like fighting a fire by trying to contain the smoke. A criminal mind is born from childhood. Criminals are also become younger and younger. Without proper supervision, role models, or attention, youth are easy targets for gangs and also drug use. It doesn’ t help that the gang and drug cultures have been glamorized and glorified. Kids think that being a gang-banger and doing drugs is cool. They only see the short-term illusions of adventure, excitement, attention, and escape. They rarely see the long-term fallout of depression, prison, a felony record, addiction, loneliness, loss of self-control, poverty, misery, and suffering. Kids don’ t want to join gangs and do drugs. This is usually a last ditch effort to get noticed, be protected, and feel needed. Our youth programs give youth exactly what they are looking for and more. We provide them with responsible and involved adult role models. We teach them how to protect themselves from gangs and bullies. We teach them about the realities of gangs and drugs. Other youth members of the program provide them with companionship, and we provide them with a purpose and an identity. They are also challenged and respected. There are strict rules and guidelines which many people think turn kids off. Quite the contrary, consistent enforcement of fair rules provides kids with security. Some day, we believe millions of kids will learn urban survival skills, just as millions have learned wilderness survival skills with the Boys Scouts. No one is teaching kids how to deal with all the new threats of the urban wilderness. What would happen if you threw a kid out into the real wilderness? He would probably be desperate for some weapon to protect himself, and he would probably join the first gang of other kids he comes across. We’ re throwing kids into the urban wilderness without any preparation, training, or skills. You can’ t expect that kid to be secure and positive.

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Junior Guardian Angels (Source: Role Models for Real Life, Guardian Angels brochure) Specifically geared for children between 7 and 11, Junior Guardian Angels is an early prevention program that strives to interrupt today’ s prevalent violence mentality by teaching important values and instilling a sense of purpose that youngsters may not receive at home. With so much peer pressure to choose violence as a means of resolving disputes, this program exerts a strong, positive influence on the children’ s societal development. It teaches them how to make “correct”choices, and helps them to recognize they have talents and interests that are of value. The program uses a variety of teaching tools, from art projects and puppets, to workshops with community leaders, police and fire departments, which foster an appreciation and respect for their neighborhoods. The Junior Guardian Angels, Hollywood, CA youngsters develop self-esteem through roleplaying, verbal defense skills and community projects that give them a sense of purpose. Throughout the program, the children are required to keep a weekly journal, which records their impressions, their ideas and their growth, as they learn it is “cool to care.”

Rocky (the small dog in Mary Sliwa’ s arms) and Rocky Junior (the large dog to the right) are mascots that help us reach out to children, add a bit of fun and entertainment, as well as provide us with a softer image than their patrol grunt counterparts

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Urban Guardian Angels (Source: Role Models for Real Life, Guardian Angels brochure) This program is targeted to teens aged 12 to 16 – too young to patrol, but old enough to make a difference. The mission of this life skills program is to give teens an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence through a supportive club environment that inspires compassion, personal responsibility, a desire to learn and a dedication to volunteer community service. Participants learn self-reliance, leadership skills and the benefits of civic service, while developing a sense of belonging to a vibrant, constructive community. Drug Avoidance Course

 Education about drugs, addiction, and negative side effects

 

For example: Many drugs artificially stimulate pleasure sensors in your brain. However, this means that your brain no longer senses real and actual pleasure. This means that everything in life will seem dull, boring, and bland. So if you think your life is already dull, boring, and bland, imagine a life that is a thousand times more dull, boring, and bland. You’ ll be watching your child take her first steps and be thinking, “What a stupid, boring thing to watch. I need some crack now.” Drug use also dehydrates and depletes the body of vital nutrients. This results in accelerated aging, wrinkles, and frequent sickness. Education about how to make decisions and resist impulse and peer pressure Educate youth about what hormones are, and how they are altering their perceptions of dimension and proportion. What they think is huge and a matter of life and death may not be so huge. What they think is meaningless and insignificant may end up being huge. Learn to forgive yourself for acting on impulse, and learn impulsedelaying skills. Education about psychological self-defense, assertiveness, and self-esteem Use role-playing skits. Education about dealing with the boredom of life that leads to drug use. Getting involved in art, hobbies, sports, music, and community groups. Doing things that are meaningful and valuable and boost your feeling of worth and value to others.

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Guardian Angels Senior Programs

Due to a lack of mobility and resources, many older seniors have become Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s hidden victims. Seniors face isolation, abuse, and are often targets of fraud. The Guardian Angels Senior Program is designed to provide seniors with both an active community voice as well as resources. Volunteers regularly visit seniors to make sure their household is in order, bills are being paid, utilities are still running, and repairs are being taken care of. They may also offer occasional rides to the store, pharmacy, and medical appointments. There are many senior programs in the community and services that seniors are unaware of. The volunteer does not try to provide everything for the senior but helps the seniors find the programs and services they need. The volunteer also provides the most important service of companionship.

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Guardian Angels 24/7

A 24/7 is a Guardian Angel who lives at a Guardian Angels facility and provides fulltime volunteer services. These Angels have one day off each week, down time, and breaks, but they must always be ready at a moments notice to serve the needs of their community. The 24/7 experience is truly 24/7 Venice, California Chapter, 1998 unique and life changing. Many part-time volunteers feel that when they volunteer on the weekends, they are just putting on another hat and momentarily changing their attitude and demeanor. For a 24/7, you become a Guardian Angel, and it is unavoidable to adopt the Guardian Angels attitude and demeanor as a way of life. The 24/7 experience is also challenging not only because you simply patrol more, but also because you must learn to live with other volunteers. Many 24/7’ s are going through tough times in their lives and come from hard backgrounds where irresponsible and negative behavior was the norm. Those habits invariably creep back into their lives especially under extended stress or fatigue. This is not necessarily a bad thing if the 24/7 Leader knows how to properly guide and train the 24/7’ s. By learning to get along with other 24/7’ s, they learn how to deal with their own problems and also use those relationship-building skills once they stop being 24/7’ s. One of the main reasons people cannot hold good jobs is simply because they do not have the relationship skills to get along with their bosses and coworkers. 24/7 Leader There is perhaps no position more difficult in this organization than the 24/7 Leader. He must be a father, mother, older sibling, teacher, mentor, guide, coach, role model, career counselor, psychologist, leader, director, planner, mediator, supervisor, motivator, and sometimes cook, handyman, auto mechanic, and chauffeur. He needs to do all this in addition to dealing with his own personal problems and interests. There is also perhaps no position that is more rewarding than the 24/7 Leader. The 24/7 Leader often takes in individuals who would otherwise self-destruct or lead a constantly spiraling, downhill life. He provides the individual with hope and selfconfidence. There is no greater reward than changing the entire course of someone’ s life for the better, transforming him from despair and hatred to hope and compassion.

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The Guardian Angels Theory

The Guardian Angels is not only a non-profit organization;it is a profound social and political concept. The idea is that ordinary citizens can organize and work together to solve social problems. It sounds simple, but it strikes at the very heart of most political and ideological theories about the role, rights, power, and responsibilities of the individual. Some people believe we should put the burden of solving social problems on the government. Others believe that private companies should address all our social problems and needs. Some philosophers believe that power should rest in the hands of a few, and individuals are inherently evil and will only pursue selfish interests. The Guardian Angels philosophy is that power should rest in the hands of everyone, and individuals are inherently good and with proper guidance will sacrifice to pursue social interests. The burden of solving and addressing social problems and needs lie squarely on the shoulders of each individual. By providing individuals with the choice of pursuing social goals and interests, you empower each individual. The empowering of individuals leads naturally to the empowering of communities, nations, and all humanity. Politics Although the concept of the Guardian Angels holds political and ideological significance, we none-the-less attempt to be as politically neutral as possible. Obviously, we prefer a Constitution that protects the rights of individuals;however, we may open a chapter in a country run by a dictator or authoritarian regime. Although, our members may not enjoy many civil liberties, we can still operate to protect citizens on the streets. Some people think that Guardian Angels tend to be liberal Democrats, because most members are from low-income neighborhoods with large minority populations. Others think the Guardian Angels are conservative Republicans, because of our emphasis on upholding law and order and we teach people not to be dependent on the government for all their problems. Our concept, however, transcends modern political divisions. We can quote John F. Kennedy when he calls on Americans: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” We can also refer to George HW Bush’ s “Thousand Points of Light.” You can be a Libertarian Angel and promote civil rights, a Socialist Angel and promote community ownership of responsibilities and needs, and also a Green Angel and promote the protection of the environment. The only real limitation is affiliation with any organization including political parties that endorses bigotry, oppression, hatred, and violence.

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Introducing Volunteering to Young Adults The Guardian Angels marked three significant conceptual turning points in modern history. Up to that point, non-profit, volunteer organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army were viewed as traditional and old-fashioned. People viewed volunteers as retirees or rich housewives. Average, simple people simply did not volunteer. The Guardian Angels blew apart the stereotypes. These volunteers were mostly youth, not children like the Boy Scouts, but young adults. The Guardian Angels itself was a grassroots invention that appeared from nowhere. The Guardian Angels helped provide legitimacy and precedence to many small non-profit groups that were later formed to solve unique community needs. By the late 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s, the President of the United States was promoting volunteering and non-profit organizations as a legitimate and necessary part of solving social problems. No other grass roots, volunteer group has gained as much attention as the Guardian Angels.

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Sharing the Responsibility of Social Problem-Solving with Government Up to that point, most people looked to the government to solve their social needs and problems. It was assumed that the government should and could solve most of our needs and problems. When the government failed to do this in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s, people felt helpless and betrayed. The Guardian Angels not only addressed a social problem, traditionally addressed by government, they picked one that most people thought was uniquely tailored for government. They provided legitimacy and precedence for many organizations that would later tackle issues traditionally reserved for government. In the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s, under Ronald Reagan, numerous services were commissioned or contracted out to private or non-profit entities. The stigma of sharing public services and responsibilities was destroyed. Sharing the Responsibility of Law Enforcement and Public Safety Up to that point, policing was viewed as the job of the government. Involvement by the public or even private sector was frowned upon. Only snitches were allowed to cooperate with the police. Otherwise civilians were viewed as obstacles and groupies. Today, there are more private security officers than public police officers. Public police officers are even contracted out to provide security at special events or in tax districts. Today, almost every major police department has a public and community relations or affairs department with a deputy chief of other officer in charge of public and community relations or affairs. Today, the police are expected to reach out to the community and attend community meetings and major events. The attitude of policing itself has been changed from an elitist control force to a diverse, community-oriented, public safety force. Role Models for Volunteers and Community Activism It is arguable how much influence the Guardian Angels had on these events, or whether these changes were inevitable and its forces created and drove the Guardian Angels along. It cannot, however, be argued that people were not deeply affected by the news coverage of the Guardian Angels. People all over the nation and eventually through out the world wanted to start their own Guardian Angels chapters in their cities. What other event in history has led so many people to want to start their own non-profit groups? Few concepts and organizations have spread so quickly and widely as the Guardian Angels. It certainly struck a nerve that was already open and raw. It cannot be argued that the Guardian Angels did not change the way people thought about volunteering, doing things usually reserved for the government, being more involved in their communities, and making policing a more collaborative endeavor. The Guardian Angels touched upon some of the deepest philosophical and political concepts concerning individual responsibility, moral obligation, accountability, the role of government, and civilian involvement. The Guardian Angels may not have been a new ideology like Communism or Libertarianism, but it is a powerful expression of a new ideology of social empowerment and individual responsibility.

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Guardian Angels Reintroducing Community Policing

When the Guardian Angels first started, we introduced America to community policing. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; t invent it, we just reminded America of it. In many urban areas, police officers used to walk the beat. They used to talk to the local shop keepers, be role-models for the neighborhood kids, and interact intimately with their community. Then cars, wide boulevards, and single-use zoning took over America and destroyed the cohesiveness of communities. Police departments started jumping in cruisers, and this put them more and more out of touch with the community. In 1979, in the middle of a crime epidemic, a group of citizens decided to bring back community policing. After this group received a lot of attention and recognition, cities throughout America started to take community policing seriously again. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; t exactly put more police back on foot patrols, but they did the next best thing. They created more ties with the communities with community liaison officers, community affairs departments, community sub-stations, attending Curtis Sliwa, Unique, Washington DC Police Chief Charles Ramsey, and Lipstick, 2000 community events, providing citizen police academies, creating more volunteer auxiliary units, and bicycle patrols. As a result of this, the communities got to know their police officers once again and began trusting them more to solve their problems. Since the 80's, crime has been beaten back as a result of this in addition to a number of other important social and economic factors. The Guardian Angels in this area has been the victim of its own success. It showed the world the importance and success of community policing, and the world responded by completely reorganizing their police departments to re-integrate the community into policing.

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Guardian Angels Devolutionists

While the Guardian Angels concept has mostly been applied to the field of crime and community involvement, the concept can also be applied to many other diverse fields and disciplines, and recently we are beginning to see a whole new way people are starting to take charge and responsibility in all aspects of their lives. The general process is called devolution: the dispersing of responsibility and authority from centralized elite to the people. Of course, the Guardian Angels cannot take responsibility for all these changes in all these fields of human endeavor. We are probably just one expression of this conceptual revolution. However, we are one of the first, most profound, and most visible expressions. Economics Our economic system is based on the Capitalist ideas of Adam Smith that includes the concept of the free market place as the most efficient way for products and services to be exchanged. This concept of bringing people together in market places is the same as the concept of bringing people in a community together into a market place of ideas, programs, services, and opportunities. The best way a community can address its collective needs is for the members of that community to meet and share their needs as well as possible solutions. Ideally, the free market system attempts to remove barriers to that free exchange of products, and a community must similarly remove barriers from the free exchange of ideas, programs, and opinions. Currently, the government acts as the main focal point of community gatherings. It creates community meetings, councils, committees, and boards. While this is commendable, there should not only be one market place that is run by one entity. That is called a monopoly. There should be a variety of market places free and open to the public. People in a community may in fact be meeting, but for the most part, there are many barriers to these groups such as membership fees, sponsoring in, political biases, separate agendas, illicit discrimination, etc. Business The Guardian Angels promote individual involvement and responsibility as a way of empowering individuals and communities. Many businesses are now jumping on the bandwagon to empower employees and their companies. While we teach members about involvement and responsibility for free, businesses are paying thousands of dollars to send their employees to workshops to encourage them to speak their minds, get involved, question things, and take initiative. Much like the government, businesses are also getting excited about fostering greater public/customer involvement in the creation and design of their products and services.

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Law While most people think that laws are designed to restrict and control us, they are actually designed to protect us. The more we understand the law, the more we can use it to protect our interests. People now are becoming increasingly more involved in the legal process. While many people are abusing the legal system for frivolous lawsuits, an increasing number are using the legal system to improve their business transactions and protect themselves from fraud and theft. The result is that more people feel confident entering into deals and transactions with each other. With sensible and just laws, people end up more free to interact with others without fearing abuse and theft. Understanding law is also crucial to being politically aware and involved. More and more people are organizing to change laws to fit their unique needs and interests. Medicine The old paradigm was going to a physician, and he either does surgery or gives you prescription drugs for your problems. Today, people are getting more involved in their health and medical concerns. There is a growth in more creative, natural, and holistic medicine including the use of herbs, meditation, and acupuncture. While the practice of solving medical ailment with pharmacological solutions is increasing, there is also increasing opposition to pharmacological dependency. Conventional medicine is also learning that a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s health is more closely linked with his involvement and psychology. It is hence becoming important to address the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s fears and uncertainties as well as their ailments. Patients who are more involved in their medical recovery are more likely to recover quicker with fewer complications. Psychology We live in an automobile society with many divided communities. It is becoming more and more difficult for people to interact on a consistent and personal basis. Traditional family structures are falling apart, and people are becoming increasingly detached, alienated, and isolated. It is not surprising that people are also becoming afflicted with more psychological distress including anxiety, depression, and attention deficiency. The most popular method for addressing the problem is the use of drugs both prescription and over the counter (nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine). While the Guardian Angels do not sell community involvement and volunteering as a remedy for psychological distress, it is a powerful remedy. While there are serious psychological disorders that cannot be addressed without professional help, the vast majority of psychological problems in America can. These are psychological problems created by modern life that can be remedied by altering the conditions of modern life. Government The concept of the public involvement in law enforcement is being copied and applied to all facets of government. Government agencies are now actively attempting

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to help educate, inform, and involve the public. Neighborhood and citizen advisory boards are springing up all across the country. Government is attempting to be more and more responsive to public needs in order to be more cost effective as well as popular. In times of government budget cuts, popular agencies are less likely to visit the chopping block often. Government is also recruiting volunteers to cut costs. Education The old paradigm of education is a teacher stands in front of a class and lectures for an hour. The students sit quietly listening. Unfortunately, many students actually are not listening;they are daydreaming or thinking of other things. This paradigm is not working in many schools today. People think the reason is because children today are used to being bombarded with a high intensity of visual images and sounds from television, video games, and the Internet. This hypothesis falls short, because many children still have no problem spending hours readings books, playing catch, or drawing. Children pay attention not because they are being bombarded with sensory stimulation. They pay attention when they are involved. Today, many colleges are re-educating the educators. They are teaching teachers how to get students more involved. They encourage students to ask questions and become involved in the lesson. In other words, much like the Guardian Angels encourage residents to speak out and get involved, teachers are getting students to take more responsibility for their own education and learning. The new buzzword is “ownership.” Teachers want students to take “ownership”of their learning process, just as we have also taught about individuals taking “ownership”of their communities and their own needs and concerns. Entertainment The new boom in “reality”shows is not a testament to people’ s voyeuristic needs. It is really a testament to people’ s need to become more involved in everything they do including their own entertainment. Video games are popular, because players direct their own actions and fate. The Internet is popular also because surfers can decide where to go and what to do. How entertaining with the Internet be if you could only watch while someone else surfs? People inherently have a desire to be involved and interact with other people. This is not a modern phenomenon. The modern phenomenon is that we are just catching on to this concept and providing people with the tools to reach out and interact with others. None-the-less, all these mediums have their limitations. When you interact with people over the Internet, you may not be sure they are being honest. What you may think is a 20 year-old guy may end up being a 60 year-old woman or 14 year-old girl. The interaction itself is also impersonal, and you are missing a lot of instant feedback and a sense of proximity and intimacy. Today, entertainment seems to be used increasingly as a substitute for the real thing of human interaction. Our entertainment has always been an expression of our deeper needs and concerns. It is no surprise that modern entertainment is all about the simulation of real human interaction.

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Philosophy In the great debate between free will and determinism, the Guardian Angels take a unique path that fits both sides. In the classical debate, as a determinist, you have no real choices in life. Your genetics and the environment predetermine everything you do. The simple interpretation of this is that you have no responsibility for your actions, and you can do whatever you want. People infer that this means pursuing selfish interests. This however ignores the scientific evidence that humans are social creatures and possess social instincts. We want to help others, and when we do, we feel good about it. From our social instincts, we also derive a desire to maintain social order, and as such, we feel compelled to take responsibility for our actions whether we feel they were predetermined or not. Our social instincts therefore create the illusion of freewill, and this illusion is the basis of social order. In this sense, there is both the presence of freewill and determinism in our lives. In other words, we all have a predetermined fate, and it is predetermined that we are capable and motivated to make responsible decisions and choices.

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