(Photo credit)
The Guardian Angels Organization
The Alliance of Guardian Angels, Inc. is a non-profit,all-volunteer organization whose purpose is to fight crime and providepositive real life role models for young people. Founded on Februrary13, 1979 in New York City by Curtis Sliwa, with just 13 members, theGuardian Angels now number over 5,000 members in 67 American,Canadian and Mexican cities.Curtis, along with regional coordinators, organize groups throughoutthe country wherever there is a call for help. Chapters are onlystarted at the invitation of local residents, community, church orbusiness groups and, occasionally, public officials.
Not all Guardian Angels are young people in jeans and sneakers andnot all chapters are in inner city areas. Most of our people areworking or going to school during the day and participate in GuardianAngels activities in the evenings and on the weekends, on the average8 to 10 hours per week. We even have chapters on college campuses.While the minimum age for becoming a Guardian Angel is 16, there is nomaximum. Our oldest member recently celebrated his 80th birthday!
What We Do
We are effective as visual deterrents to crime because we will nothesitate to make a citizen's arrest when we see a crime beingcommitted. In our red berets and t-shirts, we have become familiarsights on mass transit system,s in shopping mall parking lots, at rockconcerts, and in drug-infested public parks and streets.In addition to our patrols, we provide other volunteer services tothe community. We have escort programs for senior citizens and thehandicapped so they can participate fully in activities without thefear or crime. We give self-defense demonstrations and providespeakers to various organizations and schools so that they can becomebetter acquainted with our program and our no-weapons no-drugsphilosophy. In some cities, we have Junior Guardian Angels programsand distribute food to the hungry and homeless.
Since Guardian Angels are local residents of the areas they patrol,we also participate in many special community events such as parades,festivals, and marches. At times of extreme emergencies, such as theAtlanta child murders or Mexico City earthquake, we respond with helpimmediately.
Dealing With the Drug Plague
Increasingly, we are being called upon by frustrated residents andsmall business owners to assist them in reclaiming their streets fromthe drug dealers. We have mounted major anti-drug and crackdown-on-crack campaigns in Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, Florida and 42ndStreet/Times Square in New York.Our war against drugs is not limited to the streets. Throughoutthe country, in small rural towns and large cities, we send speakersto elementary, junior high, and high schools to talk realisticallywith students about drugs.
Becoming a Guardian Angel
To become a Guardian Angel, you must be at least 16 years of age,have no serious criminal record, and be working or going to school.If you are not working and are out of school, you must be able todemonstrate how you support yourself. After being screened, you mustcomplete a 3-month training program that usually requires 10 hours perweek. You do not need to be Bruce Lee or his sister in order toqualify. We look more for the proper attitude of dedication than bigbiceps.After physical training in self-defense, first aid/CPR, the penalcode, making a citizen's arrest, and patrol techniques, members arerequired to contribute a minimum of 2 patrols each week (approximately8 hours). Since Guardian Angels do not carry weapons, each member issearched before going on patrol for drugs, drug paraphernalia, andweapons. Possession of any of these items means immediate dismissal.
Financial Support
The Alliance of Guardian Angels, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profitorganization. We do not receive funds from the government or bigcorporations or foundations. We depend upon individuals who maketax-deductible contributions to help us cover our operating expensesand in kind donations of headquarters space, training facilities andprinting. No one in our group is paid a salary so every dollar yougive goes directly towards getting Guardian Angels out where theybelong -- on your streets!We Dare to Care
Since our beginning, we have helped many thousands of people. Ourunarmed patrols have made over 800 citizens' arrests and our verypresence has deterred countless others. We have demonstrated thatpeople of all races and ethnic groups can work together to improveour communities for everyone. Our diverse membership, in which womenplay the same role as men, continues to be living proof of our motto:WE DARE TO CARE! Won't you?For More Information
To join or start a chapter: Due to the volume of calls we receive, you can get a fast responsefrom us by sending us a note with your name, address, telephonenumber, the best time to reach you, and the closest large city near toyou. If possible, enclose a self-addressed, stamped-envelope.Contact:Mr. Curtis Sliwa Guardian Angels 982 East 89th Street Brooklyn, NY 11236 (718) 649-2607
