History
30 Years of Service
New York has seen a startling change during the past 30 years and The Guardian Angels were in the trenches, not as mere witnesses, but active modifiers of history. They heard a president tell the city to "drop dead," felt the impact of both the economic boom and bust, experienced first hand the rampant crime and more recently faced the palpable devastation of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Through it all there has been one constant - Curtis Sliwa and The Guardian Angels' service to New Yorkers. After 30 years as promoters of safety and empowerment, The Guardian Angels continue to teach communities and schools to take control and responsibility of both their environment and their lives. Now their community is global as they reach citizens around the world.
The story of this organization's genesis and nascent roots are by now familiar. The McDonald's night manager in a crime-ridden area of the Bronx, who, sickened and saddened by his city's deterioration, took matters into his own hands. He formed a voluntary, weapon-free patrol of 13 to take the subways, the streets and the neighborhood back from crime. The accolades that followed and success of their programs only heightened the symbolism of the red beret, now a worldwide icon for safety. Less familiar is the story of its progressive adaptation to societal needs. Curtis and his Angels inspired young people to create over twenty chapters around the world and won the support of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; iconic businessmen like Carl Icahn, Paul Carlucci, Leon Temiz and Fred Drasner; sport heroes Dave Winfield and Boomer Esaison; entertainers Regis Philbin, Phil Collins and Oprah; and revered broadcaster Walter Cronkite. The Guardian Angels helped to establish community forces with groups such as the YMCA, the National Crime Prevention Council, the United Way, and the Points of Light Foundation. Alien to many are the strides the Guardian Angels have made in the field of education in the past few years. Though neighborhood watches and clean-ups are still in effect, it is the hurdles they have bounded over to ensure safety in our classrooms that is currently paramount on their agenda. Their CyberAngels program patrols the Internet, while their school safety programs are mandated in New York and New Jersey. Thanks to the persistence of the education division of The Guardian Angels, spearheaded by C.O.O and Executive Director Mary Sliwa, they have also developed cooperative ventures with educational institutions to train their teachers in classroom management and protocol. The Guardian Angels presence in our schools helps our teachers take back their classrooms. Mary is confident these safety education programs will be as widespread and effective as the now legendary street patrols.
The Guardian Angels are always on patrol and if New York is the city that never sleeps, then founder Curtis Sliwa is its resident insomniac. He is crucial in efforts to expand their services as society dictates. With commitment, conviction and compassion as their credo, they continue to fulfill, with funding or without, the demand for safety and self-actualization. The Guardian Angels have personified benevolence and fortitude every year since 1979 and continue to do so as they transcend geography - from the city streets into our classrooms, our boardrooms and our legislature.
The story of The Guardian Angels is a unique one. Its efforts and achievements in the past quarter century are remarkable. Though to ensure its continued success, funding is not only essential, it is the oxygen which allows these programs to breathe into each and every community and school in need. With your generosity we believe we can thrive in the next 30 years and stamp history with accomplishment.
Join our efforts in promoting these progressive programs, teaching our teachers and above all - saving our safety.
TIMELINE
Through neighborhood safety patrols, school programs designed to prevent bullying and raise gang awareness, and the award-winning CyberAngels program, The Guardian Angels has, for 30 years, helped communities around the world to be proactive in realizing the possibility of violence prevention.
1971
National Recognition
President Richard Nixon commends Curtis Sliwa
1977
"Rock Brigade"
Cleaning up Brooklyn, one neighborhood at a time
1978
On the Streets
Our first street patrols
1979
Magnificent 13
Our first subway patrols
1981
Los Angeles
The Guardian Angels are officially "coast-to-coast"
1983
President's Volunteer Action Award
Awarded by President Ronald Reagan
1987
Caribbean
Chapter established in Puerto Rico
1989
Europe
Chapter opens in London
1992
Australia
First chapter established in "The Land Down Under"
1993
First Education Programs
In New York City housing projects
1994-5
Guardian Angels Days in NYC
Proclamation of Mayor Rudy Giuliani
1995
Angels Online
Creation of the CyberAngels Internet safety education program
1996
Asia
First chapter opens in Japan
1997
Urban Angels
New program created for teens
1998
President's Service Award
Bill Clinton recognizes the volunteer services of CyberAngels and its contributions to online safety
1998
"Rocky"
Guardian Angels mascot "Rocky" joins the team
1999
Jr Angels
New program created to serve at-risk children
1999
Angel Watch
New park program created at NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's request
1999
Initiative at St John's University with Dean Jerrold Ross
"Teaching the Teachers"
2001
September 11
2001
First Non-Profit Entity in Japan
2001
Guardian Angels Day
Proclamation of Mayor Rudy Giuliani
2002
Volunteer Service Award
Curtis Sliwa receives the Point of Light Award
2002
South America
Guardian Angels open chapter in Rio, Brazil
2002
Educational Initiatives
The Guardian Angels Academy is created to serve schools
2003
Police Sciences
The Guardian Angels Academy of Security and Police Sciences is certified
2003
DC Sniper Crisis
Guardian Angels assist citizens by pumping gas
2004
Presidential Praise
Angel efforts during Florida hurricanes recognized by President George W. Bush
2004
Japanese Welcome Angels
Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi welcomes the Angels
2004, 05, 06
President's Service Awards
Hollywood, FL chapter is three-time recipient of this honor
2005
Homeland Security
Recruited by General Albert Zapanta to develop curriculum
2005
Africa
First chapter on the continent opens in Capetown
2005
Curtis meets with Chertoff
Homeland Security Secretary
2005
Angels Recruited by Secret Service
Angels help provide security at the Inaugural Ball for President George W. Bush
2006
Angels Invited to United Nations
Curtis speaks at AIT Global's Information Technologies and Security Conference
2006
Anti-Gang Initiative
Community oriented gang prevention programs created
2007
CyberAngels / Time Warner Cable
Partnership to create cyber safety guide
2007
Virtual Training Modules
In conjunction with MOESC, our anti-bullying and gang programs go online
2007
Middle East Welcomes Curtis Sliwa
Invited by the Bahrain chapter of the Young President's Organization
2008
The Guardian Angels Education Team
Bringing a new era of school-based safety programs to NYC schools
