Associate

**Raoul Duke** · 03-31-2008 03:19 PM

After doing some research, i have found no REAL skateboard associations in our area (New England), and i think thats not right. I'm not talking about sites like NCDSA, or anything like that, but an association that builds community awareness and safety through positive actions. This association will do many things, like fund raising for events and charities, provide and promote safety equipment, safe riding techniques, and will be completely flexible with other organizations like http://www.theiantilmannfoundation.org/, GSI, silverfish, boards for breast cancer, and so on.

Since each town/city/state has there own rules and laws regarding skateboarding, the association will have to be broken up into chapters, and sub chapters. I am fortunate to have such help in my area like Community & Economic Development Office to give me FREE guidance and consultation, so i suggest to any one who is interested in part-taking in this venture to do some research in their local community.

Coast Longboarding is a good example for what i imagine, but we do not need a buy/sell section, or anything like that, because we have this excellent resource: silverfish. By joining this association, the community recognizes that the skater (member) has the knowledge, equipment, skills, and understanding of skateboarding to do it in a safe manner. An identification card will show police/officials that we understand the risks involved, the local laws regarding skateboarding and alternative transportation (because most cops around here don't even know them), and will show that the skater has mastered such techniques like safety slides. Kind of like a drivers license, but it won't buy you beer.

I would like to here others people opinions on this, before I take to CEDO, and start to build my plan. If I can get several directors around New England, I would like that, but if there is no one interested then I am on my own. I know my community needs something like this, does yours?

**ConnLongboarder** · 03-31-2008 05:59 PM

Right on brother - we have one (informal of course) - New Enland Longboarders. I started an informal group called Connecticut Longboarders back in 06. After the explosion of the scene last year (Block Island bomb and Wheelebrator), and an official "press release' statement about the CT group in Conrete Wave Magazine - the folks from other states asked if A) They can belong even though they do not live in CT, and B) Can we organize a broader group. Alas - I transformed the group to the New England Longboarders. Again - no official associations (yet). Many things planned community wise this year. A run for the Tommy Fund (helps kids with cancer here in CT, similiar to the Jimmy Fund out of Boston). A Garage Jam with all types of skating and live bands. Public movie showings of the Longboarding scene to help create awareness. And hopefully more...

I am SO glad someone from VT is on to a concept like this. Our goal is to share the stoke of skating, let the public know we care about the community we live in, and CAN make a difference. Get all types of people interested in the MANY aspects of skateboarding (not just street). And the like.

I am SO down with associating - keep me posted on what else I can do to make this group formal. We need more skaters from VT, New Hampshire, and Maine. So far, a good representation from CT, RI, and Mass.

I would LOVE to get a bunch of us up to Burlington to ride with you guys. And we REALLY need you to come down to an event - be it Wheelabrator, Slalom on the Farm, Block Island Bomb - whatever - we need to get together and make this scene grow.

-Tim

**pete..** · 03-31-2008 06:30 PM

just kinda wondering what would the advantages of doing this be?

would it be worth it?

i guess it would get more people to come out to events, but do we need an organization to do this?

**fineout** · 03-31-2008 06:30 PM

dont have time to type a long reply...but im down

**Raoul Duke** · 03-31-2008 06:58 PM

This is the place to start:

Starting an Association - Whitepapers - Publications and Resources - ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership

**frankie spankie** · 03-31-2008 08:20 PM

this has been discussed among some of us here in boston and we weren't sure how to go about it. i think this would be a great place to start right here on this thread. i,m going to check out the the link on the last post and give it a little study and get right back to this thread with my thoughts.

one of my immeadiate thought is yes we do need to consider our safty and the safty of others. i did a stupid thing the other day that i didn't think was very dangerous but got an ear full from a person walking that felt endangered.

this is the kind of thing that could cause us to loose our riding spots, or cause a catrostrophy. i think this thread needs a lot more consideration.

**rips4stoke** · 03-31-2008 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by frankie spankie

this is the kind of thing that could cause us to loose our riding spots, or cause a catrostrophy. i think this thread needs a lot more consideration.

I would be down but this exactly is what worries me.

I just find it hard to beleive that any government regional assoctiation is going to actually give you the privledge of sliding hills with traffic and/or DHing of speeds in excess of 30mph, or 50mph for those cool cats down in CT. anywhere you look any organized events held are generally outlawed and technically illegal. What we do by nature is something that even regardless of your experience, is dangerous everytime you step on the board. Even with the proper precautions. I just don't like to be told where I can and can't ride my board, I beleive that I have enough common sense to know what I can handle and what I can't handle. I just wouldn't want someone coming out and saying to me that I can no longer skate my local hill because it isn't designated for me to longboard safely on.

I'm all for it though if you can make it happen the way you described. That'd be great to actually get something like a driver's license except for being a qualified longboarder and skateboarder. I like the idea that you could show that you can safely navigate roads and safely longboard, it'd probably save quite a bit of hassel and I would hope if anything it would open up more spots for us to ride in New England.

sorry for the small novel.

**frankie spankie** · 03-31-2008 09:23 PM

rip4stoke,
i agree with what you are sayng, i just think when you have an association you can petition for a permit so that you have an area so that you can hold clinics, free riding, and safety seminars to get younger riders safely into the sport.

i'm looking at this from a perspective of a father of two young kids so that i can train them i a safe enviroment meaning no cars and not giving them the idea that skating is wrong because we're skating quote "illegal"

if the city of boston see's that it can be a benifit to the community i think they will have to take notice. we need to present it as a healthy sport that gets our kids off the coutch and on the boards.

just remember there's power in numbers, with an orginisation behind us they're going have to take notice.

**Raoul Duke** · 04-01-2008 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by pete..

just kinda wondering what would the advantages of doing this be? do we need an organization to do this?

Educate the public about the many uses of skateboarding, from a low-impact exercise to a sustainable means of transportation. Educate the public about safe riding methods and local laws regarding alternative transportation; i.e. A.T. is allowed the right hand 1/3 of the road, must obey all traffic devices, and is not allowed on the side walk (vermont laws). Do you know your state laws regarding skateboards and A.T.? This association will make sure you do, and will make sure the authorities know it too. All to often i here of a skater getting a ticket because they were FOLLOWING THE LAW, but cop and judge didn't even know the laws.

Originally Posted by frankie spankie

one of my immediate thought is yes we do need to consider our safty and the safty of others. i did a stupid thing the other day that i didn't think was very dangerous but got an ear full from a person walking that felt endangered.

this is the kind of thing that could cause us to loose our riding spots, or cause a catastrophe. i think this thread needs a lot more consideration.

I agree fully with you spankie, it will take 100% commitment of the all members to make this legit. I personally am dealing this issue, there is a clear division of skaters here who have no regard for others and themselves, and they will not be able to join unless they change their attitude. Helmets and gloves at all times, clear communication, and safe riding (no traffic dodging or high density people cones) are key. Public events will help demonstrate how safe skaters can be, and also teach pedestrians how to be safe around a skater (i believe the law here is that pedestrians have the right on way).

Originally Posted by rips4stoke

I would be down but this exactly is what worries me.

I just find it hard to beleive that any government regional assoctiation is going to actually give you the privledge of sliding hills with traffic and/or DHing of speeds in excess of 30mph, or 50mph for those cool cats down in CT. anywhere you look any organized events held are generally outlawed and technically illegal. What we do by nature is something that even regardless of your experience, is dangerous everytime you step on the board. Even with the proper precautions. I just don't like to be told where I can and can't ride my board, I beleive that I have enough common sense to know what I can handle and what I can't handle. I just wouldn't want someone coming out and saying to me that I can no longer skate my local hill because it isn't designated for me to longboard safely on.

I'm all for it though if you can make it happen the way you described. That'd be great to actually get something like a driver's license except for being a qualified longboarder and skateboarder. I like the idea that you could show that you can safely navigate roads and safely longboard, it'd probably save quite a bit of hassel and I would hope if anything it would open up more spots for us to ride in New England.

sorry for the small novel.

You make some good points, and small novels can easily become blockbuster movies. I am not talking about sliding in public for the fun of it, that sort of thing has it's own place and time. I am talking about general education, because what is common sense to us, is like quantum physics to your average driver and pedestrian. We need to put others on our level, and get the recognition we deserve.

Originally Posted by frankie spankie

i just think when you have an association you can petition for a permit so that you have an area so that you can hold clinics, free riding, and safety seminars to get younger riders safely into the sport.

i'm looking at this from a perspective of a father of two young kids so that i can train them i a safe enviroment meaning no cars and not giving them the idea that skating is wrong because we're skating quote "illegal"

if the city of boston see's that it can be a benifit to the community i think they will have to take notice. we need to present it as a healthy sport that gets our kids off the coutch and on the boards.

just remember there's power in numbers, with an orginisation behind us they're going have to take notice.

YES! power in numbers. when people see an REAL association started by skaters, for skaters, that promotes safe skating, exersize, A.T., and positive growth, then we can get the events we want, and minimize the hassle we receive.

Research your local laws regarding skateboading and A.T.

Pegasus Flyers Inline Skate Club - Law in Other States and Cities

**sprodigy** · 04-01-2008 08:13 AM

I will definitely help in any way possible. This seems like something that will put my business degree to good use for something that I love doing.

My crew and I have already actively talked to our police department regarding our local laws, so we are already well aware. An association will further legitimize what we do and ease the minds of the law. Let me know how I can help!

**Raoul Duke** · 04-01-2008 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by sprodigy

I will definitely help in any way possible. This seems like something that will put my business degree to good use for something that I love doing.

My crew and I have already actively talked to our police department regarding our local laws, so we are already well aware. An association will further legitimize what we do and ease the minds of the law. Let me know how I can help!

You and I are in the same boat. I am graduating this year with a bachelors in Business, and in no way do i want to go work for the proverbial man. I want to dictate my own position and future, not play the system and move up the ranks of ass-kissers. I want to kick ass.

This will be A LOT OF WORK, but I know that WE can do it. You want to help?-- outline a local (business) plan: Mission statement, goals, objectives, officers, etc. Reach out to your local offices, like City Hall, and research what forms need to be filled out and what not. I think that if we can start small and localized, then build outward and connect, that will be the most effective method. Talk with you local bicycle association, because their model might be easily adaptable. Continue discussions with local law enforcement, and make them aware that we are beginning to organize to promote safety and positive growth.

Record and keep a binder all the actions and steps you went through, so others can build off your model; consistency is important.

And most importantly, practice what you preach.

**Raoul Duke** · 04-01-2008 09:44 AM

This would be a good model or resource that we modify:
New England Bicycle Racing Association

Their bylaws are here:
NEBRA - Bylaws

What should we call our selfs? This might be the first question that needs to be addressed. New England Longboard Association, New England Skateboard Safety and Awareness Coalition (Association), Coalition for Skateboard Safety and Awareness of New England?

Pick a name, designate representatives, send out emails asking for advice and support to existing Associations like NE-BRA, and build our plan from there.

We should stay in close contact, so not to leave one area behind, or unrepresented. If you got an outline that you want to share, post it, discuss it, re-work it, and modify where needed. Do we start localized like i said before, or do we start big like NE-BRA? What do you guys think?

**ConnLongboarder** · 04-01-2008 05:19 PM

I think the concept is great - and I do need to go back and read the white papers. Just know that "it takes a lot of time" may deter many folks from this. We all have our own reasons for what makes our lives busy. But that is why we NEED numbers.

Politics is a part of any organization, but hopefully it will not impact this group in a neagative way.

Like I said - I am down, and I SO want to make the citizens of my community understand longboarders come from all walks of life, in all shapes and forms, and all types of backgrounds. I hope to organize some local charity events, and give back to the community. The only way to overcome the stigma is to prove to them we are not who they think.

**Raoul Duke** · 04-01-2008 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by ConnLongboarder

Just know that "it takes a lot of time" may deter many folks from this. We all have our own reasons for what makes our lives busy.

I agree with you, we all have our own lives and families to worry about, and only a few can dedicate the time and work needed to get this off the ground. It seems like you have a very realistic idea about your level of commitment, which is good. We only need a select few to build the plan, the rest can fall into place when duties and responsibilities are defined. Your input is still GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Myself, and one other person in Burlington are working to get this going, Sprodigy said he was up to help build it.

Myself-- Graduating this year with a bachelors in Business from Champlain College. I have so much support from all my professors, and community on this project. I got mad skills in building solid dynamic spread sheets that project finances in different scenarios. I have written several mach business plans with great feedback from professors urging me bring them into reality, but there are enough t-shirt and board companies out there. A non-profit skateboard association that promotes safety and awareness sounds soooooo good.

There are a few questions that I have, but I got a meeting this weekend with a consultant to have them answered.

I'll keep ya'll informed to the fullest!

-Will Deming

**fineout** · 04-01-2008 06:33 PM

Thanks will! unfortunately i really dont have much time to put into all the work with my engineering classes and such however if theres anything that you need done post it up and i for one will definately try to help out as much as i can.

**Live2longboard** · 04-01-2008 06:51 PM

Not sure if I can help with the organizational aspects but im down for all the events im able to get to. Last summer I rode with Ridin High for a night, was a ton of fun, definitly want to meet some more people up there again.

**frankie spankie** · 04-01-2008 09:45 PM

i'm willing to help out with this project and i'm willing to dedicate some time as well. why dont we break down into smaller segments so its easier to handle for those of us with busy lives. it doesn't have to be done over night. its going to take some time to be done right.
raoul, sounds like your the leed man for this project. so whats the next step?

**beberts09** · 04-08-2008 09:34 PM

im def down, but i dunno how much id be able to do... since im only 16 and at boarding
school... but if anything is needed from me pm me and ill do whatever i can. Probly not
the best option for a big man, but im here if you contact me. I'm out here for at least another
year... then off to college

haha. I nominate frankie for the boston/mass chapter

once again, hit me up if u need anything, im a decently reliable dude lol

**frankie spankie** · 04-09-2008 06:21 AM

well, this is what i think about structure. i think we should form a regional body for new england longboarding. we could then set the mission statement and goals. its going to be hard for indivdual groups to form without help. its going to be a good learning process for for the group that wants to take on this project.
once a regional association is formed we can then work on recruting new chapters. these new chapters are going to need support during their formation. uniformity is key to sucess. look at how franchises operate in the buisness world. we can see how see how sucessful these organsations are everywhere we look.
how many people would be willing to meet in the next few week to talk about the formation of this great organisation? i'm calling for a meeting so that we can all meet face to face and get to know each other. we can talk about it all we want on this thread but until we meet we're not going to be able to hammer out any game plan.