Foundation Staff
Doug
Brown
Founder
Executive Director
Michelle Zemrock
Public Relations
Hilary
Schlegel
Agent Cali Sports
Travis
King
Literary Agent
Amanda
Lynch
Advisor
Melissa
Bussey
Web Editor
Stephanie
Scott
Contributions
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My
“Skate Straight”
foundation was inspired from an
influential 1970s television
show, “Scared
Straight.” In the show,
rebellious teens on a path of
destruction were introduced to
seasoned inmates, eager to show
the teens where they would end up
if they didn’t straighten up
and get control of their lives.
The inmates were able to have a
positive influence on the kids
just using the power of words.
These days, people look at the
70s as the good ‘ole days,
when life was simple and mistakes
were not as easy to come by as
they are for today’s teens
who are faced with major issues
at a much earlier age than
today’s adults were. I know
I was lucky; a chance meeting and
a healthy dose of being in the
right place at the right time
have allowed me to make a career
out of my passion, skateboarding.
I look back to the 2002 Gravity
Games held in Cleveland, Ohio
where my professional career
started. I found myself thrust in
to the spotlight and traveling
all over the country performing
at venues and demos and making
personal appearances. Quickly I
began to embrace the
responsibility of being a role
model and mentor, and realized
that it was imperative that my
journey with skateboarding have
more purpose than just as
entertainment. I found myself
invited to speak at D.A.R.E.
events across the country where I
was able to encourage kids to
stay clear from drugs and alcohol
and believe in themselves and
their dreams. With this, my
skateboard became my microphone
and I was given the unique
opportunity to have a positive
influence on today’s youth.
As time went on, I developed my
own platform, my own program. I
use my own life story with my
personal experiences and stories
from people I’ve come
across, I bring my message and
speak globally at libraries,
schools, camps, military bases,
detention centers, churches, and
wherever the opportunity arises.
Why do I make the effort? On a
personal level, it gives me a
sense of purpose, to give back,
be pro-active, help people think
positively while leading a drug
free life. As it turns out,
people from all walks of life
attend and are given the
opportunity to share their own
stories as well. Everyone goes
through tough times, and hearing
how people have come through that
can have a strong influence on
impressionable teens. I'm all
about humanity and compassion,
and helping people learn how to
make better choices to firm up a
strong future for themselves. I
encourage people to find their
passion and embrace their talents
in order to achieve their dreams.
The essence of my program is to
motivate individuals to make good
choices throughout their lives.
Click here to read
Doug Brown's bio
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 TOPICS
COVERED IN PROGRAM
Drug & Alcohol Awareness -
Bullying - Literacy - Education Awareness
- Setting Goals -
Self Esteem - Suicide Prevention -
Depression - Leadership - Character
Development - Skate and Bike Safety
*Presentations can be tailored to
emphasize specific topics if needed
AGE
GROUPS & LOCATIONS
The presentation has been presented to
grade school students, junior high
students, high school students,
youth groups, hospitals, teen rehabs,
churches, libraries, skateboard
competitions, city events (kids day,
etc), events with bands, conferences, and
camps. Open to all ages.
TIME
FRAME AND LAYOUT
Typically
45 minutes to 60 minutes however
presentations can go for any time
increment requested.
The presentation begins with a 10
minute video featuring Doug's career and
skateboarding highlights. The
presentation is talking only and not
skateboarding.
PRICE
Pricing varies depending on
local, national, or international
booking.
Bookings are done through Cali Sports
Inc. hilarycalisports@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK
"Doug's message, emphasizing
anti-drug activities, putting bullies in
perspective and surrounding ourselves
with quality friends was an inspiration
to us all. He did a beautiful job
relating to our audience, handling even
the difficult subjects with gentleness,
prudence and grace."
-
Franklin Twp. School, Principal
"Doug's program was wonderful. He
was very professional, personable and
deeply connected to the audience. He went
above and beyond with his preparation and
graciously stayed late to converse with
the audience and answer questions. I hope
that we can schedule another program with
Doug in the future."
-
Kristie Donelson Ashland Public Library
"Doug provided us with an excellent
program. I'm still receiving feedback how
delighted people were with his
presentation. His optimism and enthusiasm
are remarkable and motivating."
-
Kathleen Jozwiak Director Orrville Public
Library
"The program was great and touched
the lives of our students. Thank you for
coming to our school and caring about our
kids"
-Pam
Frysinger Cardington-Lincoln Junior High
"I think he did an excellent job, he
connected well with the everyone"
-
Linda Uhler Wayne County Public Library
Teen Advisor
"The
kids enjoyed the show, definitely in the
realm of inspirational"
-Timothy
Wilkinson Ashland Parents Skaters
Association
"The
kids still talk about the event. Doug
left a great impression on everyone"
-
John Waller Teen Xtreme
"He's
great with the kids, I just think he's
great"
-
Lisa Cartright Gravity House Skatepark
"A
great role model. I can't say enough
about him"
-
Kathleen Hodges APSA
"In
a world where we see so much selfishness
and pain, it's nice to see someone who is
sharing his compassion and kindness"
- Stacie T - EWH Center
"Not
only did Doug have a great story but he
told it in a way that kids should see it.
Not just another, "Just Say No"
speech. It came from a guy that knows
what it takes. He has given everyone
hope, dreams and the knowledge that you
don't have to do drugs to be cool. The
dude's a professional skateboarder
fitting the criteria of being cool. Doug
Brown has life on straight with these
kids, everyone listened and took it all
in. We appreciate Doug's efforts to
encourage all of us!"
-
Clinton County Skatepark Association
MY
MISSION CONTNIUES
"Summer
2010 handed me so many great
opportunities. Events ranged from skate
comps, demos, libraries, skate camps and
book stores. My book was released in
national book store chains in late May. A
book about skateboarding? No, about my
life, trails and tribulations and how I
found myself through skateboarding. I've
shared my life story and have put all my
energies into making a difference in
peoples lives. This continues to be my
mission. I'm often misunderstood with
people who don't know me or understand my
direction. The skateboard industry has
its place in my life and my sponsors do
provide me an income but its not my
focus. I'm not longing to be in
skateboard magazines and I'm not trying
to kill myself on a rail to prove
anything. I've always stuck to my guns on
being creative and original with no
intentions on being anything but the best
I can be. My skateboard has led me here.
The book has been a tool to reach people
but more importantly my program has given
me this amazing opportunity to reach out.
It's not just about staying clear of
drugs, its about believing in yourself,
achieving your dreams, and overcoming the
odds to gain a personal pursuit of
happiness. I get a great deal of
feedback from people about my program.
Just recently while on the road in a
desolate small town a mother took me
aside after my program. It was a sincere
thank you of gratitude for what I've done
for her son after he read my book. Her
son was fourteen and going through some
major depression to the point of being
suicidal. She said it was my book that
caused him to do a complete 180 and
change his outlook on life. A simple
report like that from a thankful mother
sums up my purpose in my efforts. We all
have the power to inspire, to influence
and to give back, that's the whole point.
Am I trying to prove anything with my
skateboarding? Heck no. Tricks are
irrelevant, at my age I'm not out to
prove anything or out do anyone. What I
do while I'm off my skateboard is more
important than any trick I could possibly
do. People always ask me, what do I talk
about for an hour or two during my
program? I give and give... I share my
life story, the good, the bad. I've
learned a great deal in my travels about
people, sociology, drug and alcohol
abuse, and ways to outreach for positive
change. Skate Straight isn't about me,
its about you, its about us. It's about
recognizing our resources and bettering
ourselves, families, and the world. We're
all in this together and communication is
everything. Communication,
responsibility, compassion for one
another. These are components for true
success."
*Doug Brown and
Skate Straight does not discriminate
against individuals based on race,
gender, sexual orientation, national
origin, religion or physical or mental
disability.
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