• Our Mission and Values
• A New Mission
• The Guardian Angels Story
• Awards and Recognition
• Recruitment
• Red Deer Guardian Angels Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mission and Values

The Dream
That all children will enjoy a safe environment in which they can rise to their full potential, and can acquire indestructible self-esteem, confidence and pride of accomplishment.


The Goal
To motivate individuals, and to create a safer future through our programs devoted to personal safety, civic contribution, value development and cyber security.


The Plan
To focus and enhance our programs in personal safety, neighbourhood safety, cyberspace safety and civility, emphasising overcoming social and educational adversity.

Letter From the Founder of the Guardian Angels, Curtis Sliwa - Click to Read More
 

New York has seen a startling change during the past 28 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 28 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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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 25 and stamp history with accomplishment.

Join our efforts in promoting these progressive programs, teaching our teachers and above all - saving our safety.

Recruitment

Who can become a Guardian Angel?

Membership is open to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin. Members must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

We Train in:

• Self-Defence
• Assault Prevention
• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid & CPR

Before being accepted for training all applicants will:

• Fill out an application form prior to interview.
• Be interviewed in person by members of the Chapter leadership.
• Have references and information checked.
• Submit a Police Background Check (at your own expense).

City of Red Deer Guardian Angels Information Post

Red Deer Guardian Angels - Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can join the Red Deer Guardian Angels? 

There are many facets to the Guardian Angels which allow anyone 18 and older to join. For patrol, there are a number of requirements that must be filled before becoming a beret wearing member. First, everyone will need a criminal back ground check from the RCMP, secondly, everyone will go through an in-depth interview with the senior members of the organization and thirdly, everyone will have to take three months of extensive training in the Canadian Criminal Code, Assault Prevention, Conflict Resolution, CPR and First Aid and Self Defence. Upon completion of these elements you will be eligible for graduation and then will be placed in the areas best suited to your strengths. 

Outside of Patrol, the Guardian Angels can use volunteers for fund raising, publicity events, school and educational programs. There will be various requirements and clearance needed pending the areas of volunteering. 

What sort of commitment is required? 

The Guardian Angels realizes that everyone is a volunteer and has other commitments. While the numbers are small, there will obviously be more need for volunteer time but as the numbers grow, there will be more flexibility. The Red Deer group will do their best to work within everyone’s schedules. 

What are the costs to the city of Red Deer? Do the Guardian Angels require taxpayer money? 

There are no costs to the City of Red Deer or to any taxpayer. The Guardian Angels are a non profit organization that requires no taxpayer dollars. The Guardian Angels will hold fund-raisers to cover all expenses. 

How are the Guardian Angels perceived? 

The Guardian Angels began in the toughest areas of New York City at a time gang violence was rampant. In the early days the group had to contend with being regarded as a vigilante group bringing street justice to the criminals they encountered. This was a misconstrued perception which became self evident. With the acceptance by New York City Major Rudolph Giuliani in the early 90’s the Guardian Angels quickly rose as a legitimate citizens patrol group that watched some of the tougher parts of a city where crime levels were high. They are first and foremost a crime deterrent. Records document their presence alone has reduced crime in the areas they patrol. The Guardian Angels maintain a record of never have been convicted of civil suits or criminal suits. 

Are the Guardian Angels solely a street patrol group? 

No. There are multiple facets to the organization including Cyber Angels and school education for teachers and students. The street patrol is the most visible but all areas are equally important and help build a safer community for all citizens. 

Are the Guardian Angels a job related threat to any security services? 

Absolutely not. In all cases the Guardian Angels are willing to work closely with security groups. They are not looking to replace any paid security group of any facility. If crime is rampant in an area, then obviously the Guardian Angels will strive, in conjunction with other parties, to help rid the area of the problem. 

How closely do the Guardian Angels work with the police department? 

The Guardian Angels are meant to be a deterrent to crime and are not a police force nor do they try to take the place of police services. Good communications is paramount between the organizations and the Guardian Angels will work closely with city and police officials within the limits of the law. They correspond regularly with a liaison and report all incidents immediately.

More questions and answers as they come in.