Curtis Sliwa, known by millions as the founder and leader of The Guardian Angels, has greatly impacted the American way of life. Curtis refused to accept criminal activity and founded one of the world’s largest grassroots organizations. The Guardian AngelsIn 1979, New York City was the crime capital of the United States. Along with many NYC natives, Curtis Sliwa grew tired of the subway threats, street fights and fearful nights. These dangers and lack of control were the impetus for Sliwa’s groundbreaking idea: The Guardian Angels. Conceived as a grassroots opportunity for individuals to rally with one another, The Guardia...
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Curtis Sliwa
Anti-Crime Activist, Founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels and Radio Talk Show Host
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Bio
Full Bio
Curtis Sliwa, known by millions as the founder and leader of The Guardian Angels, has greatly impacted the American way of life. Curtis refused to accept criminal activity and founded one of the world’s largest grassroots organizations.
The Guardian Angels
In 1979, New York City was the crime capital of the United States. Along with many NYC natives, Curtis Sliwa grew tired of the subway threats, street fights and fearful nights. These dangers and lack of control were the impetus for Sliwa’s groundbreaking idea: The Guardian Angels. Conceived as a grassroots opportunity for individuals to rally with one another, The Guardian Angels quickly became an international phenomenon. Known by their signature red berets, the Angels’ persona stood for justice and the empowerment of individuals.
Today, The Guardian Angels have expanded into 14 countries and over 140 cities. The volunteer organization continues to flourish as individuals assume local responsibility for their communities. It is a constant example of the power of “Us and We, not I and Me.”
Communicator
Curtis Sliwa’s core ideas resonate well beyond the streets safeguarded by The Guardian Angels. With a unique combination of conviction and charisma, he often speaks before corporate teams, media professionals, senior executives, non-profit associations and educators. Drawing upon community activism as a backdrop, Sliwa draws direct comparisons. The challenge is this: “You have to get involved in the process. Don’t sit on the sidelines.” Sliwa has been privileged to speak for a variety of esteemed organizations including The Children’s Miracle Network, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, the Young President’s Organization, News America Marketing, the New York State Broadcasters Association, the Willow Creek Association, Bob Proctor’s Life Success Consultants and The Salvation Army. His work has been recognized by Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Clinton and Bush; applauded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; and commended by business, entertainment, and civic leaders worldwide.
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Testimonials
Curtis Sliwa is the best speaker I have ever heard in my entire life!
Curtis’ message always makes an impact, captivates the audience and is relatable to all throughout the world. He is professional, committed, dedicated, energetic and entertaining and I would highly recommend him.
When Curtis Sliwa speaks he makes you want to listen. He is bright and his message is poignant and relevant to our times . . . Curtis is a remarkable speaker.
Curtis received a standing ovation—and his remarks were especially well-received by Scout Masters and Eagle Scouts. Curtis’ integrity, morals, dedication, perseverance and commitment are everything a Scout aspires to be.
With all of his exciting real life experiences, battling crime with his Guardian Angels, he can mesmerize any audience, including me. Frankly, he’s one of my heroes.
The best speaker I’ve ever heard, anytime, anywhere, for the better part of an hour. Without a single pause, stumble or a single note he cast a spell on his audience.
If you want a motivational speaker, someone who’s entertaining, it’s hard to beat Curtis Sliwa, he’s bigger than life, he’s controversial, he’s fun.
Topics
Topics
Empowerment: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
Curtis speaks out on “empowering the powerless”, engaging individuals in helping themselves rather than looking for relief or protection from government or other resources. He talks about the lifelong benefits of empowerment and self-help to the individual, citing examples from his own personal experience growing up and as founder of The Guardian Angels.
Leadership: One Individual CAN Make a Difference
Curtis encourages individuals of all walks of life to take on leadership roles and build effective teams. Instead of waiting for others to step up to the plate, we need to assume an active role, and recognize that one man/woman CAN make a difference. He describes what it takes to be a leader, drawing from his personal experience founding and leading The Guardian Angels for the past 28 years. Curtis is adept at customizing this presentation to resonate with groups represented by all ages and walks of life, in corporate, education, or community organizational settings.
Violence Prevention: Anti-Bullying, Anti-Gangs and Internet Safety
Curtis calls upon schools, church groups, parent and community organizations to take on the problem of violence in their worlds by becoming actively engaged in violence prevention efforts. He raises awareness about the safety threats posed by bullying, gangs and Internet predators and criminals, and outlines measures to safeguard children and families against them.
