What if skateboarding can reduce violence?

(it does)

At SOLID, violence prevention happens through programs that inspire, connect and support young people to maximize their potential and equip them to radically impact their community and beyond!

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Violent crime is declining.

Even still, Paterson is often listed as New Jersey’s 3rd most dangerous city.

No child should experience violence.

According to crimegrade.org, a person’s chance of being a victim of crime in some Paterson neighborhoods is 1 in 6. The reality is, we know many of our skaters, students and youth who participate at SOLID have experienced violence on some level, whether it was personally, in their home or in their neighborhood.

When we discuss solutions with our community, the most common answer we hear is: opportunity.

Our young people in Paterson crave opportunities for more - more opportunities to learn, to grow, to travel, to thrive, to maximize their potential. And, at SOLID, that’s where we excel.

“To me, when I think of SOLID, I think of a place of peace.”

— R.S. (13 year old student at our Create & Connect After-School Club)

VIOLENCE PREVENTION THROUGH OPPORTUNITY

SOLID programs offer opportunities to hundreds of amazing youth throughout the city of Paterson to:

Be inspired - with new forms of creative expression and fun
Connect - with our staff, volunteers and network of leaders
Feel supported - in their passions and life interests

Our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code

Every program we offer at SOLID is inspired by our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code which enables, mentors and equips young people to be PeaceMakers in society.

Understanding and respecting others is the foundation of our mission to end violence, unite and make the world a better place.

We share life skills, knowledge, experiences, meals together… life.
To share begins with a mindset. Do we believe our world is one of scarcity or that of abundance? The way we answer that question helps to determine our willingness to share with our neighbor.
As skateboarders, we fail hundreds (sometimes thousands) of times before we land a trick.
If we can keep pushing on a skateboard - let’s keep pushing in the rest of life: mind, body and spirit.
Life can be stressful.
Many of us find peace by grounding ourselves in a mindset of thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation.
At SOLID, we believe that some values can be life-giving while others can be harmful. More importantly, we push ourselves to take action, because, what good are those beliefs and ideas unless we do something?
SOLID’S S.K.A.T.E.R. Code is like seeds, which, when rooted and thriving, represent the belief in, and embodiment of these ideas.
Likewise, in this example, fruit and flowers are the result of actions taken. Increased action makes a difference in our world!
You got this! We believe in you.
As skateboarders we naturally cheer one another on - encouraging our fellow skaters to keep trying until we get it.
We share those positive words of encouragement beyond the skatepark - when at school, at work, learning, improving ourselves and serving others.
We can actually make a difference in the world and make it a better place!
And we do!
Respect is a two-way street. We offer respect to others even before we feel that we have earned their respect.
In Dr. Randy Woodley’s book of daily meditations, Becoming Rooted, he says, “Respect especially applies to those who are different than me. We sometimes spend too much time fearing difference. Yet respect gives me the courage to approach those different from me and to understand their thoughts, ways and concerns. What I fear in others, they may fear in me.” (p. 157)

SOLID PROGRAMS:

What do we actually do?

Our Funnel Model outlines our approach to how SOLID connects with new friends and participants. We love hosting big events and community outreach, but then what?

These big events are our pathway to invite young people to participate in smaller gatherings like after school programs, trips and workshops.

Our ultimate goal is to connect participants with opportunities, resources and community - whether at SOLID or with other nonprofit partners around Paterson.

The P-Town Throwdown - one of our favorite SOLID events.

UPCOMING 2025 PROGRAMS

Events.

P-Town Throwdown, Go Skateboarding Day Trilogy, and partnerships with other organizations at their various events
Outreach.

Weekly barbecues at the Paterson public skatepark, community walks and serving together
SOLID Minds

We are finalizing plans and almost ready to launch SOLID Minds after school club in the Spring of 2025.
Workshops.

Instruction and classes from SOLID staff and friends: graphic design, photography, screen printing and much more!
Trips.

Visiting skateparks, museums, wildlife and so much of what the NYC/TriState area has to offer
Hoods To Woods.

Snowboarding at Big Snow AD and Mountain Creek with our friends from Hoods to Woods
Collaboration.

Community partnerships and projects intended empower youth and connect with like-minded leaders in Paterson and beyond
Training.

Several training opportunities at SOLID will be open to guests in 2025 - for example - Stop The Bleed, financial literacy and healthy relationships