Skate for Change: Mike Smith at TEDxOmaha
Published on Oct 29, 2012
Mike Smith is the founder and director of Skate for Change, a group of skateboarders committed to serving and giving back to the low-income and homeless. Smith's work brings together two disenfranchised groups for social change.
In this talk, he describes the inspiration behind his work, the support he has received, and the impact that a small group can have in the world.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Motivational speaker Mike Smith shares experiences to inspire students
By Colleen Fell on September 6th, 2013
Mike Smith told a group of 200 college students on Thursday night that some things are worth more than an education.
“There’s so much more than a degree and a career – making a difference is far more important,” the Imperial, Neb., native said.
The University Program Council brought the entrepreneur and motivational speaker to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska Union on Thursday night to advise students to pursue their passions. Smith, a self-proclaimed “professional teenager” for the past five years, has begun two non-profit organizations: The BAY and Skate For Change. The BAY, an indoor skate park, was established about four years ago after Smith received a phone call notifying him that a skate park in Lincoln was going to be torn down and that he could keep the ramps from the park as long as he used them for children.
“It was a dream that I had had since I was in the fourth grade,” Smith said. “To give kids something to identify themselves with.”
The BAY has since moved locations from a small space in Gateway Mall to a 30,000-square-foot space on Y Street in Lincoln.
Smith said he doesn’t like the term “professional speaker” and wants to bridge the gap between adolescents and adults.
“I think we are the first generation that believes we can bring social change,” Smith said.
After his life changed drastically during his senior year of high school when he lost his close friends in a drunken driving accident, he was inspired to turn his reckless lifestyle into one he could use to positively influence others.
“I didn’t graduate college,” Smith said. “I barely got into college.”
Smith said the only reason he was allowed to go to college was his athletic ability, and his way of thinking truly changed when his college basketball coach asked him what he wanted his major to be.
Smith’s response was that he had a desire to help people. After, his coach took him to bridges in Omaha where homeless people frequented, he said he would regularly hand out items such as socks, food and water.
Since then, Smith has founded The BAY and Skate For Change, a nonprofit organization that gives at-risk youth a chance to give back to the community. Today, the organization is responsible for deeds such as donating food and clothing to the homeless and financially assisting teen mothers.
“We’re more than just a skate park,” Smith said.
However, the organization has faced many struggles to become successful, Smith said. At times when he realized that he would not be able to pay rent for The BAY, he raised money in ways such as sleeping under a bridge for 30 days. Smith also skateboarded his way across Nebraska.
Skate For Change has chapters in more than 15 major U.S. cities and one in Australia.
He said the most important thing that youth should remember is to listen to the “tiny whisper” inside that “tells us we can do something incredible.”
His message was well-received by the audience, said Jessi Sackett, a freshman mechanical engineering major.
“He was very engaging and talked about a wide range of things,” Sackett said. “He’s someone that had a lot of trials and tribulations and is relatable.”
Sackett said she enjoyed Smith’s presentation and would like to see similar events offered by the university.
“I liked his message to go after your dreams and not let society define you.”
Source:news@dailynebraskan.com
Brilliance, It's In Their DNA: Mike Smith at TEDxYouth@Lincoln
Publicado el 04/10/2013
Founder of The Bay and Skate for Change. Mike Smith is a professional speaker who encourages youth to make a difference. In his talk, he challenges both youth and adults to get ready for what this generation will bring to the table.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Skate For Change CHAPTER 1: LEADERSHIP
de Mike Smith / Licencia de Creative Commons: by nc nd
A peek into the lives of four skateboarders in Lincoln, Nebraska who volunteer to participate in Skate For Change.
Skate For Change CHAPTER 1: LEADERSHIP from Mike Smith on Vimeo.
Skate for Change- Ryan Sheckler & Joey Brezinski
de Ronnie Romero Plus
Red Bull sent out a couple of their team riders, Ryan Sheckler & Joey Brezinski to help Mike Smith and Bay 198 Skatepark launch "Skate for Change". Skate for Change is an initiative to have skateboarders help give back to their communities by helping clean up parks and helping feed and clothe the homeless and less fortunate.
For more information on Skate for Change or find out how you can donate or start an SFC chapter in your area,
visit: skateforchange.org
Skate for Change- Ryan Sheckler & Joey Brezinski from Ronnie Romero on Vimeo.
Sources: www.youtube.com/www.vimeo.com/www.skateforchange.org & others
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