Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Robison and David Edminster. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Derek and David have been skating since they were 10-12 years old. As we got older we started to recognize the physical and mental health benefits behind skateboarding. Derek was working at the Boys and Girls Club Capitol West and saw youth there wearing skateboard brand shirts. Derek would ask them if they had a skateboard, most of them said like “I don’t personally have one, but I use my siblings or cousins.” Derek began doing research about skateboard non-profits and realized there wasn’t one in Salt Lake City.
He found an organization called “Board Rescue” that provided complete skateboards to underserved youth. They donated a bunch of boards for youth to use at the club. After seeing the enthusiasm and excitement from the youth Derek wanted to expand. He brought on David and began collaborating with local skate shops to collect new/used equipment. In March 2018, Pushing Ahead became a federally recognized 501 (c)(3) and charity in Salt Lake City.
David and Derek created a curriculum with the help of the local skate community of what should be taught to new skateboarders. During our programs, we teach about the different components of the board, skate history, pro skateboards, skateboard media, and where to go to get a skateboard. Our goal is to empower the youth we teach, to get them to recognize that skating has something to offer everyone and they can build their confidence and test their limits. We’ve had volunteers come and help out. We had a pro skateboarder that is from and lives in Utah Tyson Bowerbank come out and spend some time with the youth.
A big part of what got us to where we are today is just trying different stuff and see if it works. Also, meeting new people and developing relationships with them as been extremely impactful. We have continued to work with skate shops and other brands to continue to grow and reach more youth. We have been able to give 200+ skateboards to youth in Salt Lake City. Every year we have our “Skateboard Angel Tree” program where we provide skate equipment to past participants for Christmas.
Every spring we hold an event called “Pushing Ahead Our Inventory” where we take everything that has been donated and get it ready for our programs. We’ve received amazing support from local skateboard shops like Milosport, BC surf and sport, Time Machine, Modern Monarch, Crossroads, and Raunch.
As well as larger companies like Mini Logo, Jessup Griptape, Destroyer Helmets, and Vans. We would not be able to do it without their assistance and support, so many thanks to everyone who has helped us along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Starting a non-profit was a brand new experience for both David and I. It’s extremely intimidating having to turn in certain things at certain times with different government agencies. We were recommended a book from a mentor of mine on how to start a non-profit, which we found very helpful. We also attended classes on grant writing, webinars on social skate programs and worked to build a network of support in terms of people, organizations and resources. The road has smoothed greatly as we’ve gone along thanks to the incredible support from the community.
We were able to ask questions from experienced people, which was very helpful. A constant struggle for us has been funding. Running a business is a new thing. Marketing and being able to reach people to help spread the message has been a huge benefit and has made this project easier over the years, but it takes time to build a network.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Derek started working at the Boys and Girls Club while getting his associates degree in Social Work from Salt Lake Community College. He went on to work at a foster care placement agency and a substance abuse treatment center while getting his bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and certificate in Substance abuse disorders. He worked at the Division of Child and Family Services for 3 years while preparing to go to graduate school.
He went on to go to graduate school at the University of Utah getting his degree in social work. He currently works as a school social worker and does individual therapy as well. I’m extremely passionate about mental health and the positive mental health benefits that skateboarding offers. I’m most proud of my work with Pushing Ahead all while doing it pursuing my passionate for mental health.
David loves skateboarding and got his associates degree from Salt Lake Community College before transferring up to the University of Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He currently works at ARUP in the histology lab. He is passionate about research, data, and mental health. He is proud of Pushing Ahead and where it started to where it is today. He is extemely grateful for skateboarding in his life, and is excited about providing the same opportunities to kids who would not otherwise be able to participate.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The seasons are special and it’s awesome to be able to experience them all (sometimes a few in the same day). Derek really enjoys the mountains and spends a lot of time in the mountains during the winter. David enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with friends, and thinks there’s never a bad time for coffee.
Both of us love the food that Salt Lake offers. We love the variety and diversity the city offers.We love how different and tight the local skateboard community is. There are several different groups of skateboarders, but we all come together during events put on by the city, or other skaters in the community which is such a rad experience. We are both in love with the Vans skatepark at the Fairgrounds.
The things we like least about the city is how it can be not very skateboard friendly. Businesses put skateboard stoppers (which don’t really work anyways) and structure things in a way that aren’t skateboard friendly. However, as skateboarders we innovate and will always find a way to skateboard something.
Contact Info:
- Email: Derek@pushingahead.org
- Website: Pushingahead.org
- Instagram: @pushingahead2017
- Facebook: Pushing Ahead
