StandStrong – First in Fall Defense
Background
Overview
StandStrong is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing self-defense, confidence, and empowerment programs across the United States. Their mission is to equip individuals with the mental preparedness and physical skills necessary to be confident, safe, and proud of their identity and beliefs. By enhancing situational awareness, verbal self-defense skills, and offering practical physical tools, StandStrong empowers participants to confront hate and bullying effectively.
Mission and Vision
StandStrong's mission is to empower individuals with the mental preparedness and physical skills to be confident, safe, and proud of who they are and what they believe. Their vision is to create safer, more secure, and united communities that support one another.
Primary Area of Focus
The organization focuses on delivering self-defense and empowerment programs tailored to various communities, including schools, colleges, synagogues, and other organizational partners. Their programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, ensuring that individuals of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from their offerings.
Industry Significance
In a climate where incidents of hate and bullying are prevalent, StandStrong plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and self-confidence among individuals. By providing free self-defense training and empowerment programs, they contribute significantly to community safety and cohesion. Their work is particularly impactful in educational institutions, where they have reached over 56 college campuses and numerous community partners.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Empowerment through Education: Equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and stand against hate and bullying.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with various community partners to extend their reach and impact.
- Nationwide Expansion: Increase the number of cities and campuses impacted by their programs.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Self-Defense Training: Offering courses that combine techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Israeli Krav Maga, and Muay Thai to provide comprehensive self-defense skills.
- Confidence Building: Programs designed to enhance self-esteem and mental preparedness.
- Community Outreach: Engaging with diverse groups to promote inclusivity and unity.
Key Technologies Utilized
While specific technological tools are not detailed, StandStrong employs a combination of in-person training sessions, workshops, and seminars to deliver their programs effectively. They also utilize digital platforms for outreach and education.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
- Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges seeking to provide students with self-defense and empowerment training.
- Community Organizations: Synagogues and other community groups aiming to enhance safety and unity.
- Individuals Facing Bullying or Hate: People seeking to build confidence and learn self-defense techniques.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
As a nonprofit organization, StandStrong relies on donations, grants, and community support to fund its programs. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.
Notable Investors
StandStrong's funding primarily comes from individual donors, community organizations, and philanthropic entities committed to promoting safety and empowerment.
Intended Utilization of Capital
Funds are utilized to develop and deliver self-defense and empowerment programs, expand outreach efforts, and support operational costs associated with their nationwide initiatives.
Pipeline Development
Key Programs and Initiatives
- Group Seminars: Comprehensive classes focused on real-life situations, suitable for camps, colleges, synagogues, and organizational partners.
- Defender Programs: Tailored training sessions aimed at specific safety goals, including a 6-hour course emphasizing confidence, empowerment, and self-defense skills.
- School Programming: Curriculum-based programs and after-school classes designed for upper-middle and high school students.
Stages of Development
These programs are continually refined and expanded to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Target Conditions
The programs are designed to address issues related to bullying, hate, and personal safety, with a focus on building resilience and self-confidence.
Anticipated Milestones
StandStrong aims to increase the number of cities and campuses impacted by their programs, with a goal of reaching over 12,000 participants across more than six cities and 56 college campuses.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
StandStrong utilizes a curriculum developed by world-renowned martial artists from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Israeli Krav Maga, and Muay Thai, integrating principles from each discipline into an effective self-defense program.
Significant Scientific Methods
The organization employs a combination of physical training techniques and mental preparedness strategies to empower individuals. While specific scientific methodologies are not detailed, their approach is grounded in established self-defense principles and psychological resilience training.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Matt Travers – Executive Director
With 15 years of experience in the Jewish communal world in both the US and UK, Matt has served as Director of Sport for Maccabi Great Britain and as Sports Director at JCC Chicago. He joined StandStrong to challenge misrepresentations of Jews in sports and to promote resilience and strength within communities.
- Ted Schwartz – Founder
Ted founded StandStrong in 2020, driven by personal experiences with bullying and a commitment to combating hate and bullying. He aims to unite Jewish and non-Jewish students to stand against hate and terror, fostering resilience and strength across communities.
- Henri Jones – Lead Instructor
An MMA competitor
