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| Organizations (1242 Posts)
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/22/2001
steelwheelBob
wrote in from
(204.120.nnn.nnn)
Greetings!
The word grass as a slang term for pot is old school.
I also had a knee jurk reaction to the GRASS name, but only for a second or two and was able to put that into perspective with my age and the generation I grew up in.
We are not about pot, we are about a sport and family and
community values.We only advocate having fun by riding a slalom board and racing other slalom board riders.
I want to keep the name, it will do far more good than harm. If anything, it will serve to be an undeclaired PR tool for creating an alturnative to drug use much like the concept behind using the term D.A.R.E.
I have a Public Relations background and have been an anti-drug advocate since 1966 when I was a member of the Presidents Commission under Lyndon Johnson.I have spent my entire life in youth advocate activities with a clear stance
against drug use. I have worked in the school system in south centeral LA, 10 years in parks and recreation for 5
city's, teen crises centers, plus all the involvement I have had in the skateboard world over the last 40 years.
I have never smoked. And have not had a drink in 38 years.
I believe it is well worth the trade off to get a knee jurk reaction now and then to be able to clealify OUR use of the
word G.R.A.S.S.and drive the old school term further into the past.
I did a search for grass on Yahoo, and yes I did find ONE
connection to pot, all other sites that use the word Grass
have nothing to do with pot.
A picture is worth a thousand words..Our G.R.A.S.S. logo,
printed materials,
and tee-shirts etc. will have a slalom racer graphic, like the one you see when you log onto this site, and the
association name spelled out in full and that will serve to elimenate 90+ percent of the sub-cultural doubt.
Long live G.R.A.S.S. the Grass Roots Association of Slalom
Skareboard...er's, or...ing(?).
Bob Staton
Blade, Cal South Chapter
G.R.A.S.S.
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grass
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On 12/22/2001
Hamm
wrote in from
(63.46.nnn.nnn)
i have in the past made my feelings about how I feel orgainizations are actually bad for skateboarding. But I consider HughR to be one of my best buds in skating and a dedicated family guy. HughR's dedication to skating(all forms) is serious business. HughR, if you need anything, let me know. Now, how about an outlaw race on Templeton?!
lbk, interesting. My memories of the Annadale ramp('82-83)
were mostly of straight-edge punks who did'nt drink or smoke. Different circles I guess.
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/22/2001
Jack
wrote in from
(66.52.nnn.nnn)
I am so stoked about what you guys are doing. However, the name situation is difficult. Aside from the problems already mentioned, the media would just love to take "potshots" at the organization.
Keep up the good work!
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/22/2001 Ricky
wrote in from
(24.170.nnn.nnn)
I never gave the name a 2nd thought until now. I started picturing myself in certain situations, with a G.R.A.S.S. T-shirt on... asking a mom to sign a consent form with G.R.A.S.S. across the top of the sheet...handing out G.R.A.S.S. stickers at races and having those skickers taken home from the race by the kids and stuck on Dad's car...all this will be awkward. I will more than likely be dealing with kids in my area. The older guys that are coming out will give me a double take and chuckle when they hear the name. The kids and the kids parents may ask more questions.
Personally, I liked the name. It caught everyones attention. There's a million catch phases for it, some good, some bad, like, "G.R.A.S.S., We're Smokin'" or "We're watching G.R.A.S.S. grow". It's good name for what we want to do, Grow G.R.A.S.S., but as good as it seems, it may not be the best for our needs.
I maybe seeing this from to much of a kids standpoint but it's my two cents.
Do I smell a "Name That Organization" contest?
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N.O.G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/22/2001
Claude
wrote in from
(66.185.nnn.nnn)
N.O.G.R.A.S.S.
Network Organization For Grass Roots Association Skateboarding Association
Just Brain storming. Yuo may notice I don't quit. I think and offer solutions good, bad Brain Cramps in between.
Later,CER
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/22/2001
Claude
wrote in from
(66.185.nnn.nnn)
The name doesn't matter to me. Pro's and Con's to anything.
I like it. I understand the reasons for change. I expressed two sides, let me know what the descisio is.
I'll be there.
Later, Happy Holidays to All
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GRAZZ
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On 12/22/2001 PCB
wrote in from
(216.164.nnn.nnn)
I have been independently thinking the same thing as lbk about the problems with G.R.A.S.S. as a name for something that adults take part in. I'd be happier with a different combo/set of letters. From what little discussion I've had time to read here about the association, it sounds like a good idea, but should get a different name, especially with the world wide audience that we are able to have in this day and age.
I'll try to get the DC people to think of some other names during our session today.
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GRASS last post for me
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On 12/22/2001
Boardman
wrote in from
(24.4.nnn.nnn)
I think we should discuss this name issue via e-mail between the chapters as to not violate any more of NCDSA's posting guidelines. I like the name, there are potential problems on a P.R. scale. Please drop me a line. (btw- I have 4 kids and ran it by my wife, no problems)
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Grass Roots
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On 12/22/2001
hugh r
wrote in from
(205.216.nnn.nnn)
Wow! A lot of thoughts since I checked here last night!
I will hold off on posting my personel veiws for just a bit longer.
I would like to say that I fully respect ALL the opinions that are being posted here.
Regardless of which direction that the G.R.A.S.S. website takes I want you to know that it is not a 4:20 organization as far as I have anything to do with it.
Here are a few things to consider for this discussion:
*Grass is a word that was widely used 35 years ago and is hardly used as a slang reference anymore.
*For many it will still have its original slang reference.
*The logo chosen will be critical in determining what message will be received.
*Each and every Chapter is encouraged to have their own website/domain name/mission statement etc... this way it gives their webmaster full editorial control over their name and content. In this scenerio the grass.homestead site (or its new name if its changed) would provide a link to the local chapters site.
*GRASS is an Association. Not a club, organization, affiliation, or any type of membership charter. There are no real rules, though there will be suggested guide lines, etc...
Keep the discussions going! This is great! HR
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weed
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On 12/22/2001 hc
wrote in from
(65.184.nnn.nnn)
http://www.ncdsa.com/Russ_Howell_CDROM/SKATING/Magazine%20Pages/Skateboarder-1979-V5N8-March-Page002.jpg
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/21/2001
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
C'mon guys! It's not like we have Mike Weed for a president or anything...
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/21/2001 adam trahan
wrote in from
(208.203.nnn.nnn)
...you know hugh r, Adam N. has a point. I have two young boys, I'm going to have to explain this "name" to them soon. It is difficult enough to explain to some of my peers why I still skateboard. Now add in the marijuana implication and I'm thinking ahead a little bit more about our name down the road. At first, I didn't even think twice about the implications, just went with the good flow. It's a good thing to simply continue the direction, the name itself really has no bearing on the movement at this point in time. To table this would be a wise move I believe. It won't really be a problem to change it now, could be harder later. I know of a web site as a case in review...
It's "our" call, but I think that Adam N. has a good point.
Sometimes it takes a different perspective to bring the view into focus. The name being something down the road that might not be all that positive and representitive of our slalom skateboarding regional community direction...
This situation is nothing that will distract from the core idea.
Thanks Adam, good ideas are just that.
May I respectfully ask that G.R.A.S.S. members please review this idea from Adam N and LBK?
On 12/21/2001 Adam wrote in from 209.179.xxx.xxx:
lbk,
The first time I saw the name G.R.A.S.S. I have to admit I cringed, not because it violates Ncdsa.com posting guidelins, which technically it does not, but because it will always be a public relations problem. But it's not my place to tell someone else how to run their business, so I stayed quiet.
I applaud the concept and will support it as best I can.
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GRASS
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
Alan, we are cool. Talk to you later.
DR
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G.R.A.S.S. Roots
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On 12/21/2001
psYch0Lloyd
wrote in from
(24.148.nnn.nnn)
I myself really do tend to refer to it as a G.R.A.S.S. Roots Association of Slalom Skateboarders depending on the situation. If someone just says the acronym in another context, of coarse it could be misconstrued.
I do support a lot of the medical uses for natural substances including what has been implied. But my focus is on this form of racing and if something detracts or dilutes the "brand" I would be reluctant to be tied to it.
So we do have to be careful w/how we represent ourselves and that includes how the logo is designed. You do have a good point, I know. In some instances you will find some people attracted to the edge it has so who’s to say. I do regret that you can’t be there with us, so feel free to form your own organization David, I’d be all too happy to support that one too…
…or better yet maybe we can both join yet another person’s organization and still be able to have a good time!
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GRASS
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On 12/21/2001
Brian P
wrote in from
(64.12.nnn.nnn)
lbk, I am not disagreeing with you. Actually I kinda agree. As a future race organizer I would find it difficult to explain to the Mother of an 8 year old that GRASS is good and fun for their kid.
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My GRASS has problems, it has weeds.
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
I'll check on the G.R.A.S.S. name debate tomorrow.
DR
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How can we stay focused while on GRASS?
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
Claude, go tell that on the mountain and the cops will not let you slalom skateboard there. Is this a grass roots slalom skateboard organization or a medicinal purpose marijuana use organization. Just my point, lets stay focused on slalom skateboarding and let NORMAL do their own thing.
DR
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Can not support use of GRASS
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
Adam, Alan, BrianP, I know it is late and the rest of the slalomers are not on line, but I must say that I can not support the Grass Roots Association of Slalom Skateboarders. Any one that knows me also knows that I am one of the most open minded skateboarders out there; however; if I have a problem with the name then how do you think the public in general will react. Just change the name.
DR
PS I hope that Arab could one day re-join NCDSA but he would need concentrate on slalom skateboarding issues and not get into it with people that he thinks are "attacking" him.
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GRASS
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On 12/21/2001
Brian P
wrote in from
(64.12.nnn.nnn)
I am willing to donate westcoastslalom.com....I also checked other names like....midwestslalom.com...southwestslalom.com.. .ect...they all are available.
check out my new site...eastcoastslalom.com.....it is basic but I think it is what each of the local chapters of GRASS or whatever should have to promote slalom in there areas.
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/21/2001
Claude
wrote in from
(66.185.nnn.nnn)
Then there is the other side of the coin.
I'ts a big coin however. Use this name and try to support causes that need access to legal use for medicinal purposes. We know the facts, we are kids setting this up.
I have a very dear friend of mine who at 42 was forced to take an early retirement because her MS is getting worse she is in pain all the time. walks with a cane and possibly within a couple of years a wheelchair. she never smoked and won't now. It would relieve some of the pain. Others could ust the support with all kinds of ailments.
We truly believe that G.R.A.S.S. is what we want and need we go for it and support evrything we can to help people period.
Just a thought.
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G.R.A.S.S
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On 12/21/2001
Adam
wrote in from
(209.179.nnn.nnn)
lbk,
The first time I saw the name G.R.A.S.S. I have to admit I cringed, not because it violates Ncdsa.com posting guidelins, which technically it does not, but because it will always be a public relations problem. But it's not my place to tell someone else how to run their business, so I stayed quiet.
I applaud the concept and will support it as best I can.
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G.R.A.S.S.
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On 12/21/2001
psYch0Lloyd
wrote in from
(24.148.nnn.nnn)
Yes, I totally agree with you there David R. and people aught to be able to form their own groups and name it according to their own opinions. We just chose to rally under this banner because the moniker seemed to fit the cause. BTW, I don't claim this organization as "mine", I feel it already existed. It just needed a name (and HR to make it work). Please excuse my sense of humor; I just wanted to give an example of where a title can be easily misinterpreted.
So feel free to call it what you will. In the mean time I'll enjoy my lawn, an occasional shot of wheat grass. Most seem to refer to it as the grass roots movement in any case. Whatever it is, it’s happening as we speak.
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Smoke that GRASS name.
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
Hell, I'll reimburse Hugh for another domain name. As long as he does not re-direct any new organization through grass.homestead.com. Slalom skateboarding needs to get rid of the drug connotation now before it causes problems.
DR
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Grass
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On 12/21/2001
Claude
wrote in from
(66.185.nnn.nnn)
I just wanted to say that the implications of the name G.R.A.S.S. put me to thinking.
I do like everything about it except the implications. We will simply have tread the waters lightly and see what kind of feedback we get.
That may be an excellent reason for a guest book as mentioned earlier.
I do a lot of Coaching thru Certificatio Programs and they would definitely want it changed if we were going after funds for Amamteur Sports organization.
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GRASS = Drug Use
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On 12/21/2001 lbk
wrote in from
(63.208.nnn.nnn)
hg, I'm with you brother not against you. Out here in DC there was an informal skate team in the late 70's through the 80's called the "Toke Team". They ripped but they had the reputation of partying as the name implied. At first the Toke Team had the Annandale, VA ramp that made it on the front cover of Thrasher. Later when skateboarding was all but dead if it were not for backyard ramp skaters, the Toke Team came up with the famous Cedar Crest Ramp. Skaters have confided in me that they stayed away from the Cedar Crest Ramp because they thought any support be it money or even labor somehow contributed to the drug use going on at the ramp at the time. I was surfing the years of the Cedar Crest Ramp days so I cannot confirm or deny that situation.
If we want to start a grass roots effort then lets not shoot ourselves in the foot by using a name that will get mixed up with another group of people. This is so important if we want to bring the youth into the sport. Even the hint of drugs and boom the parents will be against us.
DR
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