Drawing by one of the children about
why
Kidpower began.
History — How Kidpower Began
Irene van der Zande was inspired to found Kidpower by a frightening incident in 1985. As she was leading a group of young kids on a field trip, a man charged towards them and threatened to take one of the children.
Irene put herself between the man and the children, including her own son and daughter, and shouted. With the help of bystanders, she forced the attacker to leave.
The children were unhurt and soon recovered - but Irene was shaken and determined to do something to help people, especially children, build the skills and confidence to take charge of their own safety.
Irene brought together experts in martial arts, education, mental health, child safety, and law enforcement to work on the issue. She encouraged parents and teachers to get involved in the creation of effective programs that make a real difference in preventing violence and abuse.
“What we are doing here is revolutionary. We are saying that the safety and self-esteem of a child are more important than anyone’s embarrassment, inconvenience, and offense."
Ellen Bass, Founding Board President, at the start of Kidpower. Her words gave rise to our Underlying Principle.
With Founding Board President Ellen Bass, who is also the co-author of The Courage to Heal, Irene established Kidpower as a non-profit organization in 1989. Ellen served as Board President for 16 years, providing leadership and guidance during our formative years. Program Co-Founder Timothy Dunphy partnered with Irene to create a curriculum that is fun, effective, and empowering. Timothy also holds a 6th degree blackbelt in Taekwondo; is a Reiki Master; and continues to teach workshops and train instructors for Kidpower. Organizational Co-Founder Ed van der Zande supported Kidpower financially for over ten years and now volunteers extensive time serving as our Director of Strategic Planning, Finance, and Grants.
The organization evolved into Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International as the team responded to the demand for “people safety” skills development for people of all ages and abilities. We still go by the name Kidpower for short because, let’s face it, the full name is a bit of a mouthful - but everyone is welcome and everyone receives training and education tailored to his or her own needs.
Today, Kidpower is a growing international organization. Worldwide, we have served over 2 million children, teens, and adults, including those with special needs, through our workshops and educational resources.
The future will bring more local services, more centers in countries all over the world, more books and educational materials, and more chances for Kidpower to affect the lives of people everywhere.
For a comprehensive description of the many people involved in the creation and success of Kidpower, see Kidpower – a Tapestry Woven by Many Different Hands.