<p>I would add to the excellent tips above:</p>

<p>&nbsp;1 - Start from the top. No need to feel shy reaching out to the top dogs if there's a potential funder or organization you want to collaborate with. Look for the highest person in charge to champion your cause from the top down if it's possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2 - Learn to work with authority figures. Sure, historically (and currently) authority figures and skateboarders&nbsp;haven't been the best of friends, but politicians, ministries and other government officials can be your best allies when looking for land for a new skatepark or a building to run your program from. Reach out for meetings and when you get one, put on a nice shirt, make eye contact, shake hands. These people can help you get stuff done.&nbsp;</p>

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