)
Dave Pelzer
Award Winning New York Times & International Best Selling Author, and Child Rights and Mental Health Advocate
Dave Pelzer
Award Winning New York Times & International Best Selling Author, and Child Rights and Mental Health Advocate
Biography
In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, for over 20 years, Dave’s inspirational work has encouraged countless organizations and millions of individuals to recommit their efforts and remain steadfast to their personal convictions.
Dave has experienced a truly extraordinary life. At age 12 Dave was rescued and placed in a series of foster homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. Even with all that was against him, Dave was determined to better himself - no matter what the odds.
As a member of the armed forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While serving on active duty and maintaining a rigorous flight schedule, Dave made time to give of himself. In 1990, Dave was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.
Some of Dave’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group including: John F. Kennedy, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Reeves. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World! In 1996, he carried the coveted centennial flame for the Olympic Games. Dave was paid tribute as the recipient of the 2005 National Jefferson Award. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor and Bob Hope.
Dave is the author of eight inspirational books. His latest book, Too Close To Me reveals the middle-aged consequences to A Child Called “It”. Dave’s first book, A Child Called “It” has been on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 6 years and Dave’s books have been on the same Best Sellers List approaching 13 years combined. As an author, Dave is the first to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Dave is a living testament of a self-made man, who as an optimist strongly exudes resilience, service to mankind, personal responsibility and faith in humanity. Dave’s unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his “Robin Williams” like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage all of us to truly commit to overcome any challenge, while living life to its fullest. For over two decades, Dave has dedicated his life to helping others . . . to help themselves. While many make excuses and seem pessimistic, Dave carries the banner in a nation where opportunities are endless in what he calls “The Greatness of America.” And through his work, you will too.
Speaker Videos
Hurt People Hurt People
Speaking on Care Lodge 25th Annual Conference
On Child Abuse
I'm Always About Resilience
It is a Matter of Perspective, it is a Matter of Choice
It's Part of Your Dynamic Forever
Speech Topics
Help Yourself for Teens
For well over ten years and thousands of presentations to various middle schools, high schools and juvenile detention facilities throughout the nation, Dave Pelzer has emphasized a message of accountability and resilience to young adults no matter their past or hardships.
Having endured one of the worst cases of child abuse in California’s then history and placed in foster care before becoming a counselor at juvenile hall years later, Dave knows all too well the troubles and temptations facing teens today.
Help Yourself for Teens is a presentation based on a self titled book which places a strong focus on a pyramid strategy of: developing the habit of addressing one’s problems, identifying the critical importance of decisions made now and where they can lead to in the future and for young adults to aspire on bettering themselves.
Throughout the presentation Dave incorporates a “Robin Williams” like wit and fast paced sense of humor. While Dave’s program at times is entertaining, his premise is to educate and inspire young adults to become more productive, proactive, and responsible for their own lives.
Your Resolve
All of us, in one way or another have been affected by unfortunate or overwhelming situations. Yet for many, for whatever the reason, their negative past seems to dominate their lives, to the point that they, through their choices or inactions, become psychologically crippled and live out unhappy, unfilled lives.
Having survived an extreme, life-threatening childhood, and yet later to become the recipient of The National Jefferson Award and honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World, Dave knows first hand about the art of resilience while being of service to fellow man. For more then twenty years Dave has traveled the globe, challenging and inspiring others to take positive control of their lives, while praising the people who are dedicated to helping those in dire need – educators, social workers and the foster care system, whom Dave dubs, "The Real Heroes".
Your Resolve is based on Dave's New York Times Best Selling book Help Yourself, as well as, his two other self help books, Help Yourself for Teens and Moving Forward. Through out the presentation, Dave weaves his life's story giving pertinent examples on, not only, how he was able to prevail but stresses proven, real-life, common sense advice for the audience to apply immediately. Also, in an effort to help ease the audience, Dave laces the program with relevant humor. In addition, Dave carefully advises the audience and those in their perspective fields, on the importance of taking care of themselves, so they in turn, can continue to be a service to others.
In today's uncertain, stress filled world, Your Resolve can make a difference for all of us by helping you to recapture your sense of “Mission” and lead others by determined, quiet leadership.
Related Speakers
)
)
)
)
Actor, Athlete & National Spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence