The following quote from the "HOSPITAL CLOWN NEWSLETTER" was published by Shobi Dobi, publisher of The Hospital Clown Newsletter, several months ago.

"Clown Response/Relief Team"

"It's about time we started clowning in our own countries in times of disasters. We go all over the world, but what about into the next state or city or even county. During the hurricanes in Florida last year, I was in touch (as much as possible with all the power outages) with many Florida clowns.

The response from the clowns was: We need to get organized�. I wanted to help, but didn't want to be in the way. Everyone I called said I wasn't needed. Granted, we don't want to be in the way in life threatening situations, but what about all that time after the emergency when our help would be so appreciated. For example, the long lines to get water, food, and/or fuel; or the long wait in shelters and all those bored children in the shelters, tent cities, emergency housing. Wouldn't it be nice to be trained in that situation, to have some sort of card from an organization that said you knew what you were doing?

We are instant therapy, as many caring clowns have experienced. We need to educate the relief agencies about our skills. We certainly have the documentation already, we just need to get it together and oganize it. Then we must find the right people to approach. Anyone know of someone who would listen and/or help?

It's not an easy thing to do in the USA with our liability risk management people and our hygiene protocol, but we think it's time to get this organized. Perhaps those who would be interested would let it be known on this forum.


If any of you are interested or have some expertise in this area, we need your help. Let's get it together before we get hit by more hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and God forbid, another terrorist attack.

Let's network and get this going."

Shobi Dobi, The Clown
Shobhana Schwebke

FOOTNOTE:

There are several experienced traveling caring clowns registered on this website that have the experience to provide the insite and leadership if there is a desire on the part of the clowns to participate in a sufficient way to make it possible. You can make your interest known by replying to this post. We will then put you on a mailing list.

Clowns normally provide their own expenses. Some raise the funds from local organizations, individuals, and churches. Anyone who has participated in these types of operations knows the tremendous satisfaction that accrues from the appreciation of those we serve.

Arne Swensen
President and Founder
Foundation for Therapeutic Clowning

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Admin,

Good Morning Everyone!

http://www.rednoserelief.com


Almost from day 1 of the Katrina disaster in the Gulf Coast, there has been this constant drum beat of "what can we do? what can we do?" within in the clown community. As the images of the unfolding situation in the Gulf Coast have made their way across our TV screens, across the radio waves, and on the pages of our daily news papers, Americans, who are typically the first to respond to any human disaster or suffering around the world, have been somewhat dumbfounded by what they are seeing. The response was immediate; the results somewhat questionable.

I think it wise to remember that in the US, natural disaster response is what the National Guard does and they are the best at it. However, when you look at the effected area, as well as the area that surrounds it, upwards to 50% of the National Guard are in other parts of the world. And, the communications and logistics systems that allow the Guard to deploy were decimated by the storm. The men and women who would respond were in fact victims themselves.

Back to the beat of "what can we do?"

The major clown organizations are membership organizations, not first or second responders. Our collective hearts go out to those who are. We see the victims and the heart of the clown says I must help. Consider this passage from the Clown Prayer...
"Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget momentarily, all the unpleasantness in their lives."

The 21st century is only 5 or 6 years old, depending on how you calculate things, and we have seen several disasters around the world. The initial response from the clown community is almost always the same...what can we do to help? We always come up with a suitable answer, pitch in and make a personal and/or group contribution in a rather uncoordinated way.

Red Nose Relief is our answer to this disaster. It is a grass roots effort by the members of the clown community around North America. It has the blessings and support of the international clown organizations and the regional clown groups that are out there. It is working jointly with the American Red Cross. It's purpose is to offer clown arts comic entertainment to the survivors, evacuees, refugees, recovery and relief workers to cheer people, make them smile, and to forget momentarily, the unpleasantness they are dealing with. It is going to be a challenge and will require a sustained effort. We in the clown community understand the power of a smile. Red Nose Relief will allow us to focus our efforts, as well as answer the repeating question...what can we do?

I think it is a good to remember that all response to any disaster and human suffering is local and individual. The power of prayer and positive thought should never be underestimated. All the major relief agencies with people on the ground or enroute advise that they need cash. Over 200 million dollars has been reportedly donated or pledged by the American public over the last five days. If you haven't already done so, open your wallet or your checkbook. Whatever you can afford to give will help. Get involved in your community, if you are not already. I heard of a clown who is twisting balloons at a youth bake sale this morning. I know of a group of clowns who are entertaining at a major family activity Sunday and Monday. The organizers have given them permission to solicit funds for the Red Cross. The Red Cross in another area is conducting a blood drive. Local clowns have volunteered to entertain those waiting in line to give blood, as well as those who are munching on the cookies and drinking juice afterwards. Several National Guard units across the country are being deployed to the effected areas. Clowns are entertaining the troops and their families at the departure sites.

While it is wise to be suspicious of groups you don't know or don't have a working relationship with, you should answer your clown heart's desire to be involved and be out there making smiles, how ever you do it.

As the Red Nose Relief effort gets up and running, I will do my best to report to you what is going on and how and where you can help. In the meantime, I would ask that you share this information with the other clown groups that are out there...yahoo groups, your local alley, your local troupe, junior joeys, etc. Then follow-up the information sharing by finding places to make smiles, go forth and do so. Be a smile activist! Be a clown!

Smiles to one and all,

Fuddi-Duddy
489-2680

Dear Shobi,
You are absolutley right.... caring clowns trained themselves to handle this situation better than anyone. Texas is ready now to welcome some comid relief. The TV showed children playing football
in at a field outside the Astrodome. What a beautiful sight and testimony to the human spirit.
There's another site that has been set up where clowns and other performers can group together to help out. Here's a link: http://www.rednoserelief.com/
Perhaps some of us that are not able to travel to ground zero can support the ones that do by donating supplies to those who can. Balloons, stickers and facepaints. I already have a box ready to go that I'm thinking of sending to the Texas Convention. Let's keep in touch and let us know who's going where and where we can send items that will help. Perhaps someone has extra unused miles accumulated on their credit cards that can help sponsored someone that has the time and burning desire to give of themselves but can't afford the traveling expenses. We are creative people. Let's come up with creative ideas to help each other reach the need.
Marcela

Hi Shobi...
It was great to talk to you last night..

Here is some of the info. on e-mail contacts you asked about..

President of Texas Clown Assoc.
Lisa Ezell < twinkles@houston.rr.com >

President of Houston's Cheerful Clown Alley:
Frances Poage <frances@chuseiusa.com >

Hope all goes well on your trip.........Don't worry we'll do the right
thing.....we've started to look for the proper contacts.....

Love You Shobi!!!....Take Good Care of Yourself....BeBop

Hey Bebop,

Can you fill us un on the clown response in Houston. It would be interesting for the rest of us to hear if you have the time.

I'm sure you guys are doing a great job and have some great stories to tell.

Best,

Arne Swensen
Dr laffngiggl
Rum Dum