Just For Clowns

Do you subscribe to Pricilla Mooseburger’s weekly newsletter? You can subscribe on the Mooseburger Website. Last week’s newsletter included a blog post that proposes a “Clown Summit” to combat coulrophobia (the fear of clowns), educate the uninformed public about the consequences of masquerading as “fake clowns”, and defend #REALCLOWNS.

Below, I am sharing Pricilla’s post to help spread the word. Original posted at The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp

The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp

Recently at the Clowns of America International convention I made an exciting announcement.

You see, I have been struggling to come up with an idea since the movement away from clowns being a source of joy to something frightening. I have been a clown since 1980. All these years of teaching, costuming, and performing have been a real blessing.

I feel so close to the clown community because I talk to you every day. It might be about a wig, or a make-up issue, you may share a fun performance idea or what is going on in your local club. You have also shared with me your frustrations and disappointments. You called when you were asked not to wear your make-up, were told you were no longer welcome because “kids are afraid”, when a lucrative business became not so lucrative anymore.

I was saddened, angered, and frustrated on your behalf.

Please forgive me if I have become possessive and protective when it comes to “my clowns” as I fondly call you.

I am not the kind of person to throw up their hands and say “Okay, that’s just the way it is!”

Too much joy and happiness is at stake.

It is true: I was in the ranks of the truly discouraged — until recently.

Could #REALCLOWNS be making a comeback?

The Washington Post and a number of other reporters descended upon the World Clown Association convention in Bloomington, Minnesota. Before the convention I was contacted about an article they wanted to write about the current state of clowning. I granted some interviews. But I was cautious, of course.

However, the media coverage was amazing, thoughtful, and positive towards clowns.

>> CLICK HERE to read the article

“It’s the worst time in history to be a clown” <<

Could the tide be turning?

It got me to thinking.

Don’t we enjoy getting together?
Don’t we love sharing our silliness with others?
We want this to continue and grow, right?!?

Wouldn’t it be great if clowns from all the major organizations got together to promote and protect the art of clowning for generations?

We have a plan.

Before I tell you what it is, let me tell you what it isn’t!
We have wonderful clown organizations available to us: Clowns of America International, World Clown Association, International Shrine Clown Association, and regional groups. Many of us belong to one or more of these groups.

They do wonderful work, operating independently.

I believe we can do more if we work together!

What I am proposing is a Clown Summit.

It is NOT a consolidation of these organizations. The idea is to bring representatives from COAI, ISCA, WCA, and all the regional groups together in one place to secure the future of clowning.

We need to join our forces.

There needs to be a special gathering place for clowns from all major clown organizations to come together. We will provide a dedicated space in a neutral location and have an unbiased facilitator.

It’s called The Clown Summit (at Mooseburger camp).

<< CLICK HERE to find out more <<

In 2019 we are going to make it happen!

What’s the big idea behind this?

Let’s join our forces in telling our story. We will create a national campaign to preserve, promote, and protect the art of clowning for generations. Let’s improve our communication, education, and recruitment. Let’s fight back against the prevalent scary clown image. Those are just a few ideas I have. We need YOUR suggestions, too!.

We will start NOW!

2018 Mooseburger Camp will be our starting point.

I want everyone to get in on the ground floor of the movement as it gains momentum. You can get involved at the grass-roots level and make sure your voice is heard. Your suggestions will be collected this summer and brought to the 2019 Clown Summit.

If you want to be a part of the discussion, you should join us this summer.

Mooseburger Newz will be updated monthly with tidbits of our efforts and plans, so be sure to stay tuned to it. Not subscribed yet?

>> Sign up for it by clicking here <<

Let’s make a plan for the future. If we unify our efforts, we will have a fighting chance to continue the art of clowning, but we have to work together.

We have to get the ball rolling now! Here’s what you need to do:

1. Sign up for Mooseburger Newz.
2. Share this article on social media.
3. Include the hashtag #REALCLOWN in all of your social media posts about clowning.
4. Come to 2018 Mooseburger Camp to make sure your suggestions are heard.
5. Plan on being at The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp July 28 – August 4, 2019 to implement the ideas into a concrete plan.

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about the Clown Summit.

Would you be willing to get involved?

What do you think are the best solutions for the problems clowns are facing today?