Birth of a Non-Profit
I have done a lot of crazy things in my life, like running away and joining the circus, moving to California, starting a clown costuming business, moving back to Minnesota, starting a clown arts camp, costume shop, remodeling a building with no experience just a lot hope and great friends. This doesn't even touch on my community theater experience, the Irish Washer women, and all those trips driving cross with a van and trailer before cell phones!
This later idea might take the cake! I decided it was time to start a non profit for all my crazy educational ideas!
The most recent being Red Nose Readers Program.
RED NOSE READER PROGRAM
THE BEGINNING
We are partnering with the local Head Start program to promote literacy and an anti-bullying message. I am happy to say we have been welcomed with open arms! We have a ton of local schools that are working with us.
We are currently working on continued branding our message, finding a simple volunteer background check, getting promo materials created, and getting a supply of books.
We have a script/program ready, information packet for the teachers, Facebook page, letter for the parents, and a fun coloring page for the kids to take home.
Red Nose Reader Program
You can help serve your community! Welcome to the bunch!
The Red Nose Readers Program promotes literacy and anti-bullying by inviting a certified member to read a book to students and
transform into a friendly clown right in front of their eyes.
It is our hope that this experience will prevent children from forming a fear of clowns, show them that it’s okay to be different
and creative, and encourage a love of reading.
Exposure to a real clown early in a child’s life gives them the understanding that there is an actual person underneath the makeup. Building that awareness and sensitivity to a person’s feelings may help them think twice about judging by appearances and being a bully.
The first classroom visit will begin with the Red Nose Reader
introducing themselves to the students and telling them a little bit about real clowns followed by a quick transformation with makeup and red nose to turn the reader into their clown character. They will share some silliness, and a fun story. It concludes with answering questions from the class. Students go home with a coloring sheet and letter to share with their families about the clown’s visit.
Our Mission
RED NOSE READER MISSION
Red Nose Readers Mission
Red Nose Readers are a Non-profit organization
working to promote literacy, kindness and joy
through the art of clowning.
The Goals of the Red Nose Readers include:
- Promoting the importance of literacy to children by reading aloud.
- Sharing a kindness/anti-bullying message.
- Educating children about who real clowns are and are not.
- Beginning to change the image of clowns as being scary to an image of clowns being funny, playful, caring and silly.
- Making humorous connections with children in your communities by sharing joy, laughter and fun.
To Become a Red Nose Reader:
- Attend a Red Nose Reader’s training class or watch the Red Nose Readers Training Video.
- Get a background check completed.
- Purchase the Red Nose Readers Certification Packet.
To perform as a Red Nose Reader:
- Practice Red Nose Reader Script.
- Choose your wardrobe and makeup.
- Select and practice the book or books you will be reading.
- Decide what silliness, fun or play you would like to share.
- Juggling
- Puppets
- Magic Tricks
- Songs
- Ukulele
- Jokes
- Follow the Red Nose Reader Do’s and Don’ts
Red Nose Reader Contact Information and Social Media
Email: rednosereader@gmail.com
Website: www.rednosereader.org
Phone Number: 320-963-6277
Facebook: Red Nose Reader
Suggestions on How to
Get Your Big Clown Foot in the Door!
Possible Show Venues:
- Elementary Schools
- Preschools
- 4-K Programs
- Libraries
- Head Starts
- Childcare Centers
- Summer School Programs
Who to Contact:
- Teachers or school personnel you already know
- School Principals
- Program or Center Directors
- School Parent/Teacher organizations
- If you are a new performer to a school district you might have to visit the District Office and ask whom you need to talk to. Each district is a little different and will have different protocols.
Ways to Contact Them:
- Personal contact
- Phone Call
- Mail (Be sure to follow up with a phone call or email.)
What to Share:
- Introduce yourself
- Tell them about the Red Nose Reader Program
- Share the flier and Who Are Red Nose Readers? Handouts
- Invite them to be part of this wonderful program
- Leave your Business Card
- Then follow up to see if they need additional information or are ready to set up a visit!
Do’s and Don’ts for Red Nose Readers
DO #1:
Before you go to the Head Start center, school, library or childcare center, make sure you know where to park, how to enter the building and any check in procedures they might have. (Most will have you sign in/out and may ask you to wear a visitor badge. Make sure you have your driver’s license with you for identification.)
DO #2:
Talk to the teacher ahead of time about what you might need. Do you want a table and chair, would you like to borrow a CD player? Where might be a good place for the children to sit?
DO #3:
Have your props etc. organized so it only takes a minute or two to set up! Bring everything in your official Red Nose Reader Tote Bag!!
DO #4:
Be prepared! You will need to be “on” as soon as you come in! The show begins!! Have fun and remember to KISS (Keep It Simple Silly)
DO #5:
Tell kids what to do instead of asking to do something, such as: “Everyone look up here.” or “1-2-3, eyes on me!”
(If you ask, “Can you all look up here?” Someone may say “No!”)
DO #6:
Take a picture of yourself in front of the school beforehand. Have someone take a picture of you with the teacher wearing a foam nose and ask if you can put it on the Red Nose Reader Facebook page.
DON’T #1:
Mention the scary clown stuff (you know - IT, and others) unless kids or adults bring it up. Respond calmly, simply and with humor.
For example: “Oh, you think some clowns look scary? Hmm. I’ve seen some scary monster looking clowns, too. Today we’re going to find out more about funny, playful, caring and silly clowns.”
DON’T #2:
Don’t take pictures without a signed release. Schools usually have parents sign photo release forms but that might not include guests coming in photographing students and using them. You might have to have pictures taken just of you. Keep in mind we never know what is going on in a child's home. With custody and divorce battles children may have orders for protection or other reasons they or their parents do not want their picture taken. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check with the office. A para, classroom assistant or sub may not know all the details.