About The CIP Organization

Organization Founding and Vision: Forrest “Muggins” Wheeler founded Clown Interactive Programs (CIP) in 2001. The mission of CIP is (1) education of the public to the value of clowns and (2) training clowns in our region to meet a range of community health, education and social; welfare needs. Our goal was blocked by public misinformation about humor and clowns. The public needs a clear and crisp definition of humor, an understanding of “Humorphobia”, seeing the role of laughter in relationship to humor, and an understanding of comedy with humor.

Why Clowns Need CIP: Most clowns find it difficult to connect their clowning outside the entertainment structure. Most clowns enjoy performing and “doing their thing”. CIP changes the focus from entertainment to helping people where and how they are.

Once clowns are organized and connected to community needs, they can be trained to respond. This is a big part of what CIP is trying to achieve.

Why the Rest of Us Need CIP: Most people think of circuses and children when clowns are mentioned. The public, beyond entertainment, does not recognize the potential of clowns. The expanded use of clowns to improve health, education and economic development, through fun and is the real “bottom line” for CIP.

Where CIP is In the Process: Since achieving its non-profit status, CIP has accomplished the following:

. Established a blue ribbon Board of Directors
. Established CIP websites: (http://ca.geocities.com/forrest2w), (www.powerofhumorbook.com) and (www.Humor-R-Us.com).
. Contracted a professional consultant/grant writer
. Marketed CIP book Using the Power of Humor
. Created “Humor R Us” clubs.
. Gave workshops, seminars and presentations.