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Guidelines For WLT Laughter Clubs and Basic Requirements for
Registration
(Revised, January 2005)
World
Laughter Tour, Inc.
is chartered in the state of Ohio, with
Steve Wilson (Ohio) as President. Steve Wilson and Karyn
Buxman (Missouri) are the co-founders of The World Laughter Tour
(WLT). WLT laughter clubs
in North America and elsewhere are registered with, coordinated by, and
leaders will be trained by WLT.
Completion of the WLT training workshop leads to the designation of
Certified Laughter Leader (CLL).
REQUIRED:
Every affiliated WLT laughter club and therapeutic laughter program
must be under the direction of a trained person who holds
the designation of Certified Laughter Leader.
Aims
and Objectives
·
To
create awareness of new techniques of therapeutic laughter all over
the world, by setting up laughter clubs and imparting practical
training in various techniques of laughter. Thus, we can help to
cultivate the spirit of laughter by understanding ways and means of
sensible living and putting them into practice through laughter.
·
To
set up a Professional Advisory Committee from various specialties
and systems of medicine, science, business, education, other
professions & occupations, and public life to advise and guide
the initiatives of WLT and to advise as to the validity of
scientific studies and research work as to how laughter can affect
the physical, mental, social and spiritual well being of the
participants.
·
To
maintain a website as the international clearinghouse for
information, ideas, and activities of interest and importance to the
laughter movement.
·
To
understand how laughter therapy methods may have to be modified in
order to be effective in various cultures, and to share that
information.
·
To
recognize the websites of other individuals and organizations that
support the aims and philosophies of WLT and similar organizations. We will do this
through the creation of a website award to be bestowed on deserving
honorees.
·
To
publish books, manuals, newsletters, videocassettes, CDs and other
information on Laughter Therapy.
·
To
bring people of various countries together and promote events that
bring everlasting peace through laughter.
·
To create a membership-based organization for the support of
WLT as a self-sustaining organization.
·
To disseminate accredited training around the world, and to
develop models for advanced training using traditional educational
methods as well as modern technological innovations, such as
distance learning.
·
To develop a cadre of competent, accredited trainers who will
train and certify Laughter Leaders.
·
To promote Laughter Clubs in public places that can be free
and open to everyone.
·
To promote the adoption of Laughter Clubs in every long-term
care facility in the United States, as well as in schools,
government, and workplaces, as an effective, reputable, professional
program, on a fee-for-service basis wherever it is appropriate.
·
To create a professional association for accredited Laughter
Leaders and providers of therapeutic laughter programs, to enhance
credibility, and spread the access to these methods around the
world.
·
To foster international conferences, meetings, and symposia
on the therapeutic benefits of laughter, laughter methods, and to
foster research and the sharing of research findings.
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here to
REGISTER
A CLUB NOW
Some people may have started laughter clubs on their own, conducting
sessions without proper training. Within the WLT policies, training is
guided by a team of health
professionals and other experts who are availed of the current
research so as to bring the maximum benefits to
participants. If done in a wrong manner, or without proper training,
it may not be effective or may not consider possible
contra-indications. As it is a method that purports to have the
potential to affect health and well-being, care is taken to
establish at least minimal qualifications for the leaders.
The WLT training curriculum has been approved for the awarding of
continuing education credit for nurses, activity therapists,
psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marriage & family
therapists.
REQUIRED:
Every affiliated USA Laughter Club and therapeutic laughter program
must be under the direction of a trained person who holds at least
the designation of Certified Laughter Leader.
Registered
Clubs
receive support services from World Laughter Tour, Inc., which
includes:
-
A
listing on WLT website as an authorized club.
-
Permission
to use logos and the phrases “Authorized Affiliate of World
Laughter Tour” and “Authorized Affiliate of USA Laughter
Clubs.”
-
Public
Relations and publicity assistance.
-
Permission
to use signage (provided by WLT or otherwise) for Laughter Club
meeting announcements and to identify Laughter Club members.
-
Opportunities
to attend basic and advanced training workshops, conferences,
and symposia.
-
Subscription
to electronic and mailed newsletters.
-
Opportunity
to access in-depth consultation (on a fee-for-service basis for
extensive issues).
General
Methodology
Under
the laughter club concept, people laugh in a group without the help of
jokes or what is conventionally thought of a humor or comedy. To make it more spontaneous, keep the sessions
interesting and avoid boredom, laughter techniques need to be more
stimulating. Our panel of experts will help keep therapeutic
laughter programs updated from time to time. WLT will coordinate the
sharing of ideas between and other clubs worldwide.
WLT will support and join in
educational and research efforts wherever feasible. We are maintain computerized files
and a communication networks for Certified Laughter Leaders in good
standing.
All
the CLLs and WLT club affiliates will get the latest information
about club activities all over the world, as well as regular
newsletters and other research material on laughter therapy, yoga
and health building activities.
WLT conducts regular training programs on
laughter therapies including exercise physiology, meditation, yoga,
personality development, healthy eating and sensible living. These
workshops and seminars will be organized periodically and all the
affiliated clubs will get information.
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here to
REGISTER
A CLUB NOW
GUIDELINES
FOR AFFILIATED CLUBS
Download Guidelines
1.
Registration
types. To obtain recognition and the benefits of WLT affiliation, you
must register one or more clubs that meet on a regular basis and
are led by CLL . Here are some
examples of the types of clubs that should register.
ü
Clubs
that are open to the public and meet in parks or other facilities
such as YMCA, health club, or yoga centers.
ü
Clubs
that are part of employee morale or wellness programs in a workplace
setting.
ü
Clubs
that are part of a therapeutic programming agenda, such as in
long-term care, hospice, or hospital.
ü
Clubs
that are part of an education program, whether in the curriculum or
extra-curricular.
ü
Individual
Certified Laughter Leaders are automatically registered at the
completion of their training.
2.
Either
way, the appropriate contact information will be posted to our
website (www.worldlaughtertour.com) so that others in your community
or with your same interests can locate and contact you for mutual
sharing of ideas and inspiration. We keep each other motivated and
creative.
3.
Registration
fees. CLL affiliates of World Laughter Tour and USA Laughter Clubs
register their clubs and related services on an annual basis by paying the
appropriate fees (see Registration Form).
Please remit fees at the time of registration. When appropriate, the registration fee can be
collected from dues, fees, or other voluntary contributions of the members.
4.
Affiliated clubs get information through a newsletter,
e-mail, and web site. WLT holds workshops, seminars, national and international
conferences from time to time. The Operations Team of WLTl decides the costs of registrations and materials to be
supplied to the club members and CLLs.
5.
Affiliated
clubs may print letterhead, signage, or other materials carrying the
WLT logos with standard color and design. Guidelines for logo usage
are available and must be followed.
6.
Affiliated
clubs shall not open any new branch without approval and proper
registration with WLT.
7.
The club
shall not make any major changes in the format of standard laughter
and exercises, which are periodically reviewed by the Operations
Team. The
core format is outlined in the WLT Study Guide and Reference Manual. The
goal is to attain some minimal standards and uniformity while
leaving adequate room for creativity and originality. A person
attending a WLT affiliated laughter club anywhere in the world
should find essential similar formats and standards.
8.
The club
should function on a non-religious, non-political
basis. No prayers relating to a particular religion should be
introduced in laughter clubs. Other fundamental values are:
non-exploitive, non-perfectionistic, non-competitive,
non-threatening, and everybody is welcome.
9.
Anybody may attend a
Laughter Club anywhere in the world, provided the person is not
hampering the smooth functioning of the club. Membership fees are up
to the individual CLL leading the group. WLT does not regulate or
specify fees for CLL clubs or related services.
10.
Affiliated
clubs may decide to engage in promotion, such as for membership or
education, and fundraising. For example, events might take the form
of public speaking, picnics, or other outings, or even just the
laughter club sessions. During such events, the affiliated clubs
may display banners, placards and other materials. Individuals
who speak on behalf of laughter clubs should identify their
credentials including affiliation with WLT, for example in their introductions
or in printed programs.
11.
Certified Laughter Leaders should make every effort to attend local, regional, or
national meetings, to keep up with training and new developments.
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A CLUB NOW |
