* Over 5000 like-minded clown arts professionals and enthusiasts around the world working together to propagate the performing art of clowning

* Minnesota based nonprofit membership corporation

* All volunteer leadership

* Contracted, professional membership support staff

* Specific membership categories to include Lifetime, International, Senior, Regular, Family and Junior

* Lifetime membership payment options

* Membership recruitment incentives for individual members

* Individual welcome to the organization upon application completion with presentation of credentials and certificate suitable for framing

* Annual dues card upon payment of dues

* The New Calliope - a clown arts membership magazine published six times a year provided with full memberships

* Publication opportunities for members by submitting articles and photos to Calliope editor

* Advertising opportunities for member owned businesses in Calliope

* Membership Directory with unique membership promotional opportunities

* COAI Chartered Clown Alleys for local and regional membership support and continuing educational opportunities

* Recognition for local clown arts publications and newsletters excellence - The New Calliope Best of Press Award

* Continuing professional educational opportunities, scholarships and grants

* Clowning Basics Instructional Manual * Annual COAI convention open to all members

* International competitions

* Convention Junior Joey Program

* First time convention attendee registration grant opportunities

* International Awards and Recognition to include COAI Clown Of The Year, Excellence In Clowning,

      Life Time Achievement, Competition Top Ten, Top Three

* International Clown Week Celebrations and recognition to include alley and individual C.H.A.R.L.I.E. Awards

* Opportunities for volunteer service to include Officers, Directors, Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Ambassadors, International Ambassadors, Committee Chairman

* Membership support offered by a membership office and business manager with regularly scheduled hours

* The COAI Website - www.coai.org - a full online community to interact with other members.

* Membership promotional opportunities on the web site

* Clown arts dealer advertising and support opportunities on the web site

* Organization merchandise to include patches, pins, decals, shirts, hats, fanny packs and more

* Professional Services Liability Insurance available from multiple sources

* Multifaceted membership support opportunities available from the United States Federation of Small Business for members and member owned business Web site www.usfsb.com

* Multifaceted membership support opportunities available from the Small Publishers of North America for members and member owned businesses Web site www.spannet.net