Puppeteers of America, Inc.
Board of Trustees
BALLOT - 2007

You may vote for up to three candidates.
NANCY ALDRICH
LIBBY BIERBAUM
DON KRUSZKA
JIM MALONE
PIX SMITH

PofA Code Change
vote to modify Membership Section:
YES
NO

Ballots must be postmarked by May 15, 2007!!!!

2007 Election Notes

'Kris Woolen and her Nominating Committee has presented us a slate of five candidates to fill three Trustee positions on the Board. Thanks to ALL for a job well done.

Biographies and photos of the candidates can be found in the latest Puppetry Journal, and their responses to five questions regarding the Puppeteers of America will be found in this issue of Playboard.

Please study the responses and then vote. Your participation is vital; your voice and VOTE are critical to the well-being of this organization - YOUR organization.

You will also be asked to read and consider a change in the PofA Code regarding membership. Please be sure to vote on this important change. See details below.

We ask you to help us out by placing your marked BALLOT in an envelope and mailing it to:

Puppeteers of America, Inc.
P.O. BOX 460266
Glendale, CO 80246

Be sure to include your name and membership number on the envelope ONLY. Your membership number can be found on the mailing labels of any PofA publication.

Please note that ALL ballots are removed from the envelopes before counting. The names or numbers on the envelopes are used ONLY to verify that your membership is current.

Thank you.

VOTING GUIDELINES

Voting is easy.

Make your choices for the Board and mark the BALLOT. Make your decision regarding changes to the PofA Code and mark the appropriate box.
Cut out the BALLOT and place it in an envelope.

Address it using the mailing information to the left.

IMPORTANT!!!! Write your name and membership number on the envelope. They will be used to validate your ballot. Envelopes without names or numbers cannot be counted.

Place a First Class stamp on the envelope, seal and mail.

BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MAY 15, 2007!!!!

All regular members - Class A, B, and U, and Special members Class L and M get to cast one Ballot. Couples, Class C, and Family, Class F, with two adults get to cast two Ballots.

Email and FAX Ballots will be accepted.
Email to: puppetreum@estreet.com
FAX to: (303) 393 - 1367
Put BALLOT in the subject line. You must include your name and membership number in the email or FAX.

CANDIDATE RESPONSES

NANCY ALDRICH - Seattle, Washington

A. What do you think is the most important issue facing the organization right now?

Membership. I think that we can do more to increase membership, by encouraging young people, those new to the field, artists, educators, and others with interests in puppetry in all its applications, to join. As an organization devoted to broadening the appreciation of puppetry to a wider public, I think that we can do more to promote the benefits of membership.

B. Which of the Puppeteers of America's procedures or services need to be improved or changed?

The administration of the organization relies on so many people, in so many parts of the continent, that it is difficult for the organization to be proactive. The field of puppetry has grown tremendously since the creation of P of A, and this organization has done its best to remain a resource to all on a volunteer basis. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit people with skills to volunteer for all the various duties required to keep things running, let alone moving forward. An idea which I would endorse is for P of A to hire a paid administrator to oversee the ongoing operations of the organization on a more consistent level as well as develop ways to increase the visibility and financial health of the organization.

C. What specific new projects might the PofA pursue, or which ongoing projects need more emphasis?

The P of A could become a more active promotional organization for its members. Seeing as most professional puppeteers are touring and need both representation at booking conferences and venues at which to perform, our potential administrator could represent professional puppet troupes at booking conferences, as well as help troupes connect with those venues which present puppetry.

I also believe that attempts to encourage general attendance at festivals have been successful to varying degrees. Encouraging attendance to festivals to the immediate public, to performances and workshops, would increase awareness of the art of puppetry.

D. What special abilities or skills are you able to bring to the job of Trustee?

I have been a puppeteer (performer, builder, writer, director, grant writer, driver, technician, producer, collaborator, and all the other things which the term encompasses) for over 25 years, and in that time, I have worked almost exclusively in the non-profit arena. I have worked within established companies, as well as developing my own non-profit organization. I understand the pains of establishing, and of maintaining an organization which hopes to promote the art of puppetry to the community at large. Because I believe it is a varied and diverse form of art, our task is in not only perfecting our craft, but in educating audiences to the myriad potentials puppetry in the realm of performing arts.

E. In the next few years, which is the single most important service the PofA needs to provide for puppeteers?

We need to fulfill our mission, which is to “provide information, encourage performances, and build a community of people who love puppet theatre.” As well, we hope to “share the enchantment of puppetry with professional puppeteers, puppet builders, teachers, librarians, therapists, youth leaders, hobbyists and audience members who are enthusiastic about puppetry.” Part of what we need to do is to generate that enthusiasm through education and opportunity. By making all of our resources easily available, be it our video archives, the vast experience of our membership, or our bookstore, we can develop both the art form and the audiences we serve.

The best place to start is with our website. These days, if someone has a question, they seek answers on the internet. While I appreciate the efforts to improve on-line communications, more can be done to improve the site as a clearing house of information and a celebration of the art of puppetry in all its forms.

LIBBY BIERBAUM - Charlotte, North Carolina

A. What do you think is the most important issue facing the organization right now?

Educating the public about the value of puppetry and subsequently the employment of our puppeteers!

B. Which of Puppeteers of America's procedures or services need to be improved or changed?

I am not aware of any procedures that need to be updated at this time. However, a service item for consideration may be how and where we continue to offer the festivals, especially nationals. Coordinating festivals takes a lot of time, energy and manpower. If we establish relationships with one or two venues that offer all the amenities needed to adequately host a festival, in destinations that were easy and economical to reach, the P of A as whole might be well served. Something to think about.

C. What specific new projects might the PofA pursue, or which ongoing projects need more emphasis?

I have often wondered if it would be helpful to touring troupes if there were some sort of centralized database listing theaters, schools, community venues etc., in cities across the country, where puppeteers could find bookings as they plot out tour routes. The aim would be to create a “stepping stone effect” connecting more cities along the way that would give touring groups the opportunity for more shows and decrease the potential distance between venues.

D. What special abilities or skills are you able bring to the job of Trustee?

I don't know if my abilities are “special” or not, but I bring strong organizational skills, a team attitude, a huge love of this art and hugs and smiles for everyone.

E. In the next few years, which is the single most important service the PofA needs to provide for puppeteers?

I believe that one ongoing role of the P of A is to provide a place for dialogue and inspiration. We are stronger in numbers and we validate and affirm each other. Also, I believe that the P of A has a collective responsibility to raise awareness and to educate the mass public about the power of this unique art form. The ultimate goal would be the creation more avenues to share ideas and to connect with puppetry and puppeteers! Puppetry is a living, breathing art that must be practiced and shared in order to perpetuate and survive.

A. What do you think is the most important issue facing the organization right now?

The Puppeteers of America was founded to provide information, encourage performances, and build a community of people who love puppet theater. Fulfilling this mission should always be the most important issue. In the past there have been internal disagreements that have pulled the organization into factions, rather than uniting its diverse community. For example, the push for an immediate vote at the 2005 National Festival to close the Puppetry Store without a proper and thorough study of its expenses and practices. If the P of A is going to serve its members effectively, it needs to build a Board that is willing to act with the good of the entire membership in mind, and not to focus on the desires of a few individuals.

B. Which of Puppeteers of America's procedures or services need to be improved or changed?

Before the P of A can begin to change anything, it needs to make sure its current house is in order. Last year, for example, there was some complaining about the long wait for membership renewals, and how this was affecting festival registrations and access to services. This is a fundamental thing that members shouldn't have to worry about. The P of A has to make sure that its infrastructure is in working order. Once that's working, the Board can feel more confident about expanding or making changes.

C. What specific new projects might the PofA pursue, or which ongoing projects need more emphasis?

Local guilds are extremely important to the membership, and P of A needs to continue to look into ways that it can help them, especially encouraging guild members to join the national organization. This is not always the case. Another project to pursue might be a dialogue with like-organizations (magicians, storytellers, etc.) and examine how these groups keep their members active and interested. Also regional directors do not have a vote on the Executive Board, but they are expected to attend as silent partners, with no control over decisions that may affect their constituents. This creates a feeling of impotence on their part. Members throughout the organization feel that they do not have enough of a say within the P of A. Giving their regional directors a vote on the Executive Board might increase the feeling that their voices are being heard.

D. What special abilities or skills are you able bring to the job of Trustee?

What I bring to the Board is an understanding of the board process and the time and commitment needed to be effective. I currently run my own puppet company, sit on the Executive Board of another theater, and am married to the Pacific Southwest Regional Director. I worked with others to re-organize the Puppetry Store when it moved to Arizona. I was the Stage Manager for the 2004 Pacific Southwest Regional Festival and volunteered in the Puppetry Store in 2003 and 2005. I helped coordinate Puppet Slams in Arizona. I bring a willingness to listen fairly to the issues and do what it takes to strengthen the organization.

E. In the next few years, which is the single most important service the PofA needs to provide for puppeteers?

The P of A already offers some very important services to its membership - insurance, marketing assistance, etc. The most important service the organization can give to its members is to keep reminding them that these things are available, and keeping abreast of any problems that may arise. The membership should always have a voice, and the Board needs to keep them informed, possibly by embracing electronic media and e-mail to keep in touch with those it represents. That way the Board will be able to meet membership's needs and provide what it can through the festivals, the Puppetry Journal, and the website.

JIM MALONE - Tahlequah, Oklahoma

A. What do you think is the most important issue facing the organization right now?

The most important issue facing P of A right now is building the membership back to previous levels. With the sharp drop in membership in recent years, the plight is never more real than right now. With a serious membership push we will be able to regain our stature. P of A means many things to many people. But the common thread is that we support the art of puppetry.

B. Which of Puppeteers of America's procedures or services need to be improved or changed?

Member services need a closer look. The broad spectrum of puppetry styles and adherents are together a significant force for the future of puppetry. Something special that is only available to members of P of A is something that should be developed.

C. What specific new projects might the PofA pursue, or which ongoing projects need more emphasis?

P of A needs to explore member benefits more fully. Insurance was a plus several years ago. The AV Library is a plus. We need to develop a puppet builders resource file. We need to more fully record our nation's puppet history. We need to restore puppet festivals as a primary learning and sharing environment. We need to insure the organization's survival for at least a hundred years. Then we need to develop a strategic benefit that is available only to members.

D. What special abilities or skills are you able to bring to the job of Trustee?

I bring strong organizational and communication skills as well as a strong desire to serve the organization.

E. In the next few years, which is the single most important service the PofA needs to provide for puppeteers?

The single most important service that P of A can provide to puppeteers is a strong and viable organization with services and resources for members of all skill levels and interests.

PIX SMITH - Dallas, Texas

A. What do you think is the most important issue facing the organization right now?

The most important issue facing P of A at this time is meeting the needs of a variety of interests. P of A is fortunate to have as members both beginning puppeteers and experienced professionals, with a range of interests from kids' shows to television, film and adult theater performances. Meeting the needs of this wide range of members is challenging, and providing material and resources for all puppeteers, finding common ground and common interests, and helping all puppeteers find a sense of community is one of the most important things the P of A can offer.

B. Which of Puppeteers of America's procedures or services need to be improved or changed?

I hope to see an even bigger increase in the Puppetry Store's availability for use by members and non-members alike and increased visibility for organization. This service is invaluable to the organization. Evaluating it and finding a way to make it even more visible and accessible is an important goal for the next Board. Further, I would like to see our consultant services grow - instant communication has made it easier and more convenient than ever to access this valuable resource. Finally, I would like to see the Board become even more available and more accessible to members, who are, after all, the reason the organization exists.

C. What specific new projects might the PofA pursue, or which ongoing projects need more emphasis?

I would like to see P of A expand its heritage project - documenting the early days of puppetry and of the Puppeteers of America is one of our most vital tasks. A lot of work has been done in this area over the past few years, and the interviews and wealth of information so far is staggering. As an organization, I would like to see us continue this very important work. At the opposite end of the spectrum, I think our work in mentoring and helping new members is equally important. There is no better way for people to learn puppetry that to communicate and work with other puppeteers. I would like to see more of this information included in the Journal so that it is more visible to members at large. I hope that P of A is able to continue and expand both of these programs.

D. What special abilities or skills are you able bring to the job of Trustee?

I think I have an ability to build consensus, and to bring opposing voices together toward common goals. I have an understanding of non-profit management, as well as access to a variety of resources and people to help support and advise the organization if needed. Finally, I have a genuine wish to see the Puppeteers of America grow and prosper as a national organization that serves puppeteers of all interests, providing support and information to puppeteers with a variety of skill levels.

E. In the next few years, which is the single most important service the PofA needs to provide for puppeteers?

I think the most important thing the P of A can provide for its members is a sense of belonging to an organization that is responsive to their needs. It is of primary importance that members see the organization as one that rises to the challenges and opportunities that puppetry provides as a medium for audiences of any age or interest. Setting aside individual or group agendas for one common goal, promoting puppetry in any form, is the greatest service that the P of A can provide to puppeteers.

Puppeteers of America MEMBERSHIP CODE CHANGE

With the new membership year about to begin, a new membership chair in office, a need to re-do our printed membership brochure and online application, the Board of Directors thought it was a good time to look at the membership section of our Code of Regulations (Bylaws), as part of a required periodic review of the Code and Procedures (the day-to-day“play book” of how things run).

The Board recommends the changed Code language to the membership. The current language with all the details of classes, abbreviations, and so on is much too detailed and inflexible to serve the membership into the future. The new language is much more simple and straightforward, withadministrative details (of classes, etc) moved to the Procedures which provides more flexibility and efficiency in making changes to betterserve you, the member.
Membership voting rights are still clearly stated in the Code, which cannot be changed without your vote.

Please submit your vote on this along with your vote for new Trustees.

Wayne Krefting, President.

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP SECTION OF THE POFA CODE.
ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

SECTION 1.
There shall be six classes of REGULAR membership, to wit: Adult (Class A). Couple (Class C), Senior (Class S), University (Class U), Family (Class F), and Company/Business (Class B), and four classes of SPECIAL Membership , to wit: Youth (Class Y), Life Member (Class L), Library Subscription (Class LS), and Charter Member (Class M).

SECTION 2.
All REGULAR members in good standing shall receive all official publications of the Corporation, shall have the right to vote and voice on the floor, and right to seek and hold office, the right to serve on committee, and shall enjoy all current and future rights and privileges of the Corporation. The rights and privileges of REGULAR members shall be extended, also, to those SPECIAL members who are Life Members (Class L), or Charter Members (Class M).

SECTION 3.
Definitions of the classes of REGULAR membership are as follows:

• Class A membership is open to adults working with, or interested in, any form of puppetry.
  
  
• Class C membership is open to two members living at the same address who meet the requirements of Class A membership but who shall receive (1) one copy of The PUPPETRY JOURNAL, and other publications of the organizationregularly sent to members.
  
  
• Class S membership is a reduced rate membership available to persons aged 65 or older who meet the requirements of class A membership.
  
  
• Class U is available to full time college students who present proof of valid, full-time student identification,
  
  
• Class F membership is open to up to two adult members living at the same address who meet the requirements of Class A membership, and all children living at the same address. Class F membership allows 2 adults (age 18 and over and living at the same address) two (2) votes and one (1) copy of the Puppetry Journal and other publications.
  
  
• Category B is open to Company/Business Groups and shall receive the benefits of Class A.

SECTION 4.
Definitions of the classes of Special memberships are as follows:

• Class Y membership shall be extended to anyone who has not reached the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of the initial membership or renewal of membership. Once that person has reached the age of eighteen, that person shall , at the next renewal of membership, transfer to Class A membership, or other class of membership where appropriate. Class Y members are not entitled to vote or hold office, but they may serve on special committees and receive all publications.
  
  
• Class L membership is a special category whose members are designated by the Board of Trustees as having given unusual or longtime service to the field of puppetry and/or The Puppeteers of America and who are, thereby entitled to special and distinct membership in the organization. Class L members are entitled to enjoy the same privileges as Class A members.
  
  
• Class LS membership entitles the member to receive a copy of the Puppetry Journal. Class LS members are not entitled to voice or vote in the proceedings of the organization not they seek or hold office.

SECTION 5.
The annual dues of each class of membership shall be determined by the Board of Trustees and shall be reviewed by the board at its annual meeting.

PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE MEMBERSHIP SECTION OF THE CODE
ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

SECTION 1
Membership in this organization is open to anyone who has an interest in the art of puppetry.
There shall be 3 categories of membership:

• Individual membership,
  
• Special membership,
  
• Non-voting membership.

SECTION 2
Membership dues are collected annually. The Membership Officer is the keeper of the official membership list which determines eligibility to vote.
Individual membership is defined as one dues-paying member over the age of eighteen (18).

Individual Membership shall entitle the holder to the right to vote, the right to hold office, the right to serve on committee, and one copy of each of the organization's publications.

SECTION 3
The Board of Trustees, consulting with the Membership Officer, the Budget and Finance Chair and the Treasurer, may determine that special membership sub-categories may be granted to students, seniors, couples, businesses and other such groups.

From time to time, the Board of Trustees may bestow upon individuals who have given unusual or longtime service to the field of puppetry and the Puppeteers of America an honorary life membership in the organization.

In each special membership sub-category, each person over the age of eighteen (18) who has paid annual dues shall be entitled to the right to vote, the right to hold office, and the right to serve on committee. One copy of each of the organization's publications will be sent to each special membership. Group or company memberships are entitled to one vote.

Special memberships shall be defined in the Procedures of Puppeteers of America.

The term “regular members in good standing” used elsewhere in this document shall be understood to include both Individual Membership and Special Membership as defined in Article II.

SECTION 4
Non-Voting Membership

Anyone who has not reached the age of eighteen (18) at the time of joining or renewing membership shall be considered a non-voting member.
Members under the age of eighteen (18) shall not hold office.

Library Subscription Membership is open to any type of institutional library. Library Subscription Membership shall entitle the holder to a subscription to Puppetry Journal. No person representing a Library Subscription Membership shall be entitled to vote or hold office.

SECTION 5
The annual dues of each membership category shall be determined by the Board of Trustees and shall be reviewed by the Board at its annual meeting.