We are not quite ready to take your membership yet.
But we want to hear from you now.
IAHC is still in formation. The board has not yet been constituted, the governance framework is not yet ratified, and the payment and membership system is not yet built. We are being honest about that because this organisation is being built on transparency.
What this means for you
Right now, the most meaningful thing you can do is get in touch. Send us an email telling us who you are, where you practice, and which membership tier interests you. That message goes into the founding record.
When the membership system opens, everyone who has been in contact will be notified first. Founding member pricing, once ratified by the board, will be held for those who engaged during this formation period.
There is no payment to make today. There is no form to fill in. There is just a conversation to start, and we genuinely want to have it.
What happens when you reach out
Your expression of interest is recorded
We log every message and every name. When the membership system opens, founding members will be contacted first, in the order they reached out.
You become part of the founding record
IAHC is being built with its founding community in mind. The people who engage now will have a direct voice in shaping the standards, the training framework, and the direction of the organisation.
You receive updates as we build
We will keep you informed as governance is established, the board is constituted, and the membership system goes live. No noise, just meaningful progress.
Your tier and pricing are held
Founding member pricing is indicative and subject to board ratification, but the intent is clear: those who join early will be recognised for it.
Are you being called to help build this,
not just belong to it?
IAHC needs a founding board. This is a different ask from membership. It is a commitment of time, expertise, and genuine co-ownership of what this organisation becomes.
The founding board will be the people who ratify the Code of Ethics, adopt the Standards of Practice, set the bylaws, and make the decisions that determine whether IAHC becomes the organisation the field actually needs. That is not a ceremonial role. It is a working one.
We are looking for between seven and eleven people. Not all of them need to be practitioners. The board needs a range of perspectives to function well, and some of the most important contributions will come from people who understand governance, healthcare systems, research, or international NGO management, whether or not they have ever worn a red nose.
Board service is voluntary. The time commitment during the formation phase is real, probably several hours a month, with more intensive periods around key decisions. Once the organisation is operational, the board will meet formally at minimum twice a year, with ongoing committee work between meetings.
Profiles we are looking for
Experienced practitioners
Senior healthcare clowning practitioners with significant clinical experience, ideally across more than one setting or country. You understand the field from the inside.
Governance and legal expertise
People with experience in NGO governance, charity law, international organisational structures, or board leadership. We need to build this correctly from the start.
Researchers and academics
People working in healthcare research, allied health education, or the evidence base for arts-based health interventions. The field's credibility depends on its research foundation.
International representation
The founding board should reflect the global nature of the field. We are actively seeking nominees from outside North America and Western Europe.
Allied health professionals
People from adjacent disciplines, child life, music therapy, drama therapy, social work, who understand the clinical landscape and can help position IAHC within it.
Healthcare system insiders
Hospital administrators, healthcare funders, or health policy professionals who understand how organisations like IAHC earn recognition within healthcare systems.
What founding board members receive
Nominate yourself or someone else
Self-nomination is encouraged. If you believe you have something to contribute to the governance of this organisation, we want to hear from you directly.
If you know someone who would be exceptional in this role, please reach out on their behalf or encourage them to contact us. Include the subject line Founding Board Nomination so we can route your message correctly.
Submit a board nominationAll nominations are acknowledged. The selection process will be transparent and will be described in the founding bylaws once drafted.
Joining as a member
Tell us your name, where you are based, what you do, and which membership tier interests you. That is all we need for now.
We are in the process of setting up a dedicated inbox. In the meantime, please use the address below and we will respond personally.
[email protected]A dedicated membership inbox is being set up. This address will be updated once it is live.
While you are here, explore what IAHC is building: