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Start a Laughter Club
Full Independence
No one needs permission to start a Laughter Club. No affiliation is required although appreciated (it helps to put even more people in touch - click here to register your laughter club).
Though there are no rules and regulations that oversee the conduct of Laughter Clubs, we do recommend basic guidelines for functioning: Laughter Clubs are Non-Political, Non-Religious, Non-Exploitive, Non-Competitive, Non-Perfectionist, Non-Threatening, Everybody is welcome!
No Posts, No Hierarchy
The Laughter Yoga Movement recognizes no hierarchy, positions or titles. The only classifications we recognize are Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders, and Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers.
What is Free?
Laughter Yoga Clubs are social clubs that are free for all everywhere in the world. Most clubs do not charge any membership fee. Some do in order to cover the expenses of hand-outs, hall rental etc. There is nothing wrong with putting a donation box out to help cover whatever club expenses you may incur (e.g. photocopies…)
What is fee based?
Outside of the laughter clubs, any training/ coaching that is conducted by Laughter Yoga Leaders or Laughter Yoga Teachers for personal and business development are chargeable as per the skills, abilities and reputation of the teachers. Members are however under no obligation to attend such sessions, and may do so only when convinced of their value.
Important Decisions to Make
When Will You Meet?
How often you will meet obviously depends on how often you are available. Since there must be a leader (someone who knows how things work), and that leader will be you for a little while, only commit to meetings you can attend. Keep in mind that establishing a strong laughter club usually takes about one year.
Do not get discouraged. Running a laughter club is for your own benefit first and foremost. Use it as an excuse to make a firm appointment with yourself to laugh for no reason.
Have a feedback system. No time/date will suit 100% of the people. Find something that works best for most. Most clubs meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays. In Stockholm they meet at 5:30pm (after work) very close to the train station.
Mornings are best but anytime will do. Laughing in the morning will make you feel good for the whole day. Laughing in the evening is good too, but it may “stir up” a little too much energy and make it harder for you to go to sleep. If this is the only option for you, make sure you ground yourself at the end of your sessions by either humming, dancing or sitting completely still and focused on the breath for a little while.
Quickly establish a core group of socially minded people and enlist the assistance of at least one person ASAP. Empower people. Invite them to contribute / welcome creativity. Start slowly by asking interested members to conduct laughter and deep breathing exercises. Another good idea is to conduct the entire session jointly by dividing various sets of laughter commands. In doing so, you can always ask new people to come forward.
Where Will You Meet?
Your next big decision is to decide where to meet (finding a free location can be a challenge). It is a good idea to hook up with an existing activity / program that people already attend on a regular basis. In India public parks work best because they are free plus a lot of people go there for their morning walk every day. Choose a location that is accessible and easy to find. Options include:
Community centers
Church facilities
Public libraries and hospitals usually let you use their meeting room for free up to a specified number of times per year as long as your meetings are free and public.
You can of course also meet in someone’s home.
Selecting the Room is Very Important
Make sure the size of the room matches the size of the group. A big room with high ceilings where your voice gets lost is a hindrance if the group is too small (if this is all you can have, gather in a corner. It creates a more intimate space).
Beware of echo.
The floor is very important (being able to sit down is very nice).
Be Prepared
Be well prepared for your event and if possible give handouts to participants that provide even more information about the benefits of laughter.
Next Step
Should you be serious about this we strongly encourage you to attend either a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader or a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher training. The wealth of practical and "hands-on" experience you get in such trainings is invaluable.
