Clowns Without Borders (http://www.clownswithoutborders.org/) works to spread happiness and positive social change around the globe. The nonprofit group puts on shows in all corners of the world where children live in crisis. Hoping to use laughter to brighten the mood in refugee camps, conflict zones, and situations of emergency, some of Clowns Without Borders's expeditions include projects in South Africa, Haiti, and Nepal. Recently, they did an expedition to Baton Rouge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Drawing on contemporary and European-style schools of clowning, Clowns Without Borders makes sure that their shows do not rely on verbal communication or American humor so as to remain politically neutral.

To help out (http://www.clownswithoutborders.org/helping/index.shtml), give your extra frequent flyer miles to transport clowns to such places as South Africa or Chiapas -- or simply make a donation online.

Does anyone know more about Clowns Without Borders? I remember looking at the website and it looked like a respectable group, I just wondered if anyone has had any firsthand information or contact with the group.

I think that there is a gal who posts journals of her experiences with this organization to some of the yahoo groups. Yes, I just checked my email archives. Her (I think it's a her, sorry if I'm mistaken) name is Jamie Lachman and the messages I have saved are mostly from the "nyclownlab" group. Check it out!