Any S.A.M. member can volunteer. It is quite easy, simply follow the steps below for setting up and reporting a show.

Procedure for setting up a show:

1. Identify a VA Hospital in your area (list available by clicking here)

2. Contact local S.A.M members to gauge an interest in volunteering and their availability.

• The optimum number of performers is 3.
• A half hour to forty-five minute parlor style show is usually what the hospitals are looking for.
• Some VA hospitals will ask for walk-around to different wards where patients are not able to get to the primary performance (e.g. psych wards) - please let potential volunteers know about this possibility in advance.

3. Once you have identified a venue and have volunteers ready and willing to perform, contact the venue and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator (not all VA hospitals use this term so you may have to explain what you are doing to be put in touch with the right person).

• Arrange a date & time for a show
• Review any technical requirements/restrictions

4. Confirm the performance with volunteers and the venue.

5. Create a press release using the template available here and distribute to Public Relations & Publicity Chair - George Schindler (showbiz10@aol.com) as well as to local newspapers and news channels.

Be aware that some facilities may require a "model release" if you intend to use a photograph for publication. The release is usually supplied by the facility.

Procedure for reporting a show

The following information is needed in the AFTER ACTION REPORT:

1. Name & Location of the VA Hospital (or place of performance)
2. VA hospital contact (name, title & contact information)
3. Approximate number of attendees
4. Name, address and assembly of performers involved in the show
5. If there were any photos taken or press coverage, please send copies.

Please enter it into the form or send the information to either:

Jean Kinnicutt
jkinnicutt@aol.com

— or —

Debbie Leifer
Debbie@DebbieLeifer.com