To put it simply, there are no S.A.M assemblys within several hundred miles. I am not a member, as it would be pointless without an assembly, so can I start a new one? If so, what are the requirements? Do I have to join first? Thanks.

We need YOU! I live in Alabama and have the same problems. S.A.M. severely lacks national participation through local assemblies. Magazines are nice but frankly I doubt many are ever unwrapped or opened. (And M-U-M is the best of the two.) Members seek better contact. Correspondence courses through the mail are not the future participation enjoyed by todays' people. We have too many other media options. The real participation that builds clubs is face to face contact. Assemblies are essential there.

About 35 years ago I started an Assembly in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I left in 1983 and it is gone today. Reality is that most organizations are carried by the efforts of a very few. Keeping the organizers is extremely critical. How long will you be there?

I definitely encourage you to start an Assembly. Assemblies are the future of S.A.M.. Facts are that there are most likely no experienced S.A.M. members locally to help you. It will not be easy. It can be done!

First fine the magicians there. Rule #1 in Duck Hunting is Go Where There are DUCKS!

I wish you the best of luck. Call me if I can help.

Colton!

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Dick, Colton is from the flathead valley in Montana. I met you years ago through Roger Mycroft when you were doing the assembly program.
Dan

Wow! What a get together! It is definitly a small world. I replied to Dick over the PM system and forgot the forum. Now, how to bring in more ducks...
Here are my ideas for finding more magicians, some of them given to me by others.
1.local classified and newspapers
2.flyers and posters
3.slips in the library books (someone checks them out!)
4.the magic Café and S.A.M web sites
5.(your suggestions here)

Also, after I gather the magicians, how do I start the assembly?

Use the website Contact Form (http://magicsam.site-ym.com/general/?type=CONTACT) to request a New Assembly Kit. Having lived in Great Falls, I imagine that local magicians are few. You may want to consider creating a wide-range club covering several cities - Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, and such and the areas in between. Arrange meetings perhaps quarterly for a full Saturday with a member and spouse dinner and social in the evening. Let members in each city host the meeting in turn. A full day of hands-on workshops, lectures, local performances, and so on. We did this while serving with the military in Europe. It was a great hit and we all looked forward to these weekends.

You may also want to consider forming a combined SAM-I.B.M. Club to attract members who belong to one, the other, or both.

I have received the new assembly kit, and need to submit the charter application by April 1st. I need a minimum of ten people interested in joining to sign. If anyone in montana reads this, and is interested, PM me.