JAM: December 2001/January 2002 Issue: President's Corner

John Leisenring

The Jazz Ambassadors -- and JAM -- at a Crossroads

It was only two short months ago that I agonized over writing my President's Corner in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Who of us could have imagined that those tragic events would impact the Jazz Ambassadors in any meaningful way? However, I must report to you that, in great measure because of 9/11, we are in trouble.

One or more of your Board of Directors may lose day jobs and soon, reducing or eliminating their ability to continue to serve. Advertising revenue for JAM, already suffering from the souring economy, took a major hit, and projections for short term recovery are not encouraging.

In addition, 2001 has not been a banner year for us; for a variety of reasons our normal fund raising goals have not been met. We need an infusion of help from you our members and readers, and we need to ask for some of your hard-earned dollars, so that our collective support of the music can continue uninterrupted.

Without immediate help, there is a possibility, however remote, that JAM may have to miss an issue, something we haven't done in a very long time. But I am optimistic, and offer the following to help bridge the gap between these troubled times and next summer's fund raising projects.

I have taken out an ad in JAM, letting the readership know that my services as a lecturer on jazz, and especially Kansas City jazz, are available. I ask that you consider doing the same, if you have a product or service that the readership might be interested in knowing about. You should also consider asking any friends, neighbors and countrymen in your acquaintance to do the same. We must increase our advertising base, in order to help with the expenses of JAM.

I am submitting to the Jazz Ambassadors a one-time tax-deductible donation of $1,000, to be used as the Board of Directors sees fit. It is my hope that ten or more readers of this column will match this donation. Anyone who does will know that they will never be asked to contribute again in this way. Donations of this kind will help insure that JAM will not have to miss an issue in order to save money.

I am appealing to all members and readers to consider making a tax-deductible donation at this time. Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. If you like, you can assign your donation to any of our activities: JAM, MEAF (Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund), or miscellaneous, for such things as scholarships, assistance for school jazz programs, etc.

I have appointed an ad hoc committee within the Board of Directors, whose task it is to begin the process of grant application, on the assumption that there is in existence grant money for which an organization such as ours can qualify. I will greatly appreciate any input any of my readers might have in this regard. If you are aware of people and/or organizations to which we might apply for support, please inform me.

Finally, I appeal to you to consider giving of your time and ideas. The Jazz Ambassadors urgently need help, especially in the areas of membership recruitment, publications and public relations. Please contact me personally, or send a letter to our post office box, indicating your willingness to help. We need you badly, and know that with your help, our organization, and therefore the music, can be stronger and more helpful than ever before.

Our problems are short term. Once we get into next summer's fund raising events, strengthen our advertising base, and help support our already fine board of directors, we will have conquered the road blocks that the economy and 9/11 have placed in our path.

I thank you in advance for any support you can provide.

And remember: it's about the music.

John Leisenring
President, KC Jazz Ambassadors
816-842-5465
P.O. Box 36181
Kansas City, MO 64171

RETURN TO DECEMBER 2001/JANUARY 2002 MAIN INDEX

© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		John Leisenring The Jazz Ambassadors -- and JAM -- at a Crossroads It was only two short months ago that I agonized over writing my President's Corner in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Who of us could have imagined that those tragic events would impact the Jazz Ambassadors in any meaningful way? However, I must report to you that, in great measure because of 9/11, we are in trouble. One or more of your Board of Directors may lose day jobs and soon, reducing or eliminating their ability to continue to serve. Advertising revenue for JAM, already suffering from the souring economy, took a major hit, and projections for short term recovery are not encouraging. In addition, 2001 has not been a banner year for us; for a variety of reasons our normal fund raising goals have not been met. We need an infusion of help from you our members and readers, and we need to ask for some of your hard-earned dollars, so that our collective support of the music can continue uninterrupted. Without immediate help, there is a possibility, however remote, that JAM may have to miss an issue, something we haven't done in a very long time. But I am optimistic, and offer the following to help bridge the gap between these troubled times and next summer's fund raising projects. I have taken out an ad in JAM, letting the readership know that my services as a lecturer on jazz, and especially Kansas City jazz, are available. I ask that you consider doing the same, if you have a product or service that the readership might be interested in knowing about. You should also consider asking any friends, neighbors and countrymen in your acquaintance to do the same. We must increase our advertising base, in order to help with the expenses of JAM. I am submitting to the Jazz Ambassadors a one-time tax-deductible donation of $1,000, to be used as the Board of Directors sees fit. It is my hope that ten or more readers of this column will match this donation. Anyone who does will know that they will never be asked to contribute again in this way. Donations of this kind will help insure that JAM will not have to miss an issue in order to save money. I am appealing to all members and readers to consider making a tax-deductible donation at this time. Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. If you like, you can assign your donation to any of our activities: JAM, MEAF (Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund), or miscellaneous, for such things as scholarships, assistance for school jazz programs, etc. I have appointed an ad hoc committee within the Board of Directors, whose task it is to begin the process of grant application, on the assumption that there is in existence grant money for which an organization such as ours can qualify. I will greatly appreciate any input any of my readers might have in this regard. If you are aware of people and/or organizations to which we might apply for support, please inform me. Finally, I appeal to you to consider giving of your time and ideas. The Jazz Ambassadors urgently need help, especially in the areas of membership recruitment, publications and public relations. Please contact me personally, or send a letter to our post office box, indicating your willingness to help. We need you badly, and know that with your help, our organization, and therefore the music, can be stronger and more helpful than ever before. Our problems are short term. Once we get into next summer's fund raising events, strengthen our advertising base, and help support our already fine board of directors, we will have conquered the road blocks that the economy and 9/11 have placed in our path. I thank you in advance for any support you can provide. And remember: it's about the music. John Leisenring President, KC Jazz Ambassadors 816-842-5465 P.O. Box 36181 Kansas City, MO 64171 RETURN TO DECEMBER 2001/JANUARY 2002 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.