IJA Board Elections

This will be my third term as a board member. My first term was to fill in for a previous board member that had to step down. This first year I was able to learn about the role and foundations of being a board member. After that first year, I was re-elected to the board. Within these past two years, I've grasped more about the workings of the IJA and connected with the community in a more official capacity. I've listened and brought ideas discussed amongst jugglers, both online in juggling communities and off line at juggling festivals to our board meetings. I would be honored to continue serving as a board member for the IJA and continue working to help grow the juggling community.

My name is Jonathan Perry. I first became an IJA member in 1991 when I was a regular at the MIT Juggling Club during high school. While being a full-time performer for over ten years, I learned that travelling can be fun but so can be staying home. I have performed/taught in many different arenas... hospital clowning with the Big Apple Circus, working with at-risk youth through Cirque du Monde and teaching at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. I have also learned a lot from navigating all those random gigs that being a working professional demands.

Part of what I love about juggling is being able to share my joy with such a wide range of diverse people. Sharing the frustration of practice and the elation of breakthroughs has taught me how to connect with and learn from people very different from me. Having benefitted greatly from my past experiences with the IJA, I feel like it is time for me to give back and help with the continued growth of this wonderful organization. Whether we're throwing some clubs at each other in the gym or a disc in the woods, I can't wait to share my experience to help render assistance to fellow jugglers.

Juggling has been a constant in my life since I was a child. While I enjoyed learning new skills in my youth juggling program, what stuck with me the most was the people I met, the friendships I formed, and the world wide community through juggling where I found the door open to participation!

While I enjoy juggling, what I love more is the juggling community I’m a part of. Being a four year board member for the IJA has allowed me the opportunity and privilege of fostering that community, where I aim to open the doors for others to have that sense of belonging and camaraderie that comes from sharing the same, unique interest. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the juggling community through being elected to another term on the board.

My name is Noel Yee, juggling has been my passion for nearly two decades. It's not just a skill or a hobby to me; it's a way of life that has profoundly impacted me. Juggling has not only connected me with lifelong friends but has also opened doors to incredible experiences. Traveling the country, meeting fellow jugglers, and immersing myself in the juggling community have made me feel deeply connected to the art form. Through the years, juggling has supported me, taught me valuable lessons, and provided me with countless unforgettable memories.

As someone deeply ingrained in the juggling community, I am excited to accept the nomination for a board member position in the upcoming IJA election. With six years of experience as a board member, coupled with my roles as a festival and show director, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the IJA's future. I am particularly passionate about empowering youth jugglers and believe they are integral to shaping the future of the IJA. I am committed to working tirelessly to elevate youth juggling and ensure it takes its rightful place at the forefront of our organization's endeavors.

Greetings, Esteemed Jugglers! I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Board Member position of the International Jugglers' Association. My name is Albert Lucas and I have had the privilege of working in many different roles throughout my professional juggling career. As a coach and educator, I have shared my passion for juggling with countless individuals, helping them develop their skills and reach their full potential. As a production and stage event producer, I have organized and executed successful shows that have captivated audiences around the world. As a performing artist, I have honed my craft and shared my talent on stages big and small.

I am inspired by the great accomplishments and dedication of the IJA Board Members, both past and present. If elected, I look forward to contributing to the teamwork necessary to ensure the association's continued success.

The IJA is renowned for providing unparalleled resources and elite-level events, making it the world's leading juggling association. As a board member, I would pledge to prioritize the expansion of international memberships, which will work towards creating a more significant global impact that will serve the juggling community worldwide.

As a person of mixed heritage, I understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity. I believe every voice should be heard and in the importance of representation within the association. With this mindset, you can count on my commitment to continue an inclusive and welcoming community for all members.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, Albert Lucas