Become A
Why join?
Because I said so.
Just kidding.
Sorta.
You belong in the Humor Academy if you would like to do at least one of the following:
-
Deepen your knowledge of therapeutic humor
-
Use humor to enhance your career/volunteer/personal life
-
Enjoy the community of humor-believers in a cross-section of disciplines
Typically, those who join for one purpose find all three!
(I'd like to thank) The Academy...
What is Humor Academy and do I win one of those neat little gold trophy dudes when I graduate?
​
The Humor Academy has three consecutive learning levels that align with the mission of AATH. The mission of AATH is to serve as a community of professionals who study, practice, and promote healthy humor. Each year’s learning program consists of a pre-conference intensive day, monthly conference calls, and homework, focused on:
​
-
Year 1, Level I: Study of the theory and application of humor
-
Year 2, Level II: Application and Humor Project: continued learning culminating in a Humor Project
-
Year 3, Level III: Leadership: practice and promotion of humor in AATH and the participant’s field
When you sign up, you will be exposed to some of the finest experts and comprehensive texts in the field. The Humor Academy uses a collaborative learning environment with participants representing a variety of occupations including, but not limited to, the professional areas of medicine, health and wellness, business, education, mental health, spirituality, performance, writers, speakers, and trainers. You will be placed in a group (usually 5 – 8 individuals) that is most often based on geographic locations to ease coordination of phone conversations over time zones. Group advisors are chosen for their demonstrated leadership in the field of therapeutic humor.
While there are distinct advantages to completing all three levels, completing each Level does not obligate you to complete the next one.
​
Sorry, no neat little gold trophy dudes involved. Different Academy.
What's Required:
​
At each level, you will be expected to:
-
Attend a 1-day pre-conference intensive and the full international conference in the days following, both of which include opportunities to learn from some of the finest experts in the field;
-
Over the course of the next 12 months, participate in at least 8 conference calls with your group;
-
Complete other assigned work.
Various readings will be assigned, and especially at Level III, internationally known leaders will be interviewed on some of the monthly calls.
​
More detail on requirements can be found here.
In addition, each Level includes certain expectations:
-
Level I: Keeping of a humor log to build awareness of the role humor plays in your life
-
Level II: Completion of a Humor Project (Read examples from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019-2021)
-
Level III: Demonstration of leadership in the field, including taking on an active committee role or assignment in AATH
-
Graduation to the next level is at the discretion of the Humor Academy’s co-directors and advisors.
More detail on requirements can be found here.
When you graduate – the C.H.P. Advantage
​
Academy participants who successfully complete each of the 3 years of the program become eligible to be recognized and certified by the AATH Board as a Certified Humor Professional. This designation represents the comprehensive learning, practice, and promotion of humor that was obtained through participation in the Academy and the application of humor strategies within leadership roles.
Continued learning, service, and membership in AATH will be required for the renewal of this honored title. This means:
-
Successful completion of the 3-year Humor Academy Program
-
Application approval by the AATH Board of Directors
-
Maintain continuous AATH Membership. Certification renewal is updated as part of the AATH membership process. (All membership categories offered by the Association are available to those seeking AATH Humor Certification.)
-
Adhere to the AATH Code of Ethics
-
Support the mission of the Association
-
Commitment to continuing humor training/education
