Category Issues

Point #71: Thank You, Bethrah! – Elayne Angel

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ThePoint_Issue60_v2_Elayne headshotElayne Angel
Author of The Piercing Bible

Bethrah Szumski has been one of the most active, involved, and productive APP Members in the organization’s twenty-year history. The Association of Professional Piercers would like to publicly recognize Bethrah for her dedication and service, and to express our deepest gratitude for all of her hard work as she steps down from her long-held post as secretary. She is also stepping down from her positions as chair and member of the Conference Committee.

Her tireless efforts and many accomplishments are truly too copious to list. But a brief summary is in order.

Bethrah Szumski
Bethrah Szumski

Bethrah has served multiple voluntary terms of service on the Board of Directors as secretary and also as president. She founded the indispensable Conference Committee. She is also an ongoing member of the Conference Curriculum, the Oversight Committee and Members Retreat subcommittees.

Bethrah has a phenomenal skill set, which she has so generously shared with our group. The APP has benefited greatly from her expert organizational abilities, which she utilized to create and maintain accurate records of the group’s history. She remains tasked with maintaining the corporate record for the Oversight Committee. Bethrah has applied her talents in negotiation to critical dealings with hotels and unions. Her verbal strength and public speaking flair have been put to great use throughout her work on behalf of the organization.

Bethrah first became a member of the APP in 1996. Just two years later she was appointed to the position of secretary. She then instituted the Association’s first elections and in 1999 was duly elected to that position. Bethrah served a full three-year term during which (among other things) she reviewed applications for membership from piercers around the world, giving her an expert eye for appropriate studio set-up.

She was then elected president in 2002 and served an additional threeyear term in that position. She is deservingly credited with having played a key role in stabilizing the organization. Bethrah was the deserving recipient of the very first President’s Award, as an acknowledgement of appreciation. She was voted Hardest Working Piercer in 2005.

During her tenure with the APP she organized multiple U.S. conferences and several in Europe. Her conference duties at various points have included contract negotiation, attendee registration, promotion, literature distribution, event scheduling, vendor relations and floor-plan, and hotel and union relations, just to name a few. She has also been an instructor for numerous educational classes and seminars for piercers, healthcare providers, and legislators, teaching courses in the U.S., Holland, Italy, Germany, and Mexico.

Following a three-year hiatus, in May of 2008, Bethrah returned to service as secretary on the Association of Professional Piercers’ Board of Directors. Notably, she restructured the Association’s annual conference planning by establishing the Conference Committee.

Following the APP Conference in 2010, Bethrah stepped down from her Board position and was appointed by the other Directors to the position of secretary as an officer, rather than as a member of the Board. She continued to serve until the position was recently handed off to Aaron Pollack of Flying Tiger Body Art in Auburn, Alabama.

As Aaron stated, he has some “big shoes to fill,” taking over for Bethrah, but we are confident that he will do a great job given his conscientious attitude and the ongoing support that has been generously offered by Bethrah.

Thank you so much, Bethrah, for all that you have done for the Association and the field of professional body piercing. Your hard work has literally changed the landscape of our industry and forever impacted the strength, efficiency, and effectiveness of the organization.

Point #71: Volunteering for the APP – Julie Taylor

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JulieTaylorJulie Taylor
APP Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee is responsible for connecting with the public about safe piercing. The committee coordinates APP Member volunteers to attend pre-selected national health conferences throughout the year. It also provides advice and materials such as a PowerPoint presentation, brochures, and postcards, to assist piercers in performing outreach in their own areas. If you would like help to do outreach at an event such as a conference or convention where you live, or if you would like information on how to get your foot in the door at a hospital or school, please contact outreach@safepiercing.org.

The Outreach Committee currently consists of Ash Misako (Board Member), Laura Jane (Chair), April Thomas, Lou Quino, and myself.

Outreach is important to me because it is through doing outreach that I built a community of educated consumers and my own business at the same time. No matter where you live, people can learn to choose a safe piercing experience. The APP’s brochures and other resources were instrumental in spreading that message here in my tiny province on Canada’s east coast.

Living in a more remote area, volunteering with the APP has given me the opportunity to work with other piercers from around the world toward a common goal. This common goal is one that requires constant and consistent work. The brochures can’t do the work by themselves! As an organization with a mission of education, I believe our members have a responsibility not just for distribution of information to the public, but for keeping that information upto- date, and sharing it with piercers, health professionals, legislators and others. There’s lots of work to do!

APPConVolunteers2013
APP Conference Volunteers 2013

To that end, the APP has a survey to assess the skill sets and availability of members who wish to volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering, please email me at volunteer@safepiercing.org, for a link to the survey. Our committees are particularly looking for those with graphic design and marketing backgrounds, as well as those who have a good eye for quality content and maintaining presence on social media networks. Please note that the volunteer survey is not for conference volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for Conference please contact Caitlin at info@safepiercing.org.

Point #71: Environmental Criteria Update

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Dear APP Members,

The Association of Professional Piercers Membership Committee and Board of Directors thanks you for being a part of our organization. In response to overwhelming demand from our members, we have made significant strides in updating our membership requirements. To ensure all of our members are operating at the current minimum standards, we are requiring that all current members who have a video walk through and environmental criteria older than two years provide an updated video walk through and submit updated environmental criteria. If you are receiving this letter, your video walk through and environmental criteria are older than two years as of December 31, 2015.

These updates should be submitted no later than January 1st, 2016. There will be no video processing fee with digital or hard copy submissions.

You can upload all your completed forms, signed pages, photos of your autoclave(s), scans or photos of your documentation, and everything else to Google Drive as a single Google document or PDF (Google Drive is the preferred method). Upload the video to YouTube (www. youtube.com/upload), set to unlisted, and Creative Commons license. (Go to info and settings, then choose advanced settings, then Creative Commons license.) Next, copy the link to your video, paste it into the document you created, then share the completed application with media@safepiercing.org or email.

Pre-Application Processing Checklist:

  • Application Form
  • Copy of current CPR certificate
  • Copy of current First Aid certificate
  • Copy of current Bloodborne Pathogens training certificate
  • A narrated unedited 360 degree video of your shop
  • Photograph of all autoclaves with Make, Model, and Serial Number
  • Copy of two most recent spore tests from each autoclave
  • Copies of piercing aftercare sheets
  • Copy of Business License
  • Copy of shop/personal business card
  • An example of advertising
  • Copy of certificate of Liability Insurance (if applicable)
  • Copy of jewelry invoices from last 90 days

Pre-submission video checklist:
Pre-Video Checklist

  • Show the front of shop
  • Show the back of the shop too.
  • Required: Videos must be shot in LANDSCAPE view, not portrait.
  • Required: No cuts or editing in the video
  • Go through every drawer and closet in the shop.
  • Tattoo stations may be omitted.

Front Counter

  • A non-porous front counter that can be disinfected
  • Disinfectant products behind counter
  • Gloves behind counter
  • Bags or cups for contaminated customer jewelry
  • Suggested: signage asking clients not to touch jewelry
  • Suggested: a thoroughly organized, neat counter and desk area

Sterilization Room

  • Non-porous flooring
  • Clear separation between dirty and clean
  • An ultrasonic or instrument washer for piercing tools
  • An employees only sign
  • Does your autoclave meet requirements?
  • Is your clean up room totally contained?
  • “No handwashing in dirty room” sign
  • Suggested: A clean jewelry ultrasonic or steam cleaner or both
  • Suggested: HEPA filter

Hand washing Area

  • Is it in the studio, or a separate employee handwashing area? (bathrooms and sterilization room sinks are not acceptable)
  • Hands free paper towels (single hand)
  • Suggested: hands free faucet (infrared or foot pedal)
  • Suggested: hands free soap (infrared)

Piercing Room

  • Sharps Container wall mount and placed correctly
  • A Biohazard tool tray
  • Lidded trash cans, foot operated or infrared
  • Is your piercing studio private, with minimum 8 foot walls?
  • Do you have an appropriate (non-porous, massage/dental/ medical style) piercing table
  • Is your artwork framed, nonporous and easily disinfectable?
  • Is your storage sealed, disinfectable and appropriate?
  • Suggested: HEPA filter
  • Suggested: Sterile Gloves for piercing procedures

Bathroom

  • Is the bathroom clean, with an operational toilet and sink?
  • Are there appropriate handwashing products in the bathroom?
  • There must be no piercing related items in bathroom storage.
  • Suggested: A sign that asks clients not to touch or change their jewelry in the bathroom.

The Membership Committee is available to anyone who needs any assistance in any way, shape or form. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions (members@safepiercing.org).
THE APP OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
• Brian Skellie—President
• Cody Vaughn—Vice President
• Paul King—Treasurer
• Bethrah Szumski—Secretary
• Jef Saunders—Membership Liaison
• Steve Joyner—Legislation Liaison
• Christopher Glunt—Medical Liaison
• Ash Misako—Outreach Coordinator
• Miro Hernandez—Public Relations

Point #71: Giving Back in Your Own Community – Jesse Villemaire

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JesseVillemareJesse Villemaire
Thrive Studios

Let’s talk about sex! Do you remember those talks back in high school? Well, times are now shifting and some proactive schools are seeking more knowledge about the safe practices of tattooing and body piercing to add to their educational speeches for students. In 2010 I was approached by my local Public Health inspectors about teaming up and working together to help develop a short seminar that could be presented to students between grades 7-12. Our mission was to provide a class that the kids would easily enjoy, absorb, and share within their peer groups. I was proud to be a part of this project and happily obliged.

As a piercer of almost 15 years, I’ve seen the number of teens getting body modifications growing each year. I’ve also seen an increase of poorly done self piercing and tattooing, and an influx of younger teens practicing body art on each other. With the substantial growth of social media and YouTube, I believe we’ve all seen similar increases of poorly executed body art in our communities.

Let’s face it; body art isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it’s growing at an alarming rate and if you look around the hallways in schools, it’s common to see body piercings and the occasional tattoo. When body art is on the rise, so are the potential risks of bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and skin infections such as MRSA. Just like “Safe Sex Education” was controversial at one time, now it’s time we start educating our younger generation about the risks involved with body art. Each time I’m invited to a school to guest speak, I’m shocked to see the number of students that will admit to piercing themselves or each other. Many kids do not realize that the same diseases that are spread by unsafe sex can also be spread by unsafe body art practices.

APPCon2002
Association of Professional Piercers Conference & Exposition – 2002

As an owner of a reputable tattoo and piercing studio in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and also an educator within the body art community, I have had the privilege to partner with the Wellington-Dufferin- Guelph Public Health Inspectors and another local piercer, to put together a 60-90 minute presentation aimed at youth in grades 7-12. This presentation has been presented to hundreds of students throughout the school years since 2010. While we do not promote nor encourage students to get tattoos and piercings, this presentation promotes safety and education to help guide students into making the correct decisions if they choose to get any body art in the future. It’s extremely rewarding to discuss with students after the presentation how we helped them realize that not all tattoo and piercing establishments are the same. It also helps them realize the greater risks of getting tattooed or pierced at a friend’s house, or within a party environment.

With minimal regulations surrounding the body art industry, it’s also an eye opening presentation for the teachers within the room. We’ll discuss how many people believe that every tattoo artist or piercer has to have some sort of formal training and have a “licence” to practice, however this is usually not the case. Many are shocked to find out that, in most places, little or no education is required to start tattooing or piercing on the general public. We discuss key topics such as what to look for, and what to ask, if they decide to visit a tattoo and piercing studio. Other topics include dealing with peer pressure, recognizing and understanding the differences between a reputable, inspected studio as opposed to a non-inspected studio, and understanding the role of the Public Health Inspectors. We’ll discuss the subject of infections, diseases, the possible challenges of future job placement, sterilization standards, and even show some images of poorly done body art in order to spark an open discussion with students. The key focus is to emphasize the importance of doing proper research before making the decision of getting a tattoo or piercing. Through education provided by experts in our field, our goal is to decrease the health risks involved with getting body modifications. Students will leave the presentation with a much clearer view on how to protect themselves and their peers.

I encourage you to present a similar course outline to your local health unit and the surrounding schools. If you’re passionate about the future of our industry, then I suggest teaming up with others that show similar interests, get involved in your community, and start educating our youth. Let’s work together to make the future a little safer for the next generation of body art enthusiasts!

Point #71: Volunteering as a Corporate Sponson – Badur Ramji

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BadurRamjiBadur Ramji
Owner of PunkMedics

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” —Arthur Ashe

I sometimes joke that I am not only the oldest apprentice but have also had the longest piercing apprenticeship in the industry. Though I’ve been a part of the modification community for a very long time, I have never officially become a piercer. Instead I have used my love of body modifications, learning, and research to improve both my knowledge and the products I have developed specifically for our industry. After ten years of developing aftercare products I can still say I am #foreverlearning.

My first Conference was in 2006 and, like most first timers, I was amazed at how large and organized the modification community was. That year I took some classes, slept very little, and spent a lot of time catching up with old friends I had originally met through BME. I arrived as a person wanting to build relationships and network so I could better market my products to the industry.

In 2009 I became a corporate sponsor of the APP. Sponsorship is a great opportunity for businesses trying to break into the market. However, for me it was a way to become further involved with the Association and show my support. I continued to attend Conference and by doing so learned more about the APP as an association. I also became better acquainted with its dedicated staff, the Board, and the volunteers that were involved in making everything work.

I saw our community and Conference evolve as my company and products evolved. When I became a vendor and began to interact with the volunteers, I saw so many people dedicated to bettering our community. In 2012 I took a break from being a vendor and instead signed up as a volunteer. I realized that this would be a wonderful opportunity to give back and become even more involved. I did not yet realize how much I would get from that experience. In 2013 I continued volunteering and retired from being a direct vendor. I wanted to give back to the volunteers that worked hard and thank them for helping.

The goal has always been to support the Association, help it grow, be a part of the community I love, get involved, and help others see the success I have seen. I’ve always wanted to give back, but feel that I have gotten more than I’ve given by volunteering. I’ve gained new skills and knowledge about the industry, but also about what is wanted from me as a business. I found that giving others your time brings you interesting and challenging opportunities that might not come along otherwise. I’ve developed and grown as a person. Volunteering has forced me to interact with others, getting me out of my introverted bubble and giving me a new perspective. I’ve gained a better understanding of the body modification community and what drives us to be who we are. The passion this community has constantly helps me grow and reminds me why I continue to stay involved. Most importantly volunteering and sponsoring Conference has allowed me to make significant and positive change in people’s lives.

The APP and the body modification community have supported me for ten years. I hope I can spend the next ten years supporting them by continuing to volunteer and finding new ways to give back each year. I hope that on the 30th anniversary I can look back and see I’ve had a positive influence on the community and have helped it grow.

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” —Author Unknown

Point #71: Service – Caitlin McDiarmid

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CaitlinMcDiarmid

Caitlin McDiarmid
APP Administrator

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” — Rabindranath Tagore

One of the greatest gifts given to me over the last 13 years has been the gift of mentoring. There’s something about having a grown man or woman, someone who isn’t your own child or student, tell you that you were instrumental in them learning, growing, changing, or reaching a new goal. I wasn’t good at it when I started with the APP. I was more than bad at it. But I continued just the same, tried to learn from my own mentor, Paul King; and tried to work on myself. I’m still not perfect, but the work and success of the volunteers continues to reflect my efforts back to me.

In 2007, at an emotionally laden Banquet Dinner, I talked about the transformative power of service. Back then I didn’t write down my speeches in advance so those exact words are lost. I know I spoke too long – we all did that year. But I wanted to try and get across to the audience – to our Attendees – the joys of service. The APP after all relies on volunteers from the top down.

Our Board Members are volunteers; our committee members are volunteers; our conference workers are volunteers (some minimally compensated). There are few of us who are compensated for certain jobs, but generally go far above the call of duty and are still volunteers for the Association.

From approximately 20 conference volunteers in 2003 (that includes the Board who worked the merch booth and classroom doors that year) to approximately 70 in 2015. As the Conference has grown our team dynamic has developed. As the fun we all were having showed our volunteer group has expanded.

71 - Conference Volunteers

The community of conference volunteers have become more than friends; they have become a family. Through service and working alongside each other we have formed bonds, which means that we send each other letters (real letters!) and cookies in the mail. We reach out to each other when we are going through rough times or experiencing great joys. We share opportunities in the industry – who’s hiring/who’s not. We celebrate when another volunteer becomes a Member and when a new volunteer joins the group. Through service to the organization and the Conference I’ve watched these young women and men grow up, mature, have relationships, change relationships, get jobs, travel, open shops, serve as committee members, and even as Board Members.

Many of the conference volunteers also serve in other capacities for the Association and the event. They often volunteer in their communities as well. Service brings a joy to life that I don’t think can be found elsewhere. This year I am encouraging the most experienced volunteers to start mentoring the newer volunteers. They have earned their place in this process. It is the next step of service work.

I watch every year as a group of volunteers, all decidedly different from one another, interact and work together on a variety of tasks and come out the other side friends and colleagues. It’s a magical process and by the end we are all in tears saying our goodbyes. I’ve watched people from a variety of religious backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, economic levels, cultures, piercing skill level, anxiety levels, social abilities, and ages – all let things which could have caused barriers become bridges.

I have never had a volunteer walk away from the experience unchanged. Service is transformative. Attending the Conference is transformative. Combine the two and it’s amazing.

We shouldn’t get to have all the fun. While our team has grown over the years, we are always looking for new volunteers. If you can’t volunteer during Conference, think about doing so in your community; whether as a piercer educating students in schools about safe piercing or as a food shelf worker. Do something, get involved for the greater good. Absolutely positively – everyone can make a difference.APP Conference Volunteers 2014

Point #71: The Mentor Team

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AshMisakoAsh Misako
Outreach Coordinator

“When I first started attending Conference I was pretty intimidated. It was a conference full of strangers, and worse yet it was strangers who probably knew more than me. Now that I’ve attended Conference numerous times I know that people just genuinely want to share and learn together, so now I feel relaxed among my peers. I started the mentor program as a way to show new attendees early on that we are all part of the same team. Pair new people with ones who started out just as nervous, and help them enjoy the week a little easier.” —Ryan Ouellette, Founder of the Mentor Program

“I remember my first Conference and it was overwhelming. I was lucky to have some friends help me get along. Now that I have been to a few Conferences, I am happy to be that friend. It’s a ‘pay it forward’ kind of thing and I hope people who have benefitted from the program in the past consider helping out someone who might be wearing their old shoes.” —April Thomas, mentor team 2015

Association of Professional Piercers Conference & Exposition 2014 - Mentor Program
Association of Professional Piercers Conference & Exposition 2014 – Mentor Program

The Mentor Program is an amazing system started by Ryan Ouellette. We hope that we are building small Conference families that can work together as a group and lean on each other for support. We have seen great progress and have had wonderful feedback. We look forward to continuing this program for many years to come.

Is this your first year attending the APP Conference and Exposition? Do you have questions that you would like answered? Do you need help selecting your classes, or would you simply like to have a friend before you get to Vegas? The APP mentor program is here to help! If you are a first or second year attendee and would like some assistance from a mentor chosen specifically for you, please email mentor@safepiercing.org with your name, telephone number, and contact email address and MENTEE in the subject line. There is no deadline for signup, but the earlier you enroll the more you will get out of the program. We are excited that you are coming this year and cannot wait to meet you!

Our mentors are experienced conference goers that want to ensure that the new faces at Conference have the best time possible. They are there to answer questions, remind you to drink your water and get some sleep. They are also there to support if you become overwhelmed, need a little reassurance or just advice on where to get the best chicken and waffles or vegan donuts. We use information collected to best match mentors with mentees based on similar interests, areas of knowledge, and similar schedule needs. Our goal is create a mentor family. We do this by grouping three or four mentees to a mentor based on a survey we conduct. This group can then use each other for support, reference, and a stepping stone to Conference as a whole.

We sincerely want each and every one of our new attendees to get the most out of Conference and hope the support that the mentor program offers makes this possible.

If you have any questions about the mentor program, becoming a mentor, or being a mentee at Conference, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on the mentor team. The 2015 Mentor Team consists of Ash Misako, April Thomas, Billy Wood, and Kendra Jane.

AshMisakoAprilThomasBillyWoodKendraJane

“I felt so honoured to become part of this program because I remember my first Conference. I was terrified. I latched on to someone that I considered a mentor and didn’t leave their side. I hope that anyone coming for the first time has the opportunity to have someone near them that is looking out for them. No one should feel like an outsider their first year.” —Ash Misako, Outreach Coordinator

Point #71: Survival Tips for Conference

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Marina-0.jpg

Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

 

The APP Board of Directors and Administrator, along with the Conference Staff, Volunteers and Mentors want you to have an exceptional experience. If there are any questions we can answer or concerns we can address, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What to bring to Conference:
• Lip and skin moisturizers— Bring multiples, so you have something with you at all times. Even if you don’t usually need these items, you will in Las Vegas. It’s dry in the desert and even drier in the hotel.
• Comfy shoes with pain relief insoles—There may be times when you want relief from your nice shoes. We suggest bringing multiple pairs so the sore spots are in different places. You will log a lot of miles in Vegas, especially with our split floorplan this year.
• Medications and vitamins—If you generally have need for these types of items, pain relievers, allergy pills, and the like can make a world of difference when you need it most. Make sure to bring enough of these to get you through the week and a couple of extra days just in case. Taking vitamins in advance of Conference will improve your chances of staying healthy during Conference, so don’t delay!
• Water bottle—Snazzy APP bottles are available for purchase at the merch booth! Staying hydrated is key to having a good experience; Las Vegas is a desert. Water dispensers are provided throughout the conference area, please use them!
• Deodorant—If you are a wearer of such things, this is the time to use it. Conference is busy with long days and lots of networking. Smelling good is a great step toward a great first impression.
• Something to throw on when it gets cold—You’ll want to stay comfortable while attending classes and socializing. The hotel and casino can get especially cold in the wee hours.
• Outfits aplenty—Bring enough outfits to get through the week and maybe a couple of extra. You will be experiencing some pretty long days with lots of activity. Some people find it necessary or more comfortable to change midday. You may also want different outfits for different activities: classes, networking meetups, exercise, special events, etc. Also, don’t forget that accidents happen, so it’s never a bad idea to have a spare in case of spills.
• Formal wear and costumes—If you like dressing up for special events, or just in general, make sure to bring accessories. Banquet Dinner is a great place to strut your stuff and show off your style/sense of humor.
• Swimsuit, sunblock, and sunglasses—You’ll want to look your best and stay protected while enjoying the hot tubs and pool. There may also be other occasions to escape the hotel into the great, bright outdoors. If your sunglasses are expensive, make sure to hold onto them!
• Cell phone and charger—Especially during a week of networking, it’s important to stay connected. Plus, you’ll want to make use of the sweet new app to check your schedule, look at maps, and get updates! Don’t be surprised if your battery needs more charging than when you’re home.
• Phone numbers—In case of emergencies or a misplaced phone, having a list of contacts in your wallet can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget to add some of your newfound conference besties to this list during the week.
• Business cards and portfolio— This is a great place to network and share. You will meet a lot of people and business cards will help you keep in touch after Conference. Having a copy of your portfolio or photos on your laptop/phone ready to show can leave a lasting impression while networking.
• Emergency funds/capabilities— You shouldn’t bring every credit card you have, but unexpected things may happen and it’s best to be prepared. Make sure to keep your emergency stash separate from your carrying money.
• Personal comfort items—If you have a preference for certain things to make your day a little brighter—especially things you wouldn’t feel comfortable borrowing or may be difficult to find—bring them along. The hotel will provide you with towels, basic shampoo/soap, iron/ ironing board, and a hair dryer. Most of the time you can find basic, common items by visiting shops in and around the hotel, but they will likely be expensive and selection will be limited. If you are particular, don’t forget them.
• Snacks—Things in Las Vegas can be expensive and eating between events, classes, and socializing isn’t always easy to fit into your schedule. Having a supply of on-the-go snacks that don’t require refrigeration or preparation can make your week less stressed. We have changed the schedule to accommodate more breaks, but sometimes there is just no time for a sit down meal.

Las Vegas can be a bit like the Bermuda Triangle. With all the activity and controlled chaos, it can be easy to lose track of stuff. If it will break your heart to lose it, leave it at home.

Point #71: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

In an organization comprised of exceptional participants who have gladly offered countless hours of work and traveled across the planet to share their ardor for safe body adornment, it is the privilege and great pleasure of the President each year to shine a light upon one who has exemplified our mission. To offer a special award in esteem of the outstanding contributions of this volunteer is equally to recognize the potential we all have to achieve the goals set forth by our Association.

In a field of iconoclasts, in which we must each be self reliant during our daily procedures, some of our fellow piercers have demonstrated proficiency at organizing and working together for the benefit of our community.

In a time where our colleagues have researched, debated, and negotiated fair regulations to respect and protect their fellow piercers and body artists, there are certain among us who excel at diplomacy and bringing forward our purpose. These individuals are honoured with the President’s award. We have showcased the winners of this award in several previous issues of The Point, starting with Issue 26 in 2003 (pg 3-5) as well as in 2009 with Issue 48 (pg 2-3).

Since 2009, when the sitting president James Weber presented to Raelyn Gallina, we have had five new honorees, including yours truly in 2014.
• 2010 Danny Yerna, presented by Jim Weber
• 2011 Allen Falkner, presented by Jim Weber
• 2012 Steve Joyner, presented by Elayne Angel
• 2013 Sarah Wooten, presented by Elayne Angel
• 2014 Brian Skellie, presented by Elayne Angel

Jack Yount Memorial Certificate of RecognitionBefore the existence of the President’s award, the Jack Yount Memorial Certificate of Recognition for Promoting Excellence in Professional Piercing was dedicated to Michaela Grey, Founder of the APP, as a special award chosen by the appointed Board in 1998. This can be recalled as a time when people who had worked alongside her felt a need to show respect for her efforts in coalescing the Association, and as a nod to the gentle persuasion towards exploration and excellence Jack Yount had shared with us.

“He passed away in Hospital in Copenhagen Denmark on July 15, 1995 at the age of 68.”

— http://sacreddebris.com/jack-yount/

Michaela Grey was again recognized in 2005 with a special Lifetime Achievement award from a subsequent APP Board, for her contributions to our industry.

Jim Ward and Michaela Grey at the 2005 APP Awards ceremony
Jim Ward and Michaela Grey at the 2005 APP Awards ceremony

Point #71: From the Editor – Kendra Jane Berndt

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” —Winston Churchill

In our last issue we looked at where the APP came from and the trends we have seen over the past 20 years. In this issue we continue to celebrate this milestone by honouring some of the piercers and their accompanying volunteer work that helped grow the APP and the body piercing industry in a responsible and educated manner to what it is today.

al·tru·ism ‘altroō,izәm/ noun noun: altruism
1. the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
2. “some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism”
• Zoology
• behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

The idea of altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. For many cultures it is the foundation for traditional viewpoints and it makes up core aspects of various religious traditions and secular worldviews. The concept of putting others before oneself has had a long history in philosophical and ethical thought, being the basis for more than one or two scientific debates. The term itself was originally coined in the 19th century by the sociologist and philosopher of science, Auguste Comte, and is often a major topic of debate for psychologists, evolutionary biologists, and ethologists.

Before I was a piercer I was a scientist. I studied animal biology, meaning I studied the ideas and concepts of altruism at great length. I was fascinated by the science behind the idea of giving. If we look at altruism in the context of biological organisms, it can be defined as an individual performing an action which is at a cost to themselves (e.g., pleasure and quality of life, time, probability of survival or reproduction), but benefits, either directly or indirectly, another third-party individual, without the expectation of reciprocity or compensation for that action. However, there have been many studies which have observed the effects of volunteerism (as a form of altruism) on happiness and health. These studies have consistently found a strong connection between volunteerism and a person’s well being and state of mind.

This means that when we give our time and our knowledge, we feel better and there is a good chance we are happier than if we didn’t volunteer. This will be my fifth Conference. I have been a volunteer since my first, both for Conference and the APP as a whole. These experiences have indeed made my life better! I was awarded the Al D. Scholarship in 2010 (we will talk more about Al D. further into this issue); it was here that I met an entire group of truly altruistic people. People that give freely of their time, their resources, and so much more to better the piercing industry as a whole. This once-ayear opportunity to give back is an amazing boost to my well being. It is a chance for me to recharge, so much so I now volunteer year round. However, it is incredibly important to point out that I am merely a single nut or cog, a tiny piece of a much bigger machine. There are just too many people to name that all work towards a common goal and the betterment of our entire industry. Without the hundreds of hours that are devoted each year the APP would only be a fraction of what it is today.

I count the days until our Conference begins and I am able to give back to a community that has given me so much. I can feel the anticipation building in not only myself but in my colleagues and I honestly feel the buzz this year is bigger than ever. So, I will take this moment before the chaos and craziness that is Conference sets in to say thank you! Thank you, to each and every one of the volunteers that help this organization, our Conference, and our industry.