The Society of American Magicians, founded on May 10, 1902 in Martinka's famous magic shop in New York City, New York, is the oldest and most prestigious magical society in the world. For over a century it has promoted the ideals shared by Kellar, Houdini, Thurston and over 30,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society. These ideals include the elevation of the Art of Magic, the promotion of harmony among magicians, and the opposition of the unnecessary public exposure of magical effects.

The S.A.M. offers the opportunity to unite and associate with leaders in the World of Magic - not only professionals, but with amateurs, manufacturers, magic dealers, book authors and magic collectors. Through its monthly publications, annual conventions, and with over 250 "Assemblies" throughout the world, the S.A.M. provides the necessary forum for the advancement of magic through discussions, lectures, research, performances, and exchange of magic secrets within the magic community. To promote these endeavors the S.A.M. presents awards and fellowships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Art of Magic.

If you have a serious interest in the Art of Magic then you, too, can follow in the footsteps of Harry Houdini, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton and David Copperfield by joining the most prestigious magical organization in the world - The Society of American Magicians.

S.A.M. Plans for the Future

At the end of March, 2004, 25 members of the S.A.M. National Council gathered to conduct the business of the Society. Under the leadership of our then national president, Jay Gorham, we met for an additional 16 hours over a period of three days as a long range planning committee of the whole to consider the future of our Society. After careful consideration we determined that our purpose remains the same as that established by our founding fathers in 1902. However, for the first time we now have a Vision Framework for the Twenty-First Century, a document that identifies our core values and beliefs, our guiding principles and tenets, our philosophy. In addition we developed a mission statement defining the primary goals of our organization for the near future, five to ten years. We believe our mission to be bold and inspiring, and hope that you will, too. This is just the beginning. Our pledge is to provide service and leadership to the Society as we all look toward the goals we have set. We hope that after reading the following you will share in our excitement and our commitment too.

The National Council

The Society of American Magicians Vision Framework for the Twenty-First Century

CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS

These are our guiding principles and tenets, our philosophy:

1. We believe that magic should be accorded the dignity and respect deserved by all performing arts.

2. We believe that magic as an art requires thoughtful study and practice with attention to both technique and performance.

3. We believe that magic can and should enrich the lives of both magicians and their audiences through education and entertainment.

4. We recognize and grant equal respect to:

• Professional magicians
• Amateur magicians and enthusiasts
• Youth magicians
• Collectors and historians
• Inventors, manufacturers, and dealers.

5. We actively seek representation in our membership of all groups of people who agree to uphold the purpose and objectives of our society.

6. We believe that the history and traditions of the society should be an integral part of our culture.

7. We are opposed to the exposure of magic whether by purposeful acts or through careless or ill-prepared performance.

8. We are opposed to the piracy of magical creations.

9. We believe that magic can and should contribute to those in need through charitable and/or therapeutic performances.

10. We believe in the joy of magic.

Growing out of our core values, our purpose is our fundamental reason for existence. It is like a guiding star, always worked towards but never fully attained. After full deliberation our council determined that the original purpose framed by the founders of the Society of American Magicians remains as appropriate today as it did a hundred years ago. The following is a summary of our purpose as set forth in the constitution of our society:

PURPOSE

The purpose of this society shall be to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship throughout the world of magic and to maintain and improve ethical standards in the field of magic.

MISSION

1. To become the premiere magic organization in the world as evidenced by:

• Being the organization to which professional and amateur magicians want to belong.
• The admiration and respect accorded to us by all those interested in magic.
• Worldwide recognition for its good works in the field of magical arts.

2. To double existing membership in both S.A.M. and S.Y.M. while reducing attrition by 50%.

3. To achieve S.Y.M. assembly representation in every major population center.

4. To make a national headquarters for the society a reality.

5. To change the nature of communications to reflect the increased opportunities made possible through expanding technology.

6. To define, maintain, and preserve a continuity of operations.