Board Members, Guidelines, Policies and Financials

Our Board Members

“Yisrael” Allan A. Petersen, President and Chairman

Diana Brown, Vice-President

Marcia Bedminster, Secretary and Director E-mail: mdbcancer@hotmail.com

Shanell Harney, Vice Chairman and Fundraising Co-Chair E-mail: shanell.harney2015@hotmail.com

Erika Petersen, Treasurer and Project Grants Manager

Desiree Ritta Lambertis, Director

Liza Margolis, Deputy Director

Rudel Grant, Seargent of Arms/Security

Becoming a Moko Jumbie Stilt Dancer

Thank you for wanting to be a participating member of Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies, also known as Yisrael’s Ambassadors of Culture.

Guidelines for Admissions and Classes

Anyone who is interested in learning the art of the Moko Jumbie Stilt Dancing must do the following: Learn the history of the Moko Jumbie’s influence on our Caribbean Virgin Islands Culture. Take a Quiz, you must pass the quiz to continue. All are required to know the history and pass the quiz before learning to walk on stilts.

1.      Classes for members on Moko Jumbie training are for the benefits of A.) Saving the culture, B.) Creating a group/troupe for parades and events and C.) Having a positive skill.

2.      Our non-profit organizations’ motto is “Keeping the Culture & Tradition Alive in the V.I.” We intend to do so by participating in events on St. Thomas, St. John and other islands including abroad. Only members that have purchased their own stilts, costumes and come to all practices to learn routines as well as shown confidence in walking on stilts with no assistance may participate in the troupe. Cost of transportation, meals/snacks, lodging, costumes and stilts to events are not included in the Annual Membership fee.

3.      Classes will be held for St. Thomas on Sundays at Lockhart School from 11am to 2pm and on St. John classes are held on Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm until such changes are made by the instructor. Annual Membership Fee of $50 and completion of the online Annual Membership form is required to receive free classes year-round. Please scroll below to view the guidelines for Annual Memberships and complete the online form.

4.      Each student will be measured for stilts. Parents and guardians will help to ensure correct fit and measurement. The price of the stilts (1 pair) to be completed is $200.00. The price for each costume set will be $250.00 which includes hat (1qty), mask (1qty), gloves (1 pair), shirt (1 qty), vest (1 qty), pants (1 qty), grass skirt (1 qty) and umbrella (1 qty). If any costume items are lost or damaged.  The cost to replace or repair is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian or Member.

5.      A 50% deposit is required and non-refundable and non-transferable. Form of payment for costumes and stilts will be accepted in check, cash or money order.  Please make check/money order payable to Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbie Inc. Bring payment to your next class. Payment of stilts and costumes is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian or Member.

6.      Each member will be trained by Instructor Yisrael, unless otherwise instructed for help by an assistant or parent.  Training on stilts will be conducted only at specific locations designated by the instructor where safety for each member is foremost important and manageable.

7.       On some days, classes will be canceled or extended beyond or declined depending on the circumstances including weather. The instructor will determine if classes will be cancelled. Members will be notified on WhatsApp Member Group.

8.       On rainy and high windy days there will be no practice. Wet surfaces and strong winds create unsafe conditions.

9.       Parents/Guardians are welcome to join our WhatsApp Member Group to receive updates on classes or events from the instructor and the Board, please read the Guidelines on the use of WhatsApp Member Group.

10.   Donations are welcomed and accepted to help keep this positive cultural art form alive in the Virgin Islands. Our name is Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies, Inc and we are 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

11.   Once members own their stilts and have taken them home, it is the Parent/Guardian/Members responsibility to A.) Protect the stilts. B.) Practice closely with their child by not leaving the child unattended while on the stilts to ensure no harm happens while the child is on stilts.  Also, it is the Parent/Guardian/Member responsibilities to ensure the costumes are clean, pressed, and presentable for each event.

12.   At every event, costumes, stilts, umbrellas, masks, gloves, hats, or other required items are necessary for the group to take part in any event. If any one of the above items is missing or you decide not to wear certain item(s) because they do not match, the member cannot participate. Costumes cannot be altered unless given permission by the instructor. Please scroll below to find more information on the Guidelines for participating in our Troupe for Carnival Parades.

Annual Membership Dues, Benefits and Guidelines

Thank you for becoming a member of Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies, also known as Yisrael’s Ambassadors of Culture.

Benefits of Having a Membership:

By being a member, you can take free weekly classes year-round at any of our locations on St. John and St. Thomas. You will be given the opportunity to purchase custom made stilts and costumes to participate in our troupe for events. You will also be part of our WhatsApp membership group to receive notifications on any changes of classes or request to participate in our next upcoming fundraiser or event. More importantly you are part of a group of members who are committed to uplifting and sharing the Moko Jumbie culture to our virgin island community.

Non-members/visitors:

Non-members or visitors can sign-up for classes and are required to learn the history of the Moko Jumbies and take quiz prior to getting on stilts. Non-members or visitors must pay $65 per class session that they attend, we accept cash, check or money order, please make payment to Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies Inc. Non-members/visitors will be given slightly used stilts to use during classes only. No costume will be provided for non-members or visitors. For non-members and visitors, you must e-mail the instructor Yisrael a minimum of 3 days in advance to ensure stilts will be readily available. Carrying many pairs of stilts across islands can be strenuous. Stilts will only be brought to class for a non-member/visitor who has RSVP in advance. Again, please RSVP in advance by e-mailing yisraeltemple@gmail.com.

Renewal Membership Dues are Coming Up!

Your renewal of membership of $50.00 is due no later than August 1, 2025, we will give a 30-day grace period for this year. Exceptions will be made for new members who have recently joined in May and June of 2025. It is mandatory that all membership dues and renewals must be submitted along with the Membership Application & Agreement form. Please take the time to read our Policies and Guidelines before clicking this icon link below to access form.

Guidelines to Renewing Your Annual Membership:

Each member must pay the annual membership fee of $50.00. Please make sure that you do not owe any money for your stilts being made and costume. Failure to pay for stilts or costumes fee will hold back your renewal annual membership application. Please complete the form on-line and hand in your payment at your next class. We do accept cash, check or money order. Please make check/money order payable to Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies Inc.

If the Annual Membership fee is not paid or the Annual Membership form has not been completed or signed, you then be required to pay non-member fee of $65 per class until the membership renewal requirements have been met. Please read the above Membership Benefits.

Ages 4 and above are welcome to be a member. We do not discriminate against religious beliefs, race, gender, or sexual orientation. We ask that all members respect each other and come together to carry on the torch of our ancestors by being the light shining high across our sister islands in the Virgin Islands and to the world.

Guidelines to Participating in Our Troupe for Carnival Parade & Events

As of August 1, 2025, you must be up to date on payment of annual membership fees, stilts and costumes. The reason we chose August 1st as the final date to renew your annual membership is because it falls after the following carnivals that we as troupe participated in—-St. Croix Parade/Events Jan, St. Thomas, Parade/Events April/May and St John Parade/Events July. This way we can start the new carnival season with everyone who is up to date on their annual membership and focus on new membership and fundraising.

We ask that members who plan on participating in the parade must attend all practices to learn the routine for the parade. We are there to perform as a troupe and participate in the contest for “best performance” and are being judge by the carnival committee. If you do not attend the practices to learn the routine, you will not be allowed to participate in the parade.

Remember, this is stilt dancing, and it requires practice, practice, practice, for the safety of the Moko Jumbies as well as the spectators. Practices help to prevent injuries and build team working skills. We are a team and as a team we must show up for each other. Please come to the practice.

On the day of the parade, you must bring the following costume items: Mask, hat, gloves, shirt, vest, pant, grass skirt, umbrella, stilts, tape, padding, cloth ties. Anything is missing and you will be asked not to participate in coming down the parade with the troupe. Please remember to bring everything!

If you find that you need replacing of certain items of your costume, please tell your instructor 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Some of our costume items are shipped world-wide and we may not get the item(s) needed on time. Again, the responsibility falls on the Parent/Guardian/Member to give ample notice.

If your child is participating, please do not have your child on stilts prior to the parade starting. We do not want your child to be exhausted or dehydrated before the parade starts. Please keep your child hydrated, bring water and snacks. We are not in charge of the duration of the parade, please pack a small lunch that does not require refrigeration.

We will provide water and juice. It is the parent and members’ responsibility to organize snacks and food either for the group to share or for themselves. Please be aware that any snacks, food, drinks you place in our trucks, coolers, trolly or safari will be shared to the whole troupe. If you bring something you do not want to share, please keep it in your personal bag or backpack.

We want all our children and adults to have a great time and create amazing memories. We ask all members to come in with a great attitude and be on their best behavior, you are not only representing yourself, our troupe but our ancestor’s art & culture, please be mindful and respectful at all times of this art form.

We ask that if you are traveling or participating along the parade route with our troupe, to purchase a t-shirt designed by the organization to wear, please do not cut or tear these t-shirts. We ask that you dress appropriately. It is important that we look cohesive and reflect our presentation in a positive manner.

We also ask that you restrain from drinking alcohol or use of any illegal/legal substances that may cause impairment, carry a weapon (unless you are V.I. law enforcement) or use of foul language or display behavior that deems inappropriate or hostile or goes against our core values as a Moko Jumbie Troupe.

If you invite anyone that is not a member to come along with you; you are responsible for that individual’s actions and behavior, and they too must follow guidelines and polices as well as wear the organizations t-shirt during the walk of the parade. When traveling, members are given first priority. Again, if you invite a non-member, you are responsible for their travel, food and lodging arrangements.

Remember you are here to be a role model and to watch over all our children. We understand that it is Carnival, but we are participating in the “Children’s Carnival Parade for Children”. We are being photographed, placed on social media, videoed for live T.V. and watched by many eyes from start to finish of the parade. Please be aware that we are setting an example and showcasing the Moko Jumbie art form as guardians and protectors of our community.

Most importantly, we are creating a safe environment for our members and children. Any disorderly conduct will be dealt with immediately and the board will decide on any future consequences regarding your future participation and membership, if necessary.

Also, when caring for your child on stilts, please be mindful of other Moko Jumbie stilt dancers nearby, please do not be in a rush when it comes to attending to your child, please keep a safe distance from other stilt dancers. We do not want any of our Moko Jumbies to be accidentally pushed and lose their balance, always be mindful—for example if you are walking around with a huge umbrella (which may block your own site and of others around you).

Again, watch where you are walking and crossing during the parade route. Please make sure you are not blocking camera crews/photographers while they are filming the Moko Jumbies routine. Most importantly, make sure your child is focused on listening to the instructor leading the troupe.

We like to thank all our parents and guardians who walk along the parade route. Your wonderful smiles, enthusiasm and attention to the needs of our members on stilts are deeply appreciated.

Guidelines to Participating in Fundraising Events

Fundraising is an important part of our non-profit. We want all our members to have the opportunity of performing on all three sister islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Below under Policies and Financials you can view in detail the costs to travel to different islands and participate in their Children’s Carnival Parade. The total estimated yearly cost to participate on all three islands is around $14,135.00.

Fundraising is a necessary activity that all members must participate in. At each fundraising event there will be a volunteer sign in sheet. The Fundraising Coordinator will submit the signatures to the Board Secretary and in turn the Board Secretary will send a copy to the Board Treasurer. If you scroll down below to Financials of Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbie, Inc. you will see the estimated costs to travel to STT, STJ, STX to participate in their carnival parade & festivities.

Policies and Financials

We ask that all members, including non-members, invited by members to any of our practices, travel, parade and fundraising events, follow our policies and guidelines established by the Board Members of Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies, Inc

Policies on use of WhatsApp Member Group Chat

We use WhatsApp for our members to keep everyone up to date with the latest details of upcoming events, notifications on any changes of classes, reminders or requests for participation at our next upcoming fundraiser or event.

We always like to hear from our members and keep the group moral on WhatsApp positive. However, the group chat is really intended for the instructor or board members to inform the membership group.

If you have any questions or suggestions that can improve our group practices, events, or fundraising, please email your questions, suggestions or concerns to our Board Secretary, Marcia Bedminister at mdbcancer@hotmail.com

Please give the Board time to review and respond. We respect all our members, and we hope that together we can resolve any issues and continue to grow. Please restrain from using WhatsApp Membership Group to voice any concerns.

This method is not conducive or productive to keeping the standards of our group, such actions will be viewed as confrontational. If a member continues to use WhatsApp that goes against the guidelines; instead of e-mailing the board or not allowing a minimum of 48 hours for the board to convene and respond, the member will be removed from the WhatsApp Member Group.

The board will respond to either the individual member or to the membership group or both depending on the issue. The Board is here to serve the group to the best of their ability and to provide an enriching environment for all members.

Non-Compete Agreement

Thank you for being a member and understanding the importance of the cultural style and identity of our group; “Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbies, Inc” also known as Yisrael’s Ambassadors of Culture, which sets us apart from other stilt walkers and performing troupes/groups.    

Our Moko Jumbie costume attire which all members were given:  a Chinese style hat, mask (black and white patterns), pants & vest (African design fabric) and umbrella which is the signature style of this group. You cannot wear costumes at any events free or for payment which is not approved by the organization’s President/Chair. 

If any member shall be observed in violation of these terms by physical sight or visual recorded evidence, shall be terms of termination as a member from the group stated above.

If a member decides to leave Yisrael’s New Generation of Moko Jumbie Inc., this exiting member is not permitted to wear our costume attire as described above to any events free or for payment after leaving our organization. If any exiting member breaks this non-compete agreement, legal action will be taken. By paying your Annual Membership Fee and/or submitting online or by paper format the Annual Membership Agreement Form you have agreed to our Non-Compete Agreement.

Our Financials

The charts below show the operating costs of this non-profit organization, the estimated expenses for participating in the carnival across all three islands, and details on fundraising and donations. Costs are subject to change due to price changes, taxes and the number of participating members. We appreciate your continued support in helping us to reach closer to our goals each year.

Every year, we want to be able to showcase our members at Carnival parades and events across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our members have worked so hard to develop their skills in stilt dancing, by coming to weekly practices year-round, learning routines, pushing themselves to learn new tricks and challenging themselves to try on taller stilts. Children are learning to be self-confident by trusting their own ability to walk on stilts as young as 4 years old.

We have witnessed children telling their parents to step back, “I can do this!” And YES, they can! Our members look forward to the opportunity to participate at Carnival and events to demonstrate to their family, friends, and community their accomplishments! Your donations make it possible! Thank you for your support in helping us to raise tall ambassadors for future generations to come.

From all of us “Let’s Keep the Culture Alive in the Virgin Islands, — MUCH LOVE, ALWAYS”.

Our Annual Financial Administrative Fixed Costs

Certificate of Good Standing 2025

Please note that the travel costs of St. Croix are higher than St. Thomas or St. John. We are unable to guarantee that we will be able to participate in St. Croix each year. It all depends on the donations and funds raised prior to the event.

Travel Costs to Participate in St. Croix Children’s Carnival Parade

Travel Costs to Participate in St. John’s Carnival Parade

Travel Costs to Participate in St. Thomas’ Children Carnival Parade

Donations and Fundraising for 2024 and 2025

Our Goal is to Raise $15k in 2025 to participate in Carnival on all three U.S. Virgin Islands for 2026.

Please note that the funds and donations chart shown for 2025 have been used to participate in STX, STT, STJ 2025 Carnivals.

We now need to raise 15K to participate in the upcoming Carnival Parades for 2026.

We appreciate everyone in front and behind the scenes who have helped keep our non-profit going. It's time for us as members to step up, get creative with fundraising ideas, and reach out to our community for the donations needed to keep this incredible and enriching program going. From All of Us on The Board, We Thank you.