| A Commitment To Our Roots |
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A Commitment to Our Roots, commonly known as '''ACTOR''', is the first federally recognized not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping Comic Book creators, writers, and artists in need. Founded in late 2000 by a consortium of comic book and trade publishers including Marvel Comics , Image Comics , Dark Horse Comics , Wizard Entertainment , and Dynamic Forces Inc., the 501(c)(3) Charity aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance. ELIGIBILITY Many early comic creators, whose work laid the foundation of entire Fictional Universe s and the billion-dollar companies that profit from them, were often paid very little for their work, and were not allowed to keep their creations. According to the organization, "to be eligible for financial assistance from ACTOR, an applicant must have been a working comic book Writer , Penciler , Inker , Colorist or Letterer on a Work-for-hire basis for no less than 10 years since January 1, 1934." Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements may apply for aid, which could vary from medical assistance, or paying the rent, to help finding a job (in or out of the comics industry). ACTOR's benefits are not meant to be a permanent crutch for needy creators, but a helping hand in getting back on one's feet or keeping their financial head above water. Any granted aid is kept confidential. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTOR has two Boards Of Directors : the Executive Board and the Fund Disbursement Board. The Executive Board, which handles fund raising and handles operations, is comprised of Jim McLauchlin , Editor-in-chief of Top Cow Productions ; Pat McCallum , editor-in-chief of Wizard Magazine; comics creator Brian Pulido ; Joe Quesada , editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics; Mike Richardson , publisher and founder of Dark Horse Comics; and comics creator and Image co-founder Jim Valentino . The Fund Disbursement Board, who hear cases for aid and make all final decisions on who to aid, act independent of the Executive Board, and is comprised entirely of comics creators, writers, artists, and editors. They are (co- Chair ) George Pérez , (co-chair) Roy Thomas , Dick Giordano , (board secratary) Charlie Novinskie , Dennis O'Neil , and John Romita Sr. ]] FUNDRAISING ACTOR utilizes many methods of fundraising. Foremost is their annual art Auction , auctioning donated original comics art-work at Fan Convention s. Year-long they sell donated art and special edition comics at conventions and through the Dynamic Forces website. Artists, writers, and publishers are invited to donate work, and fans are invited to donate money directly to the fund. ACTOR also sells a green Excelsior ! wrist-band similar in design to the Live Strong band. EXTERNAL LINKS
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