What Is It?

Say it to a clown is a simple service full of Love.
You know a person who feels lonely, who has lost hope in other people or who simply could use a conversation with a caring stranger.
You put that person in contact with me and we have a 40 minute caring video conversation in which the focus is Listening. Because when we are listened to we open up, share and feel part of the world that surrounds us.
And that person, of course, can also be you.

But “Say it to a clown” offers also another service:
Say it with a clown.
You write a message or a letter to a person you love and put it into the hands of a caring stranger, which in this case is me.
The caring stranger delivers those words to the beloved person during a video conversation and, with their permission, records thei reactions and delivers them back to you.
If you wish to know more click on the button below here:

Say it to a clown is only possible thanks to people’s donations, but money doesn’t have to be the reason why you decide not to reach out, especially while Covid-19 is keeping us so distant from one another.

So if you can’t afford a donation, I offer it to you as a gift.

Why a clown?

humanitarian clown is different from the traditional circus clown.

A humanitarian clown doesn’t do shows, they might perform a character, or more characters, but not necessarily. For the humanitarian clown the costume and the props are a means to bring love and care closer to the person (or persons) they are interacting with.

A humanitarian clown notices what the person loves and emphasizes it. They listen, ask questions through language or play, they consider every person a friend, and as a friend would do, they honestly care about you, and also need to be cared for by you.

And finally, they don’t judge. They are aware of human vulnerability, they know their own imperfections and have learned to love them, thus they love people’s imperfections and welcome them with curiosity and care.

They live in the now, and what is shared with the clown, no matter how intimate, remains in the now and with the clown.

Who am I?

My name is Dario and I am a humanitarian clown.

I’ve been working with Patch Adams, MD and his organization Gesundheit! Institute as an organizer, teacher, performer and humanitarian clown since 2008.

I’ve been performing as a caring clown for many thousands of people in a number of countries, including USA, Italy, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, UK, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark…

In locations like general hospitals, children’s hospitals, mental healthcare facilities, nursing homes, addiction centers, minimum to maximum security prisons, endangered communities, shelters for people with mental and physical disabilities, foster homes for women and young people whom were victims of violence, schools for people with special needs, public schools, and in public spaces like the streets, markets, university campuses, and more.

I love people and I love to care. And I’ve learned that connecting with others with respect, no matter the circumstances, age, cultural background or deeds, is what I’m best at doing in this life.

And that’s what I want to contribute to the world.

You can read about my experience and training by clicking on this button:

CURRICULUM

And if you wish to learn more about some pieces of my story, here is a short documentary I had the honor to be portrayed in.

“Change”, directed by Carlo Crapanzano and Alessio Salvato

Why do I do it?

I don’t think we need Social Distancing.
We do need to practice Physical Distancing to help humanity heal from Covid-19, but we need Social Closeness more than ever.

Staying at home is the best thing to do for most people, but there are millions of people for whom staying at home makes them safe from the virus, but exposes them to in many cases even more dangerous conditions: violence, depression, loneliness or lack of self-care.

Many of us have plenty of free time at the moment, so I want to offer the possibility to occupy part of that free time with a conversation with a caring stranger.

Why would you try it?

Maybe you know a person who feels lonely, who has lost hope in other people or who simply could use a conversation with a caring stranger who has been accompanying people with his care, presence, words and play in all sorts of contexts and circumstances for many years.

Maybe that person is you.

Although the service may have therapeutic effects, this is not a therapy and I am not a therapist.

It is free,
if you can’t afford to donate.

You don’t have to pay in advance. I have a conversation with you or with the person you put me in contact with. And if you afterwards think the consequences of my intervention were desirable you are welcome to donate to support me.

I don’t want money to be the reason why you decide not to reach out.

So if you can’t donate, this is as a gift from me to you.

Why would you trust me?

In addition to Patch Adams, MD and Carl Hammerschlag, MD‘s recommendations in the videos at the top of the page,  here are the words from some of the many people from around the world I had the opportunity to work with. 

Maybe that person is you.

Recommendations are extracted from Say it to a clown facebook page.

Say it to a clown
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Dominique Loiselle
Dominique Loiselle
00:57 15 Mar 21
Dario is a very good listener and has a strong desire to help people. He is warm, funny, and filled with love and compassion. He listened to me carefully and helped me taking decisions with my heart. I meet him once a month and it is very helpful... and makes me very happy . Thank you Dario 🌈read more
Patricia Azpelicueta
Patricia Azpelicueta
13:18 25 Jan 21
Desde pequeña mi padre me enseñó que debo buscar algo bueno detrás de toda situación difícil…Algo bueno hay que sacar de esta experiencia de CoronaConfinamiento, y sin duda Dario ha sido una de las maravillosas experiencias de nuestras vidas...que... no olvidaremos...
Ver la cara de mi madre de 83 años…aislada con mi hermano…en una colina en medio de la campiña italiana desde que explotó el virus en el mundo… recibir vía whatsapp un payaso…con la sensibilidad…el cuidado y el amor que tiene Dario…. que le recitaba una poesía de Lorca que ella adora…un cuento basado en su película preferida “Pretty woman” y una carta con cosas que nunca pusimos en valor …como el pertenecer a una familia de mujeres migrantes…valientes y con mucho coraje.. de parte de su hija y su nieta…no tiene palabras!...
Una de las imágenes más bellas que pudimos ver de mi madre…porque Dario graba a la persona que recibe el mesaje…sorprendida como una niña de 5 años…y de mi hermano…un tipo duro que sin embargo se emocionó al hablar con Dario…al punto que lo hemos adoptado a Dario toda la familia!!!...con la promesa de pescar con mi hermano y comer comida casera que le hará mi madre!!!
Mi hija y yo que vivimos en Valencia España y mi madre y mi hermano en Italia!...a veces la gente que amamos está más sola de lo que imaginamos…a veces damos por sentado que la gente sabe como la queremos y valoramos…a veces pensamos que nuestros hijos conocen nuestra vida… y solo saben de nosotros a partir del momento donde compartimos vida juntos.
El agradecimiento de mi hija Maka por haberla hecho partícipe de esta experiencia no tiene precio!!!!...y sentir que a través de este simple gesto hemos podido honrar a 4 generaciones de mujeres de mi familia y decirle a mi madre qué hemos aprendido de ella y de las demás mujeres ha sido bellísimo.
Por supuesto luego repetimos!...y lo hicimos con una amiga italiana muy querida por mi familia que luego de pasar más de un año de dolor físico y una operación de la columna…comienza a ponerse en pié…y gradeciendo a su pareja que la cuidó tanto!...
Gracias Dario…por estas experiencias y estos momentos de amor sin fronteras …porque nos has ayudado a poder revertir situaciones de angustia por estar lejos de tantísima familia y gente querida que no sabemos cuándo volveremos a ver!
Gracias amigo por…como dicen los franceses…”La beauté du geste”….la belleza del gesto…Gracias por cruzarte en nuestras vidas…
Uno duerme mejor cuando apoya la cabeza en la almohada y sabe…que hay un payaso llamado Dario en el mundo!... Lovelove forever!!!
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Andra Valerio
Andra Valerio
20:32 10 Dec 20
Dario is one of the MOST beautiful humans I know with one of the biggest hearts. I have had the pleasure of working along-side him on a clowning trip and I can assure you: HE CARES. He's a blessing of a human and I'm so, so grateful that he is on... this earth that he gives his heart away to those who truly need it. I would recommend Say it to a clown with Dario a million times over. If you want to feel genuine love and understanding, he's the perfect person to talk to. <3read more
Angie Rios
Angie Rios
18:05 04 Oct 20
Una conversación que me emocionó mucho, sin compromisos, sin caretas, sin miedos, simplemente liberadora! Amé hablar con Dario Solina me nutrió el alma, lloré, reí pero lo disfruté demasiado!! 100000% recomendable... Gracias 🥰💕
Laus Zu
Laus Zu
06:24 03 Oct 20
Hablar con Darío fue una experiencia profunda que -pienso- necesitamos muchos, quizá más de los que estén dispuestos a admitirlo. Y es que encontrar a alguien dispuesto a abrir una ventana para escucharte sin juicios y a compartirse de una forma tan... pura no es fácil, particularmente en los tiempos que vivimos.

Su esencia humana y clown le permite iniciar una conexión inmediata y sin barreras. A lo largo del camino encontramos personas que nos ofrecen muchas cosas, pero ¿quien te dedica tiempo? ¿Quien está dispuesto a conectar hacia tu mundo? ¿Cómo mantenerte cerca de alguien cuando hoy la principal indicación es alejarte?

Gracias Dario por tener esta iniciativa!!! gracias porque a través de tus pláticas estás haciendo este mundo mejor y llenándolo de amor. Say it to a clown es por mucho una de las mejores iniciativas en estos tiempos.
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Simona Laudisa
Simona Laudisa
16:58 10 Sep 20
Ognuno di noi è un piccolo grande miracolo, questo l'ho sempre pensato. Ma è innegabile che in alcune persone il miracolo si faccia più evidente. E' il caso di Dario. La sua magia secondo me è questa: una massiccia dose di neuroni che danza avvinta... a una meravigliosa energetica sensibilità. Se non avete mai parlato con Dario, siete fortunati. Perché ora avete l'opportunità di farlo.read more
Carlos Obando Sanipatin
Carlos Obando Sanipatin
03:11 25 Aug 20
Una charla amena, un espacio para escuchar y ser escuchado. Gracias Dario por la oportunidad d dar un espacio para expresarse. Eres una persona en verdad genial
Susan HarringtonHoward
Susan HarringtonHoward
17:05 18 Aug 20
Someone who can put a very unique and deeply personal touch to that which is shared. No labels, no judging...just listening in harmony
WITH you!
Carolyn Fancher
Carolyn Fancher
23:05 02 Aug 20
Dario is love in action. He is kind, gentle, soulful, spirited and in service to others with gifts that are uniquely his own. I met him on the first trip I took with Gesundheit! to try clowning in Costa Rica. I can, whole-heartedly recommend... conversation with him, on any subject and especially those that matter! 🧡❤️💙💚💜read more
Annick Cartier
Annick Cartier
11:24 29 Jul 20
Dario change my way to see clown and the world. He did show me how vulnerability is a force and a way of connecting. He is one of the most beautiful caregiver and listener I ever met! His wisdom and humor make you confortable, and make you continue... your reflexion with a smile! It's a beautiful experience to talk to this beautiful human soul!💞❤read more
Miti Rach
Miti Rach
06:21 27 Jul 20
Dario is the most humble and down to earth human I have come across. As the saying goes 'to love without condition, talk without intention, listen without judging, give without reason and care without expectation' these words could not be more true,... that's Dario for you! One of the first clowns and beautiful soul I met on my journey to clowning. Thank you for sharing your gift with those who need it the most. Just say it to this clown, I would highly recommend him! xread more
Neuro Luz Casas
Neuro Luz Casas
23:46 20 Jul 20
Talking to Clown Dario will bring yo an enormous sense of joy, hope and some pain relieving.
He is an open-mind human who will never judge you about your thoughts you share with him.

(Español)
Hablar con el payaso Dario te provee una... enorme sensación de alegría, de esperanza y algo que calma tu dolor. Él es un hombre de mente abierta que nunca te juzgará acerca de tus pensamientos que le compartas.read more
Lety Dugros
Lety Dugros
20:54 12 Jul 20
Ojalá puedas regalarte la oportunidad de hablar con Dario. Ojalá las relaciones interpersonales se nutran, se edifiquen, con la calidez que encontré en mis conversaciones con él. Simplemente date la oportunidad. A veces uno aprende ayudando y... otras , uno aprende dejándose ayudar.read more
Susan Dembicki Middleton
Susan Dembicki Middleton
13:34 12 Jul 20
Dario is just an incredible human being. So much love for others and his joy is contagious!
Beaky Beakers
Beaky Beakers
02:53 12 Jul 20
Meeting Dario changed my life for the better. He is so incredibly kind, joyful, and genuinely generous as a person. I leave every interaction with him feeling excited and loved. Everytime I see his name or he crosses my mind it just naturally brings... a smile to my face. Dario brings joy to all of those around him. He is a caring listener and deeply effective caregiver. I'm so sure speaking to him will make you feel better about life!read more
Mark Enslin
Mark Enslin
21:02 11 Jul 20
I have seen Dario in action as a down-to-earth ambassador of love and witness in streets, hospitals, places of stress and isolation. He offers a loving look and an empathetic ear.
Mercedes Paloma Lopez
Mercedes Paloma Lopez
15:42 11 Jul 20
Dario es definitivamente lo que el mundo necesita en estos momentos. Un corazón tan abierto a escuchar lo que guarda tu corazón. Un amigo inmediato con una sonrisa que alivia cualquier malestar. Sus palabras prevalecen y te ayudan constantemente.
Lauquito Villacís Luna
Lauquito Villacís Luna
15:39 11 Jul 20
La frase que presenta el proyecto: habla con una persona que le importa, escucha y nunca juzga es 100% real. Incluso yo le agregaría que te cambia la vida.
Rachel Olsson
Rachel Olsson
20:05 10 Jul 20
Dario is an absolute gem. An experienced and hearty listener as a dad, partner, friend, and clown And in multiple languages! Just what the modern life ordered: compassion, connection, and humor.
Rebecca Wolf
Rebecca Wolf
23:33 09 Jul 20
Dario is one of the most beautiful, compassionate, and loving soul whisperers I have ever known. He has a natural healing presence and radiates warmth, thoughtfulness, loving-kindness, and play for all people and living beings. He is a magician of... spirit, giving all of himself to the present moment, and is genuinely interested in receiving your story and presence. Dario is my friend and clown brother. I am very thankful to walk this path with him and highly recommend speaking with him. He is an angel of humanity.read more
Veena Vasista
Veena Vasista
01:33 07 Jul 20
With gentle playfulness and a willingness to look you in the eye (unless, of course, you'd rather he didn't!), Dario listens and speaks with an open-heart. Having a conversation with Dario is an opportunity to experience being in deeply... compassionate connection with someone - who sees you, hears you and fully welcomes you - however you show up before him. Reach out to him yourself and send your friends his way. Dario's Clown Love is a soft, yet potent magic. <3read more
Morea Steinhauer
Morea Steinhauer
09:49 06 Jul 20
Dario's ability to cultivate deep authentic connection in seconds is like none I've ever experienced. His huge empathic heart, ability to deeply listen (to words in multiple languages, without words, to the body/body language, etc), he is... extremely talented in being able to be deeply present in the now facilities the space or opportunity for the other(s) to be deeply 'seen' and have the 'space' to let raw, authentic, unedited self to emerge. Most often it's through his loving empathic eye contact with very little words his presences transforms a space and welcomes you to be as you are -- to let come up and out whatever arises. Listen to your heart whisper in this moment and say 'YES' to this opportunity, it's truly a gift beyond compare <3read more
Luiza Oliveira
Luiza Oliveira
07:57 06 Jul 20
Dario is one of the most amazing person that I've ever met in the world. He is really clever, a great listener, he deeply cares, very creative, always looking for ways to make the world a better place to all of us and his heart is bigger than... himself.

Say it to a clown is an amazing initiative for creating deep connections, and to allow more people to get in touch with and to be moved and inspired by this amazing human being <3
read more
Hunter Gates
Hunter Gates
04:23 06 Jul 20
Dario is creative, intuitive, sensitive, articulate, and expressive. His way is to listen to the person who’s speaking, not to interrupt or respond but rather just to hear them out. To speak with him you consistently feel respected and understood. ... His honest responses produces an organic environment that fosters solid connections and he doesn’t have a higher initiative, but rather lets the conversation flow where it needs to go.
Though Dario might not be speaking much during the conversation, he shows that he is engaged by using active body language.
When you connect to ‘Say it to A Clown’, you are encouraged to say all that you have to rather than rushing to finish the conversation.
Dario has spent his life caring and supporting other people by being interested in what they have to say.
read more
Elizabeth Adams
Elizabeth Adams
02:26 06 Jul 20
Dario combines love, bravery, and playfulness like no one else. He brims with compassion and humor and appreciation for everything human. When my friends are feeling hopeless, I tell them about him! Knowing and working with him has been one of the... greater privileges of my life, and I would recommend that anyone take this opportunity to have a conversation with him. This world could really use his amazingess spread more widely, so avail yourself and your friends, and Say it to a clown. You will not regret it!read more
Brad Johnston
Brad Johnston
00:17 06 Jul 20
Dario Solina is such a warm hearted, gentle person, that I feel I could say anything to him. He would listen and hold my words and feelings without judging me, without giving me advice, and without needing me to change. He lets me just be where I... am. Thanks Dario.read more
Suzanne Boire
Suzanne Boire
11:56 05 Jul 20
If you need to talk❤️, say it to a clown, if you need caring,❤️ say it to a clown. I know the clown and trust me, he is a great listener. His hearth is big like the universe.
More Reviews
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Reserve your conversation

In the form below, make sure your timezone is correctly selected, then select a date and choose an available time that works for you. 

I’ll contact the email address you provide confirming the date and sending a link to a secure password protected online meeting room.

The conversation lasts 40 minutes. Then we say goodbye. =)

For any further question or clarification, you can contact me directly by clicking here.

Important: if you are reserving a conversation for a third person, please make sure to notify the person and that they agree.

Also important:
When filling out the form, in the field named “Notes”, please write:

1. a brief description of yourself (or the person)
2. share what you expect from the conversation

This is essential for me to prepare to our conversation and so that our time together is entirely focused on that which you wish to talk about.

If none of the times below work for you:
In case the available dates/times in the calendar below don’t work with your schedule, I’m sure we can find an alternative. Please let me know by clicking here.

Donate

As for many other people during the Covid-19 outbreak, my regular job has been substantially affected. 

Say it to a clown is the way I found to continue doing what I learned I’m best at: caring for people.

Depending on what you can afford, this is how you can make a difference: 

€1 to €45: “Thank you, Dario!”

€50 to €75: “Our conversation helped me, and I wish to donate for the time you dedicated to me.”

€80 to €140: “I believe another person who can’t afford donating should have the opportunity to talk with you. I’ll donate it forward to them!”

€150 and more: “I wish to contribute so that you can continue doing the work you are doing!”

By clicking on the Donate button below, you’ll be able to donate via PayPal or credit/debit card, and also to make a recurring donation.

You decide the amount, I say thank you.

Post Scriptum

In October 2017, I receive an email from a man who says he is interested in participating in one of the humanitarian clown programs I organize, but first he would like to have a phone call with me to share relevant things he was dealing with at the time. We have an internet phone call.
Afterwards he decides to participate, we become friends and his name is Benjamin.
 

Years later, on April 7th 2020Ben writes me an email sharing beautiful things happening in his present life, and among other things he writes:

“Thank you Dario for all your loving kindness and understanding. I will never forget the
conversation we both had when I stood on a railway station in Sri Lanka, on my birthday, having decided to separate from my fiancée the day before. To say I was sad, lost and
vulnerable would be an understatement. Along with family and friends, you really helped me get some perspective and get excited about the future again. So bless you, thank you and don’t ever stop doing those calls. :-)”

Say it to a clown is what I’m doing to follow Ben’s invitation.

Thank you…

My deepest gratitude goes to my ingenious, patient and loving brother, Mario, without whom this webpage wouldn’t have been possible, to my precious friends Mo and Ana for their feedback and for helping polish the English and Spanish texts, to MauroGiacomo and Veena for their loving support and ideas, to Vincenzo for his graphic design wisdom, and to my wife Line for her support, enthusiasm and invaluable feedback. Finally to Patch Adams, M.D.Carl Hammerschlag, M.D. and all the people who shared their recommendations and supported me and this project.

Photos courtesy of Alessio SalvatoCarlo Crapanzano and Vincenzo Cammarata.