[Ansteorra] Newcomer Ideas...And Now a Word from your Kingdom Hospitaler

[alpage1225 at sbcglobal.net]

After reading the wonderful discussion over the last few days regarding newcomers (and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see this many of you interested in the subject), the time has come for me to put on my "Kingdom Hospitaler" hat and make a few observations and a suggestion.
 
I have to agree with Don Robin and others here that putting "labels" on newcomers is not the best idea.  Many are nervous and unsure about what we are about and would rather remain in the "background" a bit to just observe.  Obviously marking them as newcomers might make them uncomfortable.  Sashes or badges of particular colors could be confusing to current SCA members, particularly if each group has its own idea of what is effective, and nobody has the master "secret decoder".
 
The one idea that I have been pushing with the Regional and local Hospitalers is a dedicated "Newcomers Point" at all major events for any group in the Kingdom.  Place it near gate, assign individuals to escort newcomers around the site, and make sure those escorts introduce them to SCAers who are interested in sharing their activities and provide an explanation of what is going on in a particular area.  Make sure you have handouts on hand, loaner garb to borrow, and perhaps cool drinks and snacks available.  Some visitors will only stay a short while, some will want to stay the rest of the day.  If that is the case, perhaps a "newcomer pavilion" along one of the list fields would come in handy.
 
Make them feel welcome by being courteous and willing to answer questions, but don't make them uncomfortable being a newcomer by making it glaringly obvious that's what they are.
 
If you have specific ideas about what your group wants to do, please let me and your local Hospitaler know what they are.  We are always open to new perspectives.
 
YIS,
 
Countess Elizabeth Seale
Kingdom Hospitaler