[Ansteorra] Newcomer Badges

[Susan McMahill]

I have been thinking back to my first SCA events. It was in An Tir, their University of Ithra, kind of like our King's College. My son and I went in our brand new garb and were spoken to a few times, but were generally ignored except for one man, Sir Brand Deux Lyons. He taught two or three of the classes we attended and was most willing to chat with us. At the end of the day, he carried my basket for me as we headed for the car. When I was attending a class that my 11 year old son was totally uninterested, he took Adam in hand and when I came out, they were both sitting on the floor playing shut the box.

 

The next event I attended with a friend. She had never been to an SCA event before. We went to Crown Tourney in An Tir. During the whole weekend we were left completely to our own devices. No one offered us help, guidance, instruction...nothing! I wish that we HAD been wearing something that would have indicated our newness as I think that the event would have been much more fun. Somebody would have come up to us and guided us around, taught us about what was going at the eric, whispered to us about what was happening in Court. My friend went to one more event with me where much the same happened. When I moved to Ansteorra a few months later, she never went to another SCA event. 

 

I really think that a pin or badge of some kind, when offered to newcomers at the gate (which they could decline, if they chose) would be a good idea. I have noticed that a great many folks in the SCA are really extremely shy (it's part of that geek thing that we have.) While we are comfortable speaking with folks we know, it is often very difficult to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. Being that we attract the same sort of folks, it is usually difficult for newcomers to ask for the guidance that they need, whether they are aware of that need or not. 

 

When older-timers would see the badge, that would be an opportunity for them to push past that comfort zone, a growth experience for them, and a chance for a newcomer to be welcomed and guided. Those that are not willing to extend themselves this far would not have to do anything more than smile and be pleasant. Nothing is forced on anyone. It would also be a signal to be gentle with any 'issues' that might be noted. The wrong color belt or sash, for example, or the jeans with the tunic, etc. 

 

Critiquing garb and the like is so wrong. I have heard of several examples where first experiences have been ruined by someone has torn someone's ego to shreds with a few misguided attempts to "instruct." While the badge wouldn't prevent this necessarily, if someone sees someone with this badge being 'instructed' in this manner, they could step in and intervene...perhaps 'borrow' the newcomer for a visit to an arts display or something else.

 

I never had the help of a hospitaler other than a few emails before I moved to Ansteorra. I never had one take me in hand or help me with getting acquainted with people or learning the ropes. I was fortunate to have a few kind gentles offer to have me sit at their table at my first event and feast, and others to allow me to camp with them at my first Ansteorran camping event. Statistically, I probably should be one of those who quit in the first year. It would have been so much easier if I'd worn a badge.

 

Badges or sashes for newcomers should be voluntary, but offered. That makes them the exact opposite of the horrible comparisons to yellow stars. So inappropriate and so off base. These newcomer "devices" are meant for inclusion, not exclusion...a world of difference!

 

Lyneya de Grey

Well-behaved women Seldom make history - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich