[Ansteorra-announce] Demo-DONE..Now What

[Erik Langhans]

So, you finished your demo and have some new recruits trickling in.  Now what?  Remember that interest wanes quickly, so follow up with all newcomers within 7 days.  Yes, that's one week.  Send them a link to the kingdom web site and to your local web site.  Invite them to the next local or regional event and provide them with a link to that event, if possible.

If your local seneschal, autocrat, and treasurer approve, you can also send your newcomers an email or letter with an invitation to the next event, a copy of the event announcement, and a coupon for half off at the gate if they RSVP in advance.

At the event, be sure that you have someone assigned to look out for your newcomers and be available to answer their questions.  Remember that they won't know anyone, so make an effort to make them feel welcome.  Work with your local hospitaler or seneschal to ensure that you have the help you need.

Additionally, consider holding a newcomer's meeting.  Rather than inviting them to your populace meeting, set aside a night just for them.  Pick a night and invite your newcomers over for milk and cookies.  Invite some energetic members of the local group who are well spoken and ask them to talk about the various activities the SCA offers.  Give all newcomers contact information for someone they can call if they have any questions - the seneschal or hospitaler are both appropriate.  However, if you have enough people interested, assign each newcomer a mentor. Also, provide your newcomers with information about how to subscribe to your local email list, if your group has one.

Don't know what to talk about?  Try these sites!

Introductory materials for newcomers:
http://www.ansteorra.org/regnum/demo/demo_materials.php

The Kingdom Hospitaler's web page:
http://www.ansteorra.org/regnum/hospitaler/newcomers.php

The SCA web page for newcomers:
http://www.sca.org/newcomers.html

For more details on newcomer meetings, see the Ealdormere Chatelaine's Handbook at http://www.ealdormere.sca.org/files/chatelainehandbook20031125.pdf.

Excerpts
"	Have a panel discussion on selected topics about the SCA (ask the newcomers what they want to know).
"	Act out key social situations, such as being called up into court and ham it up. Let everyone comment after.
"	Have A&S days on newcomer topics, such as beginner garb, calligraphy, or whatever your newcomers want. (Note: Many old-timers might like these classes too!)
"	Invite newcomers to an event pre-feast tasting or cooking session.
"	Invite newcomers to an event planning meeting, and ask them what they want to do to help.
"	Have your local pursuivant do regular name and device consulting at meetings.
"	If you have several people who want to fight, band together to buy materials and rent tools, and make a regular day to get together until the armor is done.
"	Get your best craftspeople to bring out their first piece of work, and a recent piece for comparison.

Other Ideas
"	Start a newcomer household to which everyone belongs for a year and a day once they arrive.
"	Help each newcomer find a mentor with whom they associate for six months or a year.
"	Make sure each newcomer has a small task at each local event, such as waterbearing, serving, or setup. There's nothing that encourages belonging like having a job to do.
"	If newcomers are going to be borrowing garb, bring it to a meeting beforehand so they can find something that fits.
"	For newcomers who want to fight, find them a fighting mentor who will teach them the basics and make sure they have some armor to try out.
"	Prepare local handouts for demos and for newcomers, and have them available by the hundreds, if necessary. Make sure you have lots of phone lists, too.
"	Ask newcomers what they need to know. Then give it to them. Don't just say, "You can call Dame High-above-it all," because that's a very intimidating call for a newcomer to make. Introduce them in person instead.

Remember that it's important to follow up with newcomers while their interest is high.  If you wait more than 2 weeks before you contact them, you've probably lost them.

Modius
Seneschal