ANST - What constitutes an "active" Peer?

[Michael Tucker]

Greetings from Michael Silverhands:

There's been some discussion recently about what constitutes an "active" Peer.
There seems to be a wide difference of opinion, varying from one extreme ("seen
at, but not necessarily contributing to, at least one event within the past
year") to another ("attended at least 2 events a month for the past year, has
students, is _currently_ participating in their field [fighting, performing,
seamstressing, stewarding, whatever]"). That's a LOT of room for interpretation.
Clearly, "active" is in the eye of the beholder.

May I suggest, for purposes of discussion, the following moderate view:
- attend _most_ of their local events, if possible
- attend at least _some_ "away" events, particularly Coronation
- participate in at least _some_ "big" events central to their Peerage
  - if a Knight, fight in Crown, or Kingdom Warlord, or Gulf Wars, or some such
    if physically unable to fight any more, then marshal or teach
  - if a Laurel, teach, judge or compete at Kingdom A&S, King's College, etc.
  - if a Pelican, steward an event (or work at one), hold office, etc.
- teach
  - go to your local practice or host one of your own
  - teach classes at local, regional and kingdom workshops
  - take and _actively_ train squires, apprentices, etc.
- attend and contribute to your Peerage's circles, as much as possible

When you boil this down, I'm suggesting attendance at somewhere around 6-10
events a year (at most 3 local events for a Barony, 2 Coronations, and a couple
of "big" events - especially those with a Peerage circle). I don't think that's
unreasonable. On the contrary, if you don't attend at least a few events (and
not _all_ close to home), how will you be able to keep up with what others are
doing to contribute to your Peerage? How will you stay abreast of the
ever-changing world-view of our membership? How will you be able to cast an
informed vote in your Peerage's circles when candidates are discussed? How will
others know who _you_ are, so they will respect your opinion when it is offered?

I'm also suggesting that you not only attend, but that you at least occasionally
_do_ something along the lines of what you did to be recognized as a Peer in the
first place. Merely showing up and visiting your friends is fine for staying in
touch, but it does little to maintain (let alone advance) your art. Knights:
fight, or marshal. Laurels: compete at A&S, or judge. Pelicans: hold office, or
organize work for an event (setup, takedown, cleanup, gate, cooking and serving
feast, whatever).

I also think you should be teaching: hosting a fighter practice (or teaching at
one), hosting A&S classes and workshops (or teaching at them), mentoring people
who want to learn how to steward an event, etc. If appropriate, you should have
a squire/apprentice/protege that you _regularly_ interact with and teach.

If you asked me to start naming Peers of Ansteorra, the ones that would first
come to mind _are_ doing all (or most) of these things. Just think of the Peers
among our Great Officers. Think of those Peers getting our heraldry researched
and registered. Think of the Peers who taught, judged or competed at the last
A&S workshop or competition you went to. If you're a Peer, think of who _you_
think best contributed to the last circle you attended, or who _you_ think is
doing a good job of championing the ideals of your Peerage. Now, what qualities
do those folks have that you admire?

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a Peer, and arguably have no right to hold up, or even
suggest, a standard for their behavior. I can already hear some Peers saying:
"How _dare_ you tell me what to do, or how to live my life?!" Guess what? I'm
not _attempting_ to do so. I just think we've got a really interesting
conversation going here, that just _might_ yield some constructive ideas.

Bracing myself for scathing criticism, but hoping for some good discussion,

I remain yours,
Michael
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