[Ansteorra] Newcomer help

[Lightfootcim at aol.com]

I know this may be a late response to this post, so my apologies.....

Just last night at fighter practice, I had someone who has been in Seawinds for roughly six months come up to me and apologize saying that he could not remember my name.  I gladly gave it to him and explained that the people in the shire who had been in for a while only had to remember one new name, while the newcomers had to remember 30-50 new names!  It made me realize that even in a close group there are certain people who tend to talk to each other more than others - inadvertantly forming cliques.

Later, two brand new people came up to me and wanted information on joining the SCA.  We spent at least an hour enjoyably discussing the SCA and what it had to offer.  It really made me feel good!

I have been in the SCA almost 16 years and up until recently knew everyone in the shire.  We have had a good influx of newcomers recently.  Out hospitaller has done a most excellent job of making them feel welcome, but to really make newcomers feel like part of the group it take more than one person.

I realized last night that it takes everyone.  It only takes a minute of your time to say "Hi, we haven't met but my name is _____." It could make the difference between someone coming occasionally or someone who becomes a core member and a real asset to the group.

HL John Lightfoot
Shire of Seawinds