[Ansteorra] Newcomers

[Robert & Tara Brinsfield]

In reference to Lady Muirenn inghean Chonaill's post:

 

I know that being a newcomer is a difficult job in itself. In our barony we have many different guilds that we offer to assist in "finding your niche" and we do offer newcomers classes. (I am in the same Barony as Lady Muirenn) I frequently work alongside Lady Muirenn as well as other members of our group to welcome and maintain contact with our newcomers. The Hospitaler's position is difficult, as well, when you host a large demo and you end up with many people who want to know more. We do have mundane lives as well. Calling 75 people in a reasonable amount of time can be difficult when you factor in the mundane life. The obvious solution, to me is, for everyone within the resident group to pitch in and talk to the new people. As an active participating member, all of us should know who are regulars and who are new. Take it upon yourselves to welcome our new people and send them in the right directions. I still have many questions, but our local Baron and Baroness are exceptional when it comes to new people. They welcome them in and always greet our new members themselves at events, workdays, and revels. They make it a point to speak with our new people on a regular basis. I can honestly say that moving from the Kingdom of Meridies to Ansteorra was a smooth transition, thanks to them. My husband was the new member in this case and I was kind of old to the game. They welcomed him in and maintained greeting him and directing him to the right people. I was extremely grateful for this as my husband is quite shy, and even if he did know the right questions, he would hesitate to ask. We have several different people, some with offices and some without that have made it their single largest priority to meet and greet our new people. I would suggest to all of those current members to form a group of people of like opinion about welcoming new people into our fold and approach your local Hospitaler and offer your assistance in maintaining contact with one or several newcomers for them. This helps the Hospitaler and in turn gives the new members the much needed "door in" for the local group. That way, they can ease themselves in and enjoy the experience, instead of jumping in with both feet, not knowing which way to turn because they do not know who to talk to or get the right information from. Jumping in, in that manner, can leave a newcomer disoriented and frustrated. But with the right guidance, and a little effort from the group as a whole, any newcomer can be made to feel welcome and find their niche quickly. Every one of us who are paid members does know the right questions. We all know what to ask the majority of the time. Everyone can "play hospitaler" if it means not disorienting the newcomers before they even have a chance to get their foot in the door. If they look lost and confused, or frustrated, approach them and ask them if they have questions. Then do your very best to answer those questions or get the answers for them or redirect them to the people who can answer them. It takes the whole group's efforts. Not just the Hospitaler. I am not nor have I ever been the Hospitaler for any group, but I do view meeting and greeting newcomers as a job for everyone in the group, not just the Hospitaler. Most newcomers just really need to know that they have someone they can come to if they are too afraid to step on the wrong toes. Most will be more apt to stay with the SCA if they feel they have a friend in the group. This is my way of saying that you don't have to be an officer or a Baron or Baroness, or a member of the upper hierarchy to keep the newcomer's from being disoriented or frustrated. If you truly care about your groups membership and about newcomers, themselves, then you can help them find their way as well.

 

Sincerely,

Margeurite le Chanvrierre

 

Many of life's circumstances are created by three basic choices: 
The disciplines you choose to keep, the people you choose to be with, and 
the laws you choose to obey. Sleep well my friend!