[Ansteorra] SCA, Kingdom and Local Officer accountability

DiegodeQuevedo at aol.com DiegodeQuevedo at aol.com
Wed Feb 8 17:52:21 PST 2012


The reality is the case involving the children is one of many cases that  
were likely not handled appropriately. 
 
All to often, the common belief of ignoring a problem or complaint and  
expecting it to disappear is cultivated. 
 
I have seen numerous complaints go unanswered. Numerous times the person  
that complained was chastised for daring mention anything in the first place. 
In  fact I have seen members banished and forced out of the SCA because 
they dared  report possible wrong doing or an activity that could make the 
organization as a  whole look bad. 
 
What needs to happen in my opinion, is there needs to be a sub group that  
is above Kingdom level and that answers to the BOD, who's sole purpose is to 
 handle these complaints and advise the BOD. A Proactive approach complete 
with  the ability to investigate thoroughly any complaint that is brought 
forward. 
 
Background checks are required by nearly every employment agency of any  
size these days. Applications for membership should be more like an 
application  for employment. Paid membership is required and nearly every organization 
that  anyone might want to participate these days. I am an active EMT and I 
am  required to carry a Transportation Workers ID Card and submit to annual 
 background checks as I am sure a lot of active members do in our everyday 
lives.  I submit to at least annual drug screening and I am subject to 
random checks  with my employer. I am sure this is as common with nearly everyone 
in the SCA  with nothing to hide. Boy and Girls Scout leaders have to 
submit to checks  as do most folks that work with Children in day care and I am 
sure Teachers  are checked as well.  
 
Policies are in place, but they are not enforced at any level in the SCA  
unless it is convenient to the persons wanting to use them for personal gain 
or  preferences. All to often, Kingdom level officers are allowed to violate 
the  rules and policies that have been set in place and there are no 
penalties or  repercussions. 
 
I have seen policies removed suddenly when they didn't suit those  charged 
with enforcing them. I have seen groups dissolve rather than allow  active 
members in good standing to carry them forward. 
 
Local groups, Kingdoms, and the Society as a whole will continue to  
disintegrate if these patterns of behavior and attitude continue. 
 
Those Children did not harm themselves. The individual that did the harm  
was not only allowed to continue to participate, but from what I have read on 
 this list, he was supported all the way to the steps of the prison by 30  
members. Too many people want to punish the children or the families of 
these  children. I haven't seen anyone yet that had any concern about those that 
 supported the convicted man currently serving a prison sentence. 
 
 I find the general attitude that molesting children is bad, BUT  holding 
those that ignored the complaints accountable, does not seem to be as  
important or justifiable. Frankly, I am surprised the SCA hasn't been sued more  
than we have heard. If SCA leadership doesn't start taking a more  proactive 
attitude and stop ignoring the lower level members, things are going  to get 
much worse before the get better. 
 
Patiently waiting to see if things will improve and folks will remove their 
 heads from the sand before we start participating again. Also, an active 
group  in our little part of the Kingdom would be nice as well. 
 
Does anyone know of an organization similar to the SCA that is maybe a  
little more FAMILY oriented?
 
Diego, Alesone, Brendan and Courtney


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