[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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