[Ansteorra] Newbies

[Jennifer Kroyer]

I am new to the SCA and have a few comments in regarding to my newbie
status.It  Is not for my lack of trying to become involved, But I feel that
the older SCA members who have been involved for many years do not embrace
the new members,  I essentially  have tried to delve myself into many
different activities and found more of cold shoulder type of attitude then
a welcoming one, this pattern has pretty much turned me off of the SCA
where I am located at. I have read many of your comments and concerns about
retention and gaining of new members though what I have experienced, is any
indication of the way things are the SCA will never be able to gain or
retain new members. Granted this is just my personal experience, And many
others may have a more positive experience. With Gulf Wars  coming up
I  will not attend, I have not been formed at how it works and with this
being my first Gulf Wars I have no clue as to what to do, how to set up a
camp ( which I dont have a tent anyway), and no one really has given me any
direction in that process. I have attempted to get and gain as much
information as possible in reference to the Gulf Wars but there seems to be
a lack of communication in my Barony. Every time I attempt to attend an
event locally or to assist in some manner with preparation I am pretty much
received with a cold shoulder and ignored this is completely leading me out
of the SCA before I haven't even really began, I truly think this is a
great organization but there is some serious flaws in it.

Very Respectfully,

Isabeau DeSchamps