[Bryn-gwlad] Newcomers and Introductions

[Dennis Grace]

Salut cozyns,

Lyonel sai.

Excellent idea.  Newcomers are not all of one stripe--some are introverts, 
some extroverts, some want to know everything, some want just a little 
information. This is a situation that doesn't have to be over-engineered, 
but it does require a little sympathy.

Charles, you're partly correct. You're one man. Isabellica is one woman. You 
need help, but I see by your last missive that you understand this and have 
made an effort in the direction of delegating this
responsibility across the populace. Thus it should be.

When you--any of you--see newcomers at PiP, try to recall your own first 
time at an SCA get-together or full-blown event. I wanted to know 
everything, but that's just me. I read every scrap of SCA-related literature 
I could find before talking to anyone. I tried my hand at piecing together 
scraps of clothing that I thought looked like Medieval garb, and I did a 
terrible job. I felt like an idiot. I knew that I looked like an idiot. 
Worse, I felt that I looked like I was wearing a neon sign: IGNORANT 
NEOPHYTE. I desperately needed a tactful soul to (sorry Charles) lead me by 
the hand. Fortunately, I was in a friendly place, and I found several 
willing mentors. They offered to explain everything that was happening 
around me. A lady whom I later learned was a double peer sat with me through 
court and answered all of my (I thought) stupid questions.

The martial elements of the SCA seem to have little trouble with newcomers. 
If someone stands by the fighting field (chivalric or heavy or 
archery--doesn't matter which) looking curious, looking confused, or just 
looking really excited by what she sees, it's not long before a fighter is 
there talking about the martial aspects of What We Do.

We need to see more of this attitude away from the fighting arena. So, next 
time you see a newcomer with that lost look in her eyes, an unfamiliar 
person with those quizzical furrows between his eyebrows, or a grin that 
says, "Wow! This looks cool! Who *are* you people?"--try to remember you 
first time. Try to recall what you wanted, what you needed, what questions 
you were afraid to ask. If it's been too long, try to remember the 
experience of someone you introduced into the SCA.

Baron Thomas says we're a friendly bunch. I've been away for a while, so I 
really can't say that I know this much about the majority here. Of the folks 
I remember from before, generally, yes, I agree.

Let's prove him right.

lo vostre por vos servir
En Lyonel
_________________________________
Micel yfel deth se unwritere.
		--AElfric of York




>From: "Heather J Pierce" <heatherpierce at austin.rr.com>
>Reply-To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at lists.ansteorra.org>
>To: "Barony of Bryn Gwlad" <bryn-gwlad at lists.ansteorra.org>
>Subject: [Bryn-gwlad] Newcomers and Introductions
>Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 10:09:03 -0500
>
>I haven't been able to play much the last two years but still lurk on the 
>list. I somehow felt the need to put forth my two cents on this:
>
>There are indeed extroverts (or introverts who have learned better), but in 
>my experience the majority of people are still loathe to make themselves 
>seen and heard as a newbie.
>
>**I like the idea of calling for newcomers during announcements at Tues and 
>Sun meetings, but I would cover both bases. Ask first if anyone is new that 
>wants to introduce themselves, or ask a question. Then, after that, re 
>introduce the Hospitaler, and the deputy, or whomever is responsible for 
>newcomers that evening and say 'This is so and so, if you are new and too 
>shy to speak up, THIS is the person you need to find for a more private 
>introduction.'**
>
>I was a newcomer to this barony not so long ago. I am a shy person that has 
>learned that I won't get anywhere unless I speak up. There were quite a few 
>local members that were friendly and welcoming to me. I always had a place 
>to camp and to eat at events. This, like any organization can be 
>'cliquish'. Just try to remember to 'think outside your own box'. Taking 
>five minutes to explain something to a newbie can make all the difference.
>
>I want to say a special thanks to Don Dore for sitting beside me and 
>explaining things through my first court at Candlemas 2002. Court can be 
>LONG and BORING if you don't know anyone or the significance of what is 
>going on. Having a play-by-play through my first court made me feel 'in the 
>know' and went a LONG way to make me feel welcome and a part of the local 
>group. Thanks!!
>
>~Rose


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