[Steppes] candidates replies to questionnaire

[Karen Calhoun via Steppes]

Sorry for the delay in getting the other candidates answers up.  They have been on Facebook.  I was not aware that they had been published yet.

Galen and Alexandria

      1.     What is your vision for Steppes?
Our vision for the Steppes is a thriving barony at the heart of Ansteorra.  We envision a place that puts on the greatest events, and is populated by the happiest populace in the kingdom.
 2.     What "positives" do you currently see in the barony?
Steppes' positives include its history, its geography, its demographics, and most especially its members.  We have a wide range of talent, a lot of experience, a lot of wonderful folks.
3.     Because of the size of the Dallas area, the Steppes barony has huge potential for increased membership.  However, our current active membership is quite small even though it makes all efforts to be welcoming to newcomers.
a.     Do you have the management skills or experience to manage a currently diverse geographically spread-out barony?
Yes we have.  Galen had similar situations ruling as Baron of Elfsea , which then stretched from Arlington to Benbrook, with Cantons in Loch Ruadh and Dragonsfire Tor, and also ruling as Prince of Drachenwald, when it reached from Berlin to England, and from Italy to Norway, and he ruled it from behind the Iron Curtain, in West Berlin.
Alexandra has experience running youth combat activities in every region of the kingdom, at Gulf Wars, and been active in recruiting and accrediting youth combat leaders in each region.
b.     Do you have the experience and skillset necessary to create a plan and assist current members who are interested in growing the Steppes?  If so, explain some of your ideas on growing the barony.
Yes, we each have the skills needed to grow the barony.  We believe that Steppes needs and can get media coverage, and is capable of supporting a much higher public profile.  But first, we need to be sure that we have the mechanisms in place to properly incorporate and retain new members.  Then, we will share the magic of the SCA.  With all the entertainment and leisure opportunities out there competing with us, the SCA is the still the only one that allows someone to so fully immerse himself in the magic of the Middle Ages "as they should have been".  In the old movie, Excalibur, young King Arthur announces, "Any man who would be a knight and follow a king, follow me!"  Where but in the SCA can a person really respond to that call?  Spreading this message, and living the values of what we used to call "the dream" will be our highest priorities.
c.     How do you plan to integrate the two cantons and still maintain core strength?
By communicating with them, and by visiting them.  We want to help maintain their unique identity, while reinforcing their connection to the barony.
d.     Are you pleased with the current status quo?  Why or why not?
Steppes is a great barony; it always has been.  But there is room for improvement.
4.     Describe your view of the B&B in relation to the Seneschal and Officers of the barony.
It's very important for the ruling nobles and the seneschal to be on the same page, and be able to communicate and work well together.  We have great regard for the current seneschal, HL Aurelia, and look forward to working with her.  We're all part of the same team, and the officers are important leaders in the barony.
5.     Many people think that there is a malaise in Steppes. Do agree?  If so, how would you correct it?
We'd suggest that there's not "a" malaise, but that we have a significant number of people who are feeling under-motivated, under-rewarded, and under-inspired, for a variety of reasons.  Some of these we'll be able to help with, some we won't.  We hope to be able to remind people of what they once loved about the SCA, and inspire them to be active again.
6.     How would you motivate others to serve joyously?
By serving joyously ourselves, and by creating opportunities for others to do the same.
7.     What are your plans to bolster teaching and learning?
We'll be teaching ourselves, in our various spheres of expertise, and encouraging and visiting classes, practices, and meetings.  The things that the Baron & Baroness take an interest in are the things that will best thrive.
8.     Regarding leadership: How does your persona approach it?  What are your mundane thoughts on it?
We believe that leadership is best done by example, and by participation.  We aren't candidates for B&B in order to be served, but to serve.
9.     Historically, the two DFW baronies are rarely in sync prosperity-wise.  One is usually thriving while one wanes a bit.      What are your ideas on sharing local prosperity?    How would you increase Steppes interest/participation/activities without siphoning from Elfsea?
We don't believe that it's a zero-sum game, that Steppes must wane while Elfsea waxes, or vice versa.  We have many friends in Elfsea, starting with the Baron & Baroness, and we are confident they will support us in building up Steppes in the Dallas area as we bring on new members, and help them get started.
10.   How do you plan to convince a greater number of ducal and high-end fighters to return to Steppes' Sunday practice?
By going to them and asking them how they'd like to participate in improving the barony.
11.   If running as a pair/couple, are your combined interests varied enough to make each sub community (heralds, C&I, rapier, chivalric, youth, etc.,) feel it is appreciated and cared for?
Galen is an active fighter on the chivalric field, and also fights cut & thrust and occasionally shoots archery.  He has fought rapier in the past.  He is an experienced herald (currently serves as Eclipse Herald), is an experienced bard), does court dancing, and occasionally turns his hand to C & I.  Alex is an authorized rapier fighter and siege engineer, aspires to be a chivalric fighter, and has been one of the kingdom's most active youth marshals, both boffer and rapier.  We both hold awards for arts and service, and are interested in expanding our experiences of both.
12.   If you are applying as a sole/single rule, what is your plan to keep active in all areas without becoming overwhelmed or burning out?
We think this question is relevant to couples, as well.  This is a big part of why we teamed up for this purpose.  Bringing the resources of two households to the job, and two people who needn't necessarily travel together everywhere will, we hope, forestall burnout longer than any other arrangement.