[MR] new members

[E. Georges]

Finally! As a new SCAdian, a topic where I can make a contribution!

(btw -- good idea to start a new thread.  I think we are getting a little
overstimulated)

Personally, I got involved in SCA through hearing how great it was from
friends in Chicago.  I went to my first event and I have to say, I would
have been completely lost had I not volunteered for troll and met people
that way.  Getting newcomers to events does no good if  they are disoriented
and feel like they have no way to meet people or feel a part of what is
going on.

One thing that I found as a newcomer that was very helpful to me in feeling
at home in the SCA was a program that is put on by the Barony of Ponte
Alto -- I don't know if other baronies do this, but I thought I'd mention
it, because it was so great.  The chatelaine hosts a series of newcomer
meetings, once a month. People who are interested are put on an email list,
and they are notified of the meeting in advance.  Each meeting is an
informal gathering at someone's home, and there is a topic that is usually
of interest to newcomers and helps people understand stuff they might see at
events.  Topics include things like, "What is actually going on in Court?"
and "Packing for Pennsic."  Lady Nastas'ia has been great in how she runs
this, and although she can speak to this better than I, I imagine it has
been pretty successful at getting people who have the initial interest to
show up at meetings to actually come to more events.  It also helps people
know that they are not alone as newcomers -- there are others just like them
who are new, and there are people in the barony who are interested in
helping them find their way in the SCA.

SCAdians, I have found, are really great people, and I have enjoyed getting
involved.  Flyers and stuff are great, but nothing beats the personal touch.

Lucia Anthony de Venise