The Peer Reclamation Project

Author' note:

Hi, I'm the author. This post was written 5 years ago before a particular set of repeating patterns emerged in several kingdoms. I was writing about a very different problem of peerage drift which was leaving associates behind holding the bag and with fewer people left to inspire the kingdom. It had a time and place. Yes, there are many other issues that have risen up and no, I don't just want to reclaim Peers, it's just where I started with this project because I am a peer and at least have that in common to start a conversation. I would love to help anyone re-find their joy but I needed a place to start. My former Laurel and some old friends were my test cases. But, again, I'm happy to help anyone and think most of the post could apply to any former SCAdian.

The Problem

The SCA has a problem at the highest levels: long term retention among peers.

My Laurel, Master Iefan and me.

Pillars of various communities give, support and help through thick and thin while the aggravations continue to pile up against them. Irritating politics, a bad experience, being passed over for thanks- all of these little infuriations keep building up until one day, the peer realizes they are no longer having fun in the SCA. Maybe they are a knight who has aged out of being able to fight well, a Laurel who now feels irrelevant or extraneous, a Rose who no one asks to Champion, or a Pelican who no longer gets asked to help with projects. However it occurs, it does happen and we lose these treasures of our society in ones and twos, sometimes in clumps of friends who move on to other endeavors.

These exiting peers have vast and remarkable knowledge. They once contributed so much to the SCA that they were named peers, so they are or were experts at something. Since their elevation, the have probably helped as a community leader and likely have a broad skill-set that is so vast, you'd likely never even guess all of the things they know how to do. When we lose one peer, as a Society, we lose the breadth of their knowledge and the wealth of their expertise, but we also likely lose a few of their friends and associates who follow to different venues where they can continue to spend time with their friends. It is like a star that dims and then winks out leaving an empty spot in our Society.

Why Does This Matter?

No, peers are not the only people who matter in the SCA and I would never suggest that. However, retention at our highest levels is important to the continued growth of the SCA and peers often serve as the inspiration and awe that is needed to keep newer Society members interested in achieving and going the extra step. Without them, we lose our institutional knowledge, our oldest traditions and the Society becomes a little bit less for it.

We also lose our friends when peers leave. Once they are gone, people who used to spend time with those peers will likely miss them and then feel something is lacking in their own SCA experience which may cause them to look for new opportunities for joy.

The Peer Reclamation Project

The idea started as a joke years ago, when I started watching friends drift away from the SCA. Some of those friends who left were peers, and I watched the hole that was left in the fabric of the Society as they went away. Sometimes that hole was filled, but often knowledge or momentum was lost, setting an art or project back several years. Sometimes the hole left by the departure of a peer was never refilled, and the SCA just moved forward with a gaping empty space where something cool had one been. 

My Peer Reclamation Project (as I jokingly named it) was a mostly secret task force and ad-hoc campaign to "reform peers gone astray and bring them back as useful and contributing members of the Society". This sounds hilarious and silly, but look past the silliness of the idea and think carefully about the concept:

• What if we could reach out to those peers who still had connections in the SCA, as they were drifting away and try to catch them? 
• What if we could find out what made those peers happy and brought them joy and then helped them have chances to be part of those things again? 
• What if we could set up "play dates" for those peers to work with people who had similar interests or even senses of humor and helped them to make new connections within Society?
• What if we could keep a peer and help them find a new direction for their time spent in the Society?
• What if we could retain even just a few of these amazing individuals, and what if they also were glad again?

Answer: we could do a lot more and we could do it better.

So, my SCAdian friend, think about it: how many peers do you know that seem to be drifting away from Society. What knowledge, craft, tradition and friends will disappear with them if they take leave of the SCA? Do you like how that SCA looks to you? Maybe not. 

Think for a moment about the peers that have inspired you over the years who have already left the Society. What did their departure do to their friends, their local groups, their community, their Kingdom?

The Early Years are Important

Peerage can be hella rough on a new peer. Things change really quickly, and not always for the best. From what I have observed, we tend to lose a lot of new peers within 1-3 years of their elevation. The reality of peerage can be like a sucker-punch when you discover that this thing you have worked for is not really a cool accolade but is actually a job and it is a job that often sucks. There is no pay and you are expected to always perform at the highest level, without slowing down or making a mistake.

How Can You Help?

When you work with a new peer, no matter if you are an OD (Old Dragon) or shiniest of newcomers, please remember that they are new at this, don't have a ton of experience and don't have all of the answers. They are still learning and that really is part of the process. Treat them with the same respect that you want to receive. Maybe you can help inspire a peer to be even better.

Peers- 'partying' with exhaustion at 8pm.

The Longer Years

SCA Peerage is much like a job, but one day you realize that you have had this position for a while and there is no hope of promotion or raise. You don't get to retire. That's daunting. Unless a peer can find joy in working with associates or is self-motivating to an extreme, they may start to get bored or tired. After a few years of peers putting an awful lot of time and effort into the club, they might not be as enthusiastic as they once were and may not volunteer to help with things that they have already done dozens of times. They might be bored. There might be some friction with another member. They may no longer find joy in their original area of expertise. 

How Can You Help?

Remember that peers are people too. Be polite. Treat them as you want to be treated. Smile and compliment them as you would anyone else. Ask them what they like and enjoy. Find out what they still want to learn and what interests them. If you have the opportunity to work on a project that you think a drifting peer might enjoy, invite them to help. They probably also don't get a lot of invitations to just hang out with other SCAdians that they don't know well. Invite them for a local movie night, a game of blood-sport boccie, a potluck dinner, game night or whatever. They are people and they like all kinds of stuff.

Can't Catch 'em All

No, we can't get back every peer who has left the SCA. Some of them are too angry and are not over the hurt that made them leave. Some of them will have found other things that they enjoy more than the SCA and will have moved on. Some will have moved forward with their careers and families and may no longer have a space in their life for a club that takes up so much time. It happens. Don't badger people who tell you they are not interested in coming back to the SCA. It won't help the cause and it will likely just hurt your friendship. Sometimes, you just need to understand that they no longer want to be part of the SCA, and that that is entirely ok. Wish them well and try to keep up your friendship as there was probably a pretty good reason you were friends in the first place.

Be Welcoming

Returning peers may have a lot of trepidation and a bit of guilt hanging over them when they return. They likely fear the same situations that drove them away, like miserable politics or negative interactions with someone they did not enjoy their first time around. While they may have spent a few years changing, so likely have the people they left in the SCA. If you see someone returning to play that you used to have drama with, figure out if that drama even still matters. If it does not, why not drop it? Walk on up to the returning peer and introduce yourself and admit that a lot of time has passed. Create an opportunity to start fresh that will benefit both parties.

As pointed out to me by Earl Lorcan, returning peers may also feel a lot of guilt or that they have somehow shirked their responsibilities. Everyone needs time to themselves, even peers. Sometimes you need to get something else accomplished or get some clarity and perspective. Take a moment and let the returning peer know that you are glad to see them back. Don't make them feel more guilty, just make them feel welcome and help them edge back into the Society. 

Perspective

It's shocking how much perspective time can provide. After just 10 years of peerage, I've seen so much in Society change. I've watched people come, and friends go away. I walk around an event now, and sometimes realize that I don't know any of these new people that I see. When I wander past a campsite, I don't recognize anyone and don't wander in because I don't want to be a bother. How will I feel in another 10 years, 20? I have no idea.

What I do know is that I have met some of my best friends and most amazing family of choice in the SCA, and I don't want to imagine a future where this group of people isn't in my life. I'm choosing to keep myself involved and interested, surrounded by amazing people but I recognize that not everyone has that option. For now, I'm going to make the conscious choice to reach out to other peers when I have an opportunity and make sure that these people that I look up to and respect know that they are cared for, and that I am better just because they are in my life. In working to "reclaim a few peers", I have made and strengthened some incredible friendships and have gotten to know some truly amazing people on a new level. I also get to see those friends at SCA events, so I'm going to mark this as a 'win'.

Resolution

A pink color morph of Passiflora incense.
A very rare sighting.

This year I scoffed at the idea of a New Years resolution to lose 10 pounds, eat more vegetables, work more on my garden or something else that won't change my life and that I will set aside in just a few months. Instead I decided to resolve to be a better and happier me by working on my perspective on life. I sincerely believe that when I improve myself, I improve those around me and we all have a better time of it.

I resolve to love the little things that are good: to raise them up high and point them out to the world, to acknowledge even the smallest good deed or tiny flower that makes my life better. A delicious curry, a wash of roadside flowers, a smile from a friend. These actually are the best parts of life and I will celebrate them rather than overlook them.

I resolve to cherish my friends and give gifts of time and service over gifts of things: I will make the lives of those around me better through giving of myself and my talents rather than creating more clutter. I will be a better friend and in return I will have better friends who will do the same for me.

I resolve to not wallow in sorrow and grief and anger: when those emotions wash over me I will turn away from them and put effort toward finding something good instead. When sadness sweeps in I will push it aside and ask the people in my life for a thing that makes them smile and I am sure my smile will return.

I resolve to remind my friends that they are good and important and needed: when they are in need I will help them, when they are sad I will hold them and when I can do anything to make their lives better or easier- I will.

I resolve to not giving my time, thoughts or efforts to those people or things in my life that do not deserve them: people that cause strife, those who are cruel to others, projects that don't benefit anyone at all- these will not get my time and will not be allowed to burrow into me like cancer. They don't deserve my time and they will get none of it.

My art is hanging in an art show.

I resolve to be better than I have been. I resolve to choose happiness. I just have this one life and at the end I will think it much too short, so now is the time to fully inhabit every moment, to fully live every day and to fully love all of those who love me.

At the end of this year, if I stick to this resolution I am certain that I will be better for it.

To my ladies...

Unto the ladies of my SCA household, my lady friends, my lady co-workers, my lady friends I have yet to meet, the young ladies that orbit in my life, and ladies everywhere, I send you greetings and many blessed wishes. I also wish to ask you a personal favor:

Stand up.  Stand up straight. 

Roll back your shoulders and raise your chin. Stop looking at the ground and raise your eyes to the world. You are beautiful and amazing and there are people out there who want to know you. Stop your hiding in plain sight. Each moment, fully inhabit and fill the place where you stand. It is yours.

Be you. Believe in yourself, and be certain that someone believes in you. I believe in you. You are loved. You are needed and you are necessary. More people care about you than you will ever know. When the chips are down, your friends will be there for you and they will help you.

If you cannot stand up, ask for help. I will stretch out my hand from next to you, from across the room, from across the miles and from far postmarks. I will help you. I will step beside you and hold your hand on the hard days. I will stand behind you and whisper affirmations in your ear. I will stand in front of you and clear the path. I will catch you when your knees wobble and fail. My strength is yours.

My hands are your hands. When they ache, when they need, when they are heavy with exhaustion: I feel that. Your heart is my heart. When it aches, when it weeps, when it is filled to brimming: I feel that. Your head is my head. When it swirls with doubt, when it knows the right path, when it is filled with trouble: I feel that.

You are amazing and you are flawed. Be willing to grow and evolve. Be ready to become a better you. Find those women and those people who make you a better person and embrace those improvements. You are strong and tough and capable. Your happiness is an option if you choose it.

All that we have in this world is each other: our friends and families and especially our lady friends. Be there for each other. You deserve a good life, rich with friends and love and success. Reach out a hand to help someone else and know that when you need it, a hand will reach out to you. Be a good friend and you will be rich with good friends.

Yes, I mean you. I am here for you and so many others are with me, ready to lend what is needed.

Now, stand up.

To my lady friends: Thank you, each of you for helping me to stand up and meet the world. You give me strength, you dry my tears, you whoop with my joys, you whisper the affirmations, you hold me close. I am better for knowing each of you and I could not do this without you.

Walters M. 168 page

A quick border based on Walters M. 168.16R, by Willem Vrelandt. The manuscript is a 1430's Book of Hours with nice, simple borders. These are just perfect for fast projects. I think I put about three-ish hours into this, start to finish.

Masters of the Dark Eyes Missal page

I think I do some of my most fun work at Ren Faire demos. I pick something pretty that I want to paint, take lots of breaks and always have someone to talk to. I knocked this bit out at Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 over two days.

Inspiration comes from
Walters Ms. W.175, known also as the Masters of the Dark Eyes Missal which originates in Utrecht, Netherlands at the end of the 15th century.

Neat book with a fabulous name. If you'd like to take a longer look at the many, many sumptuous illumination pages from the manuscript, you are in luck as the Walters has digitized the whole manuscript. Click for sexy, blingy images.

I look forward to trying out a few more pages from this gem. I'll be turning them in for general Kingdom use, so if you end up on the receiving end, drop me a line!

Corwyn's Ring of Chivalry

Someday, the day will come. On that day I will have an idea and someone will tell me no, or I have gone too far. Fortunately, that day hasn't come yet.

So I made a scroll for a friend who is legally blind and I made it as a giant eye-chart. My partner-in-crime, Mistress Gwenhwfyr ber Cain, did her math ninja thing and figured the correct proportions of each line and what eye strength it represents and I merrily lettered away. So, it's not so much calligraphy as trying to look like a printed font.

On the upside, he found it amusing and when pressing his face to the scroll, he could read the letter 'E'. Success!

Ring of Chivalry for Baron Corwyn

Each good deed and kind word is a tiny spark and as those kindnesses multiply they become a beacon by which we can know the worth and chivalry of a man. As Corwyn Moray shines exemplar with his many acts and deeds, the ladies of the Barony of Wyvernwoode would bestow this Ring of Chivalry. So done this 3rd day of January, AS 48

So, that was fun.

Reflections on the Arts and Sciences Competitions

Photo credit: Jared Bluestein

I'm a Laurel, so I take judging Arts and Sciences Faires pretty seriously. I don't think I have missed a Kingdom A&S competition in the last 14 years or so.

As an artisan, it's my pleasure to supply fair and honest critique while always being polite. As a person, it is a humbling experience to watch another artisan progress year after year and find their strengths in their art. As a Laurel, it's part of my job to judge kindly and train new judges to do the same so that entrants feel welcome to enter their projects in the competition.

Not everyone has the same approach, but here's what's worked for me.

Maol's Quick Guide to Judging Art/Sci

1.) Be Nice
For anything you feel that needs to be said, there is a nice or polite way to say it. If you can't find a way to be business polite, then go see the A&S minister, turn in your judging forms and take yourself out of the hall. Go for a walk, enjoy the event, but don't go back into the hall to judge. Sometimes we're in the wrong head space, having a bad day, something has set us off or we are just pissy. That happens, but it is no excuse for being unkind to an entrant.There is never an excuse to be mean. You can be honest without being a jackass.

A good test: Do not say or write anything that you would be unwilling to say or write if the artisan was sitting next to you.

2.) If there's a huge, glaring problem- offer to judge with critique only
Sometimes a novice entrant or a person new to the SCA will have had very little guidance before entering an A&S competition. Misunderstandings happen. Sometimes you'll be presented with an entry o judge, but when you sit down and critically look at the piece or the documentation, you may notice a huge problem. Perhaps the documentation is scant, or just entirely incorrect. Perhaps the entrant misunderstood a process or incorrectly translated a part of a recipe and has entirely missed some critical process or understanding. These artisans are excited enough to try entering the competition, so help them get it right. A quick chat with the A&S minister can usually make a problem very clear and together you can find a way to supply critique without giving a dismal score that will forever keep the entrant from returning to a competition.

3.) Invite people to judge with you
If someone looks interested in how the competition runs or how the judging process works, invite them to ride along with you. Take some time to explain the process and how you are judging and you can judge an entry while training a new judge. If someone has expressed reservations about entering the competition, ask them to come along with you as you judge so they can gain a better understanding of what judges look for and how the process works. In that case you have just helped to train a new judge and prepare an entrant for competition. I find that team judging works nicely for training new judges. Take a few minutes to talk about the judging form and ask your new judges if they have any thoughts. Their insight might surprise you.

4.) Judge up, not down.
When scoring, don't look for places to dock points. It puts you in a negative frame of mind. If your judging form is a rubric, read upward on the points scale until you find the score that best fits the entry and documentation. If you aren't sure and are hovering between a 7 and an 8, judge upward and award points, rather than detract them. Be positive and approach each entry separately as something worthy of regard.

5.) Welcome artisans to be a part of the judging process.
During judging, some artisans don't like to be present because they are stressed. That's understandable as many of us have huge problems laying a piece of our fragile artist's soul on a table and then waiting for it to be graded. If the artisan is willing to sit with you, you have a new teaching opportunity. As you see places where documentation or a skill could be improved or refined, you can show the artisan what will help improve their work, their docs and their score for next time.

6.) Explain yourself
There is nothing more infuriating as an entrant as looking at your judging sheets and have no idea why you received a particular score. If the entrant is not able or willing to sit with you during the judging process so you can explain your critique and make suggestions for improvement then leave you contact information and invite the artisan to contact you if they have more questions.

7.) Don't be a dick
For entrants, Art/Sci can be a remarkably positive experience or it can be a soul-sucking drain that makes them want to flee from the very word 'competition' and throw their art in the nearest murky body of water. Don't be that judge who gives a terrible score, mean commentary or makes snarky comments that get overheard by the entrant. No one needs that crap and you'll just be the one who looks like an ass in the long run. Respect that the entrant has volunteered their time and skill and then has put their piece forward for critique. Lastly, never use the excuse of docking a point on an entry because in your estimation "nothing is perfect" or "I would have done this one tiny super-obscure thing differently". It's just a point. Again, imagine how you would feel if you were then entrant and if you have any doubts, see #7

Maol's Quick Guide to Entering Art/Sci:

1.) Look at Judging forms in advance.
Judging forms tell you precisely how judges will be scoring you. Look at the categories and questions that the rubric asks and make sure that you answer each one thoroughly. Use the rubric as a guide to understanding on what merits and documentation your piece will be judged. The judging rubric is essentially an entirely acceptable crib sheet that you are encouraged to use.

2.) Don't assume judges know what you are talking about
Good documentation is made up of answers to the following questions: What did they do in the middle ages? What did they use in the middle ages? How did they make this in the middle ages? What did you do? What did you use? How did you make this? What are the differences between what was done in the middle ages and why do those differences exist. Sure, you may know everything there is to know about the citrus trade, hybridization, uses and propagation in the middle ages, but your judges may not be so conversant with it. Supply the answers to the questions that the rubric asks and make sure you provide the info the judges need.

3.) Don't assume judges are mean or terrible people
Judges are just folk. They may have some special knowledge and insights, but to be honest they are just people. They probably want more coffee, find the chairs uncomfortable, wish they could be out in the sun and probably like candy. They are likely not terrible people. Be helpful by making sure that the information you provide is easy to navigate and well laid out, that your piece is appropriately and neatly displayed, and that you have done you best to secure a good score with your skills and documentation.

4.) Stay and listen to your critique
Unless you are unable to attend the competition or have a medical condition that prevents you, be strong enough to stick around and listen to your judges. You'll likely make some new contacts in your field of art and will have the opportunity to pick the brains of experienced judges and artisans. Take notes on what they say and suggest and you won't have to try to decipher bad handwriting on a cramped judging form later.

5.) Be positive
Go into the A&S competition with the expectations that you will receive honest critique on your work and documentation and suggestions for improvement. If you take a positive attitude in with you then you will likely have a positive experience. If you are certain that the experience will be terrible and awful, your prophecy will likely fulfill itself.

6.) Don't be a dick
For judges, Art/Sci can be a remarkably positive experience or it can be a soul-sucking drain that makes them want to flee from the very word 'competition' and throw their red pen and themselves in the nearest murky body of water. Don't be that entrant who freaks out, sobs uncontrollably, shouts strong language or makes snarky comments that get overheard by the judge. No one needs that crap and you'll just be the one who looks like an ass in the long run. Be a grown up. Accept your critique and take it in the spirit it was intended. If you have a problem with a judge, go talk politely to the A&S minister who can usually clear up the issue with little effort. Respect that the judges are volunteers giving up their time to provide critique and are missing their event to stay in the hall and judge.

Lastly, if you do miss a perfect score by just one point from one judge, just take a second to breathe. Go to that judge and politely ask them what they would recommend you do to improve that deduction. If they are obviously just being a jerk and claim to "never give perfect scores on principle", then brush off their commentary and go hang out with your friends. You're awesome.

Wyvern's Heart for Draig

Wyvern's Heart for Draig Ui Meic Theire inspired by a leaf from Walters Museum MS W.185, known also as the Doffinnes Hours. I found the original to be simple yet elegant, more appropriate for a man than the usual flowers and bling I am naturally drawn to. The illumination for this was quite speedy: sketched, painted, and detailed in about 3 hours. My favorite detail is the trefoils in the white work on the right hand bar. I really need to put in some more calligraphy time as I feel my skills are slipping quite a bit. Award presented by Baron Segdae and Baroness Madeleine at Hero of the Chalice in Jan 2014.

Here's the presentation:

Photo credit: Jared Bluestein

Snails for Finnguala

A page inspired by the Mira Calligraphae Monumenta for HL Finnguala inghean Alusdair. The original page depicts a fly opposite the right hand snail, but as Finnguala is rather fond of snails the fly was replaced with a second snail.

Ring of Chivalry is given by unanimous vote of the Ladies of the Barony of Wyvernwoode for remarkable courtesy and chivalry.

This image doesn't have the best color representation, especially in the gold tones, but you get the idea.


Here is the presentation:

Photo credit: Ben Turner

I made both of us cry with this one. Doing a piece of illumination for someone you love makes the work so much easier and more delightful. The Mira Calligraphae Monumenta is the favorite manuscript of both Finnguala and myself.

The Art of Saying 'No'

SCA: A Culture of Yes

Being a member of a volunteer organization requires a 'Culture of Yes'. Nothing happens without someone donating their time, skills and knowledge to get a project done. From running a tourney to running an event, everything we do in the SCA is entirely dependent upon someone, and often many someones, saying yes and undertaking a great deal of work to make a project come to fruition.

We need to be respectful of our volunteers. We need to thank our volunteers and treat them well. We need to ask our volunteers to help in the right way and then provide them with the training and support they need to accomplish their volunteer position. We need to also graciously accept when volunteers decline and tell us they cannot help.

How to Say 'No'

Growing up as a Catholic, this was a hard thing to wrap my brain around. Twelve years of Catholic school and an Irish/German Catholic grandma (who scared the hell out of me) taught me to always say yes. I was told to do something and I did it. Sure, that makes sense when you are a child but growing up and shaking off that mantle of guilt is not as easy as you want it to be. I had to learn this. I'm still learning. Often, the life lessons in accomplishing this goal suck. It was a revelation the day I first said 'No, I'm sorry but I can't do your scroll." I walked away as if something heavy had been taken from me. It was liberating but I still felt guilty as all hell.

The key is knowing that you don't have to say 'yes'.

You are a volunteer. When you volunteer you are donating your time, your expertise and sometimes even your money. Nothing demands that you do this. No one should require you to give of yourself something that you don't want to give. Respect yourself, your skills and your time.

The SCA Litany of 'No'

• If you have been asked to do something and you are already busy or overloaded: It is ok to say no.
• If someone asks you to help and they are impolite or offensive: It is ok to say no.
• If you have been asked to assist with something but have not been allotted enough time to complete the project: It is ok to say no.
• If someone asks you to help with a project that requires spending money you don't have: It is ok to say no.
• If someone asks you to help at an event the same weekend as a mundane engagement- from work to dinner with visiting family: It is ok to say no.
• If you are asked to do something that you are good at but don't enjoy: It is ok to say no.
• If you are asked to help and you don't want to work with that person on that project: It is ok to say no.
• If you think that interpersonal drama may be the result of working on a project: It is ok to say no.
• If you are asked to take an office that your are not comfortable with: It is ok to say no.
• It is ok to say no.
• It is ok to say no.
• It is ok to say no.
• Amen.

The Responsibility of Saying 'No'

You actually have to say no. It can be hard, but you can do it. However, you need to be respectful of the person who has asked for your assistance. If you are asked to lend a hand, don't let that request linger if you don't want to be involved. Be polite, respond quickly and be firm in your response. Just say "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can be of assistance there." You can give reasons why, if you want... but you don't have to. You can just be polite and say 'I'm sorry, but no'. 

How to Get a Yes

There are those who are shocked when they ask for help with what they think is a reasonable request within the SCA and they do not get volunteers. There are tricks to everything, and getting volunteers to assist you requires a lot of forethought, a touch of patience, a modicum of social skills and a giant dollop of gratitude.

If you have had trouble getting volunteers to help with projects, events and offices then keep reading but please do so with an open mind. The problem might not be every single person that says no. The problem might be in your approach, the perception of how you treat volunteers or in your request not being clearly conveyed.

Our Lady of Assumptions (Worst Saint Ever)

• Assuming will screw you every time. Your volunteers will also suffer for your assumptions, but you will be the one left holding the weight of responsibility if you are in charge. You will find yourself with unhappy volunteers and a project of which you are not proud. They probably won't volunteer for you again in the future.
• Your internal expectations cannot be met if your volunteers are not aware of them. No one can or should have to read your mind. Be open with your expectations. A volunteer who works hard and then feels that their work fell short of your expectations will feel like they have failed. They probably won't volunteer for you again.
• Your project or event will suffer if your volunteers feel they don't have support or are not being appreciated. Those people will not volunteer for you again if you burn bridges.

For instance: Just because you have run a particular event for ten years and a particular person has always donated prizes for your tourney does not mean they will donate a prize this year. You still have to ask them. You still have to ask them politely. You also need to ask in a timely manner... a day to a week before the event is not a timely manner. Give people the time they need to achieve their goal, but only after they actually agree to help you.

Care and Feeding of your Volunteers

• As a project coordinator you are responsible not only for your project but also for your volunteers. Take good care of them.
• Ask if people are available to help in a timely manner. 
• Ask people directly if you want their help. An all-call on an email list or Facebook is impersonal and won't get you a lot of results. Ask people via a phone call, direct email or face to face. Let them know why you have picked them and what role you would like them to fill.
• Be understanding if people say they are not available to help. Thank them anyway just for considering your request.
• Say thank you when someone offers or agrees to help.
• Ask if your volunteers have questions and find them answers.
• Ask if your volunteers need help and find them help.
• Ask if your volunteers need training and find them training.
• Find out what your volunteers want from their volunteer experience and help them achieve their goal. Do they want to learn? Do they want to provide a particular skills set? Do they want to meet new people? Do they want to be social? Figure out what your volunteers need from their experience and help them to have a good experience. 
• Check in with your volunteers during the prep period for your project and also while the event or project is happening. They might need help so don't forget about them.
• Avoid asking people who are 'high drama' to help you if you are not willing to accept them for who they are. 
• Don't put 'high drama' people together on a project as it won't end well. Trust me.
• Pair volunteers on projects carefully. Ask them if they are ok with working with someone and don't assume that everyone gets along... even among your own friends. 
• Say thank you a lot.
• Acknowledge your volunteers and make sure they get credit for their work.
• Be willing to volunteer when other people ask for help, rather than always being the one in charge and organizing. Every so often you need to help mop a hall or wash some dishes rather than directing the project. Be seen as a good leader.
• Don't ask anyone to do something that you are not willing to do yourself.
• Happy volunteers who enjoy an experience will volunteer to help you again.
• Hand out small tokens of appreciation or thank you cards to the people who help you. Be classy. They will remember it, and you next time you ask for help.

What Did I Miss?

Do you have something that has worked for you? A suggestion I have missed? A point I have overlooked? If so, please tell me!

The Midway Sprites

This year I was able to be part of a fantastic project in conjunction with my own place of work. MOSI in Tampa obtained a grant to improve the Richard T Bowers Historic Tree Grove, a project that I have been planning for over 10 years. This year, I am finally able to work on making it a reality.

The space is a small park of 16 trees which are seedlings of parent trees, each connected with a famous person, place or event. My dream has been to combine history, art and gardens to create a beautiful and moving space.

With the help of a Hillsborough County Historic Preservation grant, we have been able to start with a number of improvements. Each tree will have a sign that explains its past and is adorned with beautiful artwork by Holly Bird. Each tree will have an ethnobotanical garden to help interpret its past with concepts created by myself and the brilliant Jill Staake. An artists created wind instrument for each tree will give voice to every tree when the wind shakes their leaves. Lastly, each tree will have a bench for guests and each bench will be decorated with a piece of art created especially for the tree.

A number of incredibly talented artists created gorgeous pieces for the project, but this time I got to bring my art to work with me. I created the bench art mural for the Frank Lloyd Wright Ginkgo tree. I took my inspiration from the design of Midway Gardens in Chicago and the Garden Sprite statues that adorned the structure in its brief existence.

Last week the printed versions of the art arrived and on Thursday we will install the benches in place. In the next few weeks we will also install the printed murals on the garden benches and a piece of my art will finally have a home in the garden where I have worked for nearly 14 years. Anyway, here is the piece and the information that I put together for the MOSI website.

Kristen Gilpin: Artist Statement
I'm fascinated by history and how it reaches into the present. Modern ruins, ghost towns, lost graveyards and demolished places have a special draw for me. I enjoy researching and exploring these areas and using them as inspiration for my art.

This piece was inspired by the sprite sculptures and a sketch of a mural that appeared at Midway Gardens in Chicago. Midway Gardens was an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex that was designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Decorating the inside and outside of the complex were sculptures entitled Garden Sprites. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and sculpted by Alphonso Iannelli, these statues were angular and beautiful men and women. Some playful, others thoughtful, some victorious, the Sprites of Midway Gardens were paired with wall murals to create an otherworldly and beautiful space.

Midway Gardens changed hands and names several times in the brief years of its existence. In 1929 Midway Gardens was demolished and the rubble was bulldozed into Lake Michigan. The demolition included not only the building, but the hundreds of pieces of statuary that had been used at the site. In the mid 1940's several of the sprites were found damaged but intact in a field in Wisconsin, apparently having been saved from demolition. These few were restored and put on display.

Midway Gardens now exists only in black and white photographs, design sketches, memory and these few remaining intact and broken pieces of the sprites. I am glad I could help find a new garden home for the memory of Midway Gardens and the Sprites.

About Kristen: Kristen Gilpin is a historical reenactor, maker of butterflies, artist, calligrapher, gardener, adventurer and history enthusiast who resides in Tampa, Florida. More of her art can be seen at her art blog: melessee.blogspot.com

Prints of the Sprites can be found at my Etsy store: Currant Thoughts.

On the making of better SCAdians...

I'm continuing with posting some of my thoughts about the SCA and how I would like to see it improve. Today, I'd like to concentrate on my thoughts about newcomers.

I love newcomers. To them all of the grandeur, pomp and pageantry of the SCA is a wonder. I love watching how they wince when they watch a strong blow landed in a heavy combat tourney, how they lean forward listening to songs at a bardic circle, how they just see with wonder the things to which we have become accustomed.

How do we help them to keep that wonder and become members of our community rather than just visitors? What takes a spectator and makes them yearn to be a participant? We must include new people and train them to be better SCAdians. However, we have to be better SCAdians as we work to set that example.

It takes a little time. It means a little forethought. It requires you to think about more than just yourself and your friends. Sure, it's easy to get caught up in what you are doing but think of it this way- that new person might be the one helping you mop a hall in ten years.

Fact: People like to feel welcome.
It is hella uncomfortable to stand around in a room or campsite full of people who all know each other and are chatting amiably when you don't know a soul. Make a small effort to be welcoming and you might find a new friend or just help a new SCAdian get started a little easier. Invite new people to step deeper into an event, a class, a project and help them become welcome participants.

• We can welcome new people by smiling and saying good day each time we see someone who we do not recognize. Positive body language and polite conversation are a nice place to start.
• We can introduce ourselves to people we don't know. "Hi, I'm sorry, have we met? I'm so and so. Are you new to the area?"
• If you are sitting at a bardic or in a class and someone wanders up looking interested, take a moment and invite them to come closer and join the group. Let them know what is going on and let them know they can ask questions.

Fact: People like to feel needed and useful.
Standing around with empty hands when everyone else has something to do is uncomfortable. No event in the history of the SCA has ever gone off without a bunch of help being needed. Try to look out for new people and invite them to pitch in.

• Introduce yourself to people who look lost or alone when you are working on a project. Invite them to help you but let them know that they do not have to help. "Hi there, if you have a few minutes would you mind lending us a hand setting up these chairs?"
• If you are working on a project and notice someone watching ask them if they would like to learn more about it. "Hi, I'm processing reservations for the event. Would you like to learn more about how we do this?" "I'm chopping vegetables for dinner tonight. Want to keep us company while we work?" 
• Say thank you every time someone helps you. If you have just met them or if you have known them for decades, it does not matter. They helped you. Offer your thanks often and loudly.

Fact: People like to feel attractive.
Just once, take a moment to watch how a person changes at a day event when they wear their mundane clothing into a changing space and come out wrapped in a different century. Those who dress up stand a little straighter and smile a little easier. When people feel like they look good, they feel instantly better about themselves. Don't donate your hideous old kitchen tunic to Gold Key. Don't put your newcomer in rags.

• Make an effort to help new people find loaner clothing that will fit them properly, be comfortable and will look nice. No, they don't need to be fully kitted in Elizabethan, but help them look respectable.
• Make an item and donate it to Gold Key. A simple tunic dress, a fresh and clean pair of pants and tunic, accessories like simple belts. 
• Take a moment of your time and tell people when they look good. New or old to the SCA, a genuine compliment feels good. 
• Don't send out a new person dressed in something you would be embarrassed to wear. Ever.
• If a new person admires your garb, help them find the knowledge on how to purchase it or how to get started with making it. Never tell someone that your garb would be too difficult or complex for them to make. It's rude and you have no idea what they are capable of. Be a good teacher, a good SCAdian and a good person. 

Fact: People like to feel knowledgeable.
When new people ghost around the edges of classes, tourney fields or even groups of people, they are interested. Something drew them in and caught their attention. Take some time with new people and help them find out how to learn more

• Ask people what interests them and then suggest people on site or upcoming classes that might be able to help them gain knowledge.
• Suggest some good books or websites on the topic. Ask for their email address and share your knowledge with them in a way that is useful and not an on-the-spot info dump.
• No one gets it right the first time or every time. If someone makes a mistake, uses the wrong title of address or uses the wrong term for something accidentally, be polite and correct them with a smile. Use gentle language like you would want from someone who was correcting you. 

Fact: People like to feel appreciated. 
Doing a good job or working hard and then not being acknowledged is a soul-sucking experience.

• Say thank you. A lot. Whenever someone helps you, say thanks. Every time. It's not overkill.
• Be free with tokens of thanks. Pack a few blank note cards that can be turned into on-the-spot thank you notes. Have a few spare items of largess that you can hand to someone when they do something cool or helpful. Exhibiting this behavior of recognition helps to teach our new people how they can thank people in the future. 
• Give honest and genuine compliments. Tell people when they look good or that you appreciate their effort with something they have done. Thank people for serving. 
• Compliment even small acts of chivalry. A new person offering to help carry a chair should be made to feel welcome and then thanked for their effort. a gentleman pausing so that a lady can pass. Someone holding a door. These are the ideals we want in our society. Start by doing them. Finish with acknowledging them in others. In time, it really will catch on.

Fact: People like to try stuff out.
One of the recent inspirations that struck me was from one of my own associates: My apprentice HL Finnguala inghen Alister was making a piece of stick weaving and another friend looked on with interest. "Do you want to learn how to make this?" Finnguala asked. The other lady quickly said yes. Finnguala whipped a stick weaving starter kit out of a bag and put it in the lady's hands. "Let's get you started then." I was floored: what a great way to get someone started with an art? It made me realize that I need to up my game. A scribal art starter kit might be a little harder, but maybe I just need to think a lit farther out of the box.

What have I left out? How can I be a better SCAdian by helping others get involved in this club?