NGT&S

There was a time when the fencing community was known throughout the kingdom for its willingness to help out. It seemed like any time the Northern Garrison traveled, we'd show up on site and immediately be put to work, without any question of our willingness to help.

Now don't get me wrong, I still see plenty of fencers doing their part to help others, but I've also seen the occasional gaggle of fencers sit around and watch as a lady pulled a cart of water to the list fields. And yes, they received a spot correction.

It seems from my experience that it's the newer fencers (not necessarily the younger ones) that tend to ignore these opportunities for service. That suggests to me that the problem is one of education, and I don't mean mundane schooling. Rather that we more experienced members aren't taking the time to teach our newer members the value of helping out, except by example. Yes, teaching by example is a good start (it sure beats sitting around the camp fire, telling people what to do), but it's only part of the equation. Not only do we need to show them what to do, but we need to teach them when to do it. When the herald comes by announcing that they need help setting up for feast, or setting up the royal pavilion, don't just get up and go, tap the shoulders of your newer friends (or potential friends) and say, "Let's go." And when they're done, thank them. Maybe even offer them a beer (if they're of age). I, myself, will do amazing things for a simple cup of coffee.

Now we shouldn't expect to be rewarded for helping others, that's labor, not service. More often than not, I'll do my best to avoid any sort of reward for helping out - for me, service is a way of paying back what the Society has already given me - but if someone insists on rewarding me, I'll accept their offer graciously.

The ironic part of that is that I have cast tokens for the sole purpose of recognizing people who I either see going out of their way to help others, or who make exceptionally good passes while fencing. Yes, I who don't like to be recognized came up with a way to recognize others. They're nothing fancy. In fact, the best way to describe them would be crude, but they're my little way of encouraging others and helping ensure that the SCA continues to be a Society worthy of pride.