Report from the Grand Council: Quarter 3, 2008
A. COMMITTEE ACTIVITY
The Council received two topics to discuss. The topics were: “Key Needs:  What do people get out of the SCA or what do they Need out of the SCA?” and “Recruitment”    
B. COMMITTEE STATUS AND COMMENDATIONS
Other Changes
Resignations:
Elana Blakefenn - Caid
Additions:
None
C. PUBLISHABLE SUMMARY
The Grand Council examined 2 specific topics, as mentioned in Section A.  There were several other smaller discussions that spun off of these two topics. The specifics can be found in Section E (Discussions).
D. CONFIDENTIAL
Nothing to report
E. DISCUSSIONS
Key Needs: What do people get out of the SCA?
The responses to this question were as varied as the individual who answered.  However there were some common elements.  Obviously a love of history, historical reenactment, and activities similar to renaissance fairs were common answers. Companionship, a sense of accomplishment, opportunity to try new activities, self-improvement, ability to serve and teach were some additional products of participation within the SCA.  Additionally, the ability to let the ‘inner-geek’ loose, research eclectic topics, and dress in fashion that is much different from today, were also listed as benefits of the SCA. Children are taught respect, integrity, and a place where they have a sense of ‘belonging’.
Concern was expressed as a perceived changed in the culture of the SCA.  A sort of a gradual shift from a ‘we’ mentality to an ‘I’ mentality.  This self-entitlement attitude could cause conflict and potentially lead to a decline in participation, especially amongst those who have been around longer.
Additionally, it was noted that often the needs/wants of a newcomer are often quite different from that of a peer.
What do people need from the SCA as a corporation?
• Insulating and protecting the SCA – via insurance, protecting autocrats, officers, site owners, etc from possible legal battles.  This also provides a sense of belonging to a larger entity. Additionally, it is felt that this would possible serve as a recruitment aide.
• Charitable/tax-exempt status – provides avenues for lower site fees, possible grants, tax exemptions on certain purchases, etc.
• Central governing body to provide structure and uniform set of rules, and arbitration for rules interpretation.
• Ability to make the game safe, legal, affordable and fun
• Communication – open, precise and easy to understand communication is vital.
• Corporate needs to be mindful that all participants are not in the US and cannot use blanket statements to cover everyone.  Same for insurance policies and the like.
Non-Profit vs. 501(c)3 (US only)
Benefits of 501(c)3 include reduced postage rates in the United States and a portion of our dues and donations are able to be deducted from taxes.  PR factor is also a large benefit, as it affords for the ability to rent sites that would be either unavailable to the group, or far costlier.  Additional benefits include exemption from federal income tax, availability of certain grants and loans, exemption of officers from personal liability in some areas.  Additionally, expenses occurred by officers can, in most instances, be tax deductible.
Fuel Costs and Events
Some feel that the increased fuel prices are a cause of decline in event attendance. It is also causing some people from attending local business meetings as well.  Suggestions of increased college aged participants and increased popularity of on-line gaming lifestyle were also made to account for additional decrease in event attendance.
It was noted that fuel prices also have a large impact overseas.  For instance, in Lochac, one Barony takes more than three hours to drive from border to border.  To travel from the eastern border of the Kingdom (New Zealand) to the western part, involves either an air flight, or an overnight ocean voyage – either of which involves a costly travel expense.
Recruitment
The general consensus was that recruitment is most effectively done at the local level, not the corporate level.  This, however, does not preclude the usefulness of the corporation for some aspects of recruiting.
Before effective recruiting can occur, there must be a stable local structure in place.  Local groups need to be welcoming to new members, and have regular local activities to keep their interest.
In this litigious society, it seems like volunteers, (such as local officers) are having additional work being asked of them, making their jobs more difficult to perform and less attractive for potential volunteers.  It was the opinion of one member that the society is becoming too heavy laden with rules and regulations, thereby taking the fun out of the equation.  This is detrimental to recruitment efforts.
It was suggested that the Office of Chatelaine be made a Greater Office, and perhaps restricted to those more seasoned in the SCA.
Some suggestions for recruiting included:
• Advertising on NPR
• Official presence in Second Life
• Trade ads in TI with other international living history groups
• A spot on the History Channel and/or a documentary of one of the Wars
• Press releases to local papers and radio stations
• Flyers and/or business cards for all members to carry with them
• Fighter oriented flyer
• Non-fighter oriented flyer
• Translations of flyers into other languages
• Science Fiction Conventions
• Surplus of ‘T’-tunics, perhaps in local group’s colors to signify a newcomer
• Mentor families to take a new family ‘under their wing’ for their first year
• Actively recruit and form student groups at colleges and universities
• Get involved with the RPG/SciFi Con groups
• Non-official gatherings – movie nights, potluck, etc.
• Develop a motto
Recruitment of Teens
It was noted that teens can easily get lost and forgotten about.  They’re too old for most youth events, and too young for adult things, like heavy fighting.  They are often left to fend for themselves.  Some kingdoms have implemented a Page Academy to keep this age group involved.  Some use a mentor system where a youth is paired up with a Peer of similar interest.  It is also important to get their parents and/or family involved.  
F. PREVIOUSLY APPROVED DISCUSSION TOPICS, TO BE ADDRESSED AS TIME PERMITS
There are no such topics at this time.
G. SUGGESTED FUTURE OR ON-GOING DISCUSSION TOPICS
Creating a 10-year plan
Creating a business plan
APPENDIX: LIST OF COUNCIL MEMBERS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DISCUSSIONS

SCA Name    Kingdom Rep/at-large    Kingdom
Aelfwyn        Middle
Ariel of Lindisfarne    Kingdom    Drachenwald
Berengaria de Montfort de Carcasson    At large    An Tir
Bianca the Inquisitive    At Large    Meridies
Brenden ap Llewelyn    At large    An Tir
Caelin on Andrede    Kingdom    Ansteorra
Cathal    Kingdom    Meridies
Chiara Francesca Arianna d'Onofrio    At large    Ansteorra
Conal Mac Nachtan    Kingdom    Outlands
Daniel de Blare    Kingdom     West
Elias Gedney    At large    East
Elizabeth        An Tir
Fernando        
Fiskr Hammondson    At large    Northshield
Flanna Dunwalton    At large    West
Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamm    Kingdom    Aethelmearc
Goedjn        
Helena Bryenissa Raoulaina    At large    An Tir
Kat MacLochlainn    At large    Ansteorra
Katriona        Northshield
Kevin Eriôl    At large    Meridies
Leyland O’Lee    At Large    Calontir
Madog        
Mitchell MacBain    Kingdom    East
Orla Carey    Kingdom    Atlantia
Rebecca with the Greyhound    At Large    Gleann Abhann
Simone        
Theodora of Trebizond    At large    Artemisia
Therasia von Tux    At large    Ansteorra
TSivia bas Tamara v'Amberview    At large    Ealdormere