Hello Debatable Lands! Salve Accolens! Hello Neighbors!
Below is a restatement from our letter appearing in the June (2nd Qtr) Althing:
We have long felt and said that the SCA and our Barony is a safe space. A place where we can leave our modern worries at the metaphorical door, and be exactly who we want to be – warriors and artists and leaders and so much more… And you know, while that is true for many of us, to varying degrees, it’s not true for everyone. We are but human. Humans who cannot leave parts of their very selves and souls at the SCA door. We acknowledge this. Now, we ask that we all acknowledge this.
So, what do we do? The SCA does not exist in a vacuum. We are not simply warriors, not simply artisans, not simply leaders, or archers, or builders, or any of the myriad paths that we have the opportunities to follow. The SCA is, at its very heart, based in chivalry and courtesy. It’s in our highest Laws, our highest expectations of ourselves. Our Core Values*. It’s time we take a hard look at ourselves and what the true meaning of our values are. We must actively seek the ways that our systems, our processes, our words, and above all, our actions, inhibit equity in our game. Every single one of us, even we, your Baron and Baroness, have unconscious bias. We must all examine ourselves, our words, our actions, and the systems that we build and take part in. And above all, when someone tells us that something is wrong – that something in our great hobby is harming them – we must listen.
We will say this, unequivocally: in our Barony, we will no longer turn our heads away from intolerance. We are a people of compassion, reason, and acceptance. *You are welcome here*. Whatever your race, ethnicity, orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, religion, political beliefs, age, socio-economic status, or appearance, you are welcome here. The only thing that is not welcome is intolerance.
In this self-examination, we are not perfect. Let us be patient with ourselves, let us not rush to judgment, or alienation of friends and neighbors. We say again: we are but human. And humans are flawed. We ask that we all practice kindness, and compassion, and patience, and respect – as we navigate these current rough waters.
We know our words this time have far more gravitas that you may be used to hearing from us, and we know that we ask of us all things that may be difficult. Know this: we will continue to hold every last one of you in our hearts, and to strive to keep our vibrant, amazing Barony a fun and welcoming place.
We are here because you believe.
In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda
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*SCA Statement of Core Values
In pursuing its mission, the SCA is committed to excellence in its programs, communications and activities and to
∙ act in accordance with the chivalric virtues of honor and service;
∙ value and respect the worth and dignity of all individuals;
∙ practice inclusiveness and respect pluralism and diversity;
∙ promote a safe and respectful environment for all SCA events;
∙ act with transparency, fairness, integrity and honesty;
∙ be a responsible steward of SCA resources; and,
∙ be committed to maintaining the trust of its members and participants.
It is the expectation of the SCA that its members and participants, in all events and activities of the SCA, will conduct themselves in accordance with these tenets.
