Baroness Catherine thanking a group of artisans
Volunteering is the heart of or Society.
All of our activities, from the events and feasts, to the local fighter practices, business meetings, and workshops and classes, are all run by volunteers.
Service is an integral part of Honour and Chivalry in the Society. For every job/task that one takes on, there is a very personal impact for someone else. Maybe you’re facilitating a tournament, or because of you someone isn’t overwhelmed serving lunch or at gate.
It is an Honour to serve, and we reward it equally alongside Prowess and Artistry.
Why Should I Volunteer?
Service is one of the best ways to get involved in the Society, and a great way to get to know the people around you.
By volunteering to take care of one thing, you are ensuring the hobby keeps going and everyone (including you!) can enjoy participating into the future.
But What Can I Do?
Everybody has something they can contribute. After all, many hands make light work.
Campfire cooking demonstration
Volunteer at Events
Events are a lot of work to run. They need event organizers, people to sit gate, people to set up tables and chairs. Feast preparation needs people working in the kitchen preparing food and washing dishes, as well as servers. Lunch requires people to prepare and serve the lunches. Armoured and rapier combat tournaments require marshals. Arts & Sciences competitions need organizers, and judges. Visiting royalty needs entourage.
If you want to volunteer, start by emailing the Event Steward, tell them you are new and would like to help. Tell them what you are able or interested in doing. Every time you find yourself wanting for diversion, find someone looking harried and ask to help! You’ll be everyone’s best friend.
Work a Demo
Demos require individuals that enjoy talking to people, and want to show their love of medieval history and the SCA to the world.
Most demos are organized by the Baronial Chatelaine. To volunteer, contact the Chatelaine. Sometimes Cantons also organize demos. Check with your Canton’s chatelaine or seneschal to see if they have any appearances that they need help with.
Serve as an Officer or Deputy
Every group in the SCA–from local Cantons, Strongholds, and Shires, to Baronies and Kingdoms–is made up of many individuals who hold offices to ensure things happen in accordance with the rules. It is a great way to see how the society works. Apply for one, or if you are interested in an office but aren’t ready to take it on, why not volunteer to be a deputy? Most would be thrilled to have the help, and it’s a fantastic way to learn the job.
- See the list of Baronial officers.
- See our vacant or soon-to-be-vacant officer and deputy positions.
Learning a new game
Become a Marshal
Martial activities are fun to do. Becoming an authorized marshal gives you the ability to help others share in this fun.
- Learn more about martial activities
Teach a Class
Members of the SCA learn about the past by researching period arts, crafts, and traditions and then experience history by recreating it. As an educational organization, teaching and learning are strongly encouraged.
Want to teach a class? Contact the Minister for Arts & Science to discuss your ideas and what events or locations it would be a good fit for.
Illuminated scroll
Volunteer Your Artistic Talents
All awards handed out by Ealdormere’s Sitting Monarchs (as well as Skraeling Althing’s Sitting Baronial Nobles) are almost always accompanied by an illuminated scroll. Our Signets are always looking for artisans willing to volunteer their time and talents. Many branches will host scribal nights to teach and hone these artistic talents. To volunteer, tor to learn more, contact the Baronial Signet.
Other artisans are also in demand. Kings, Queens, Barons, and Baronesses often give small tokens, prizes for tournaments, and other displays of largesse. Contact the Minister for Arts & Science to learn more, or discuss your ideas.