[Sca-List] What's An Officer?

[CLVaughn]

Greetings, Gentles:

A couple times a year or so, you'll notice someone gets on the list asking
for volunteers to be an officer for the group.  I'm about to do so again. 
Though it occurs to me, that if you haven't been to a business meeting, or
if you're newish, you may not know what's involved with being an officer. 
So here's the rundown.

In a nutshell, the officers are the people who make sure the group fulfills
all the requirements we need to fulfill in order to remain in good standing
within the SCA.

What's required?  Three basic things, really:
--perform the duties of the office
--report to the corresponding Kingdom officer.  (The Kingdom officer then
reports to the Society officer.)
--attend business meetings

Here's a very basic description of the group's offices.  If you have an
interest in any of these areas, but aren't sure you want to be an officer,
you can be a deputy.  There's no limit to the number of deputies we can
have, and it's a good way to see how the whole thing works.  Please talk to
the officer of any of these areas about becoming a deputy.

Seneschal:  this is the equivalent of club president.  Makes sure the group
is following the rules, runs meetings, reads the reports of the other
officers, etc.  As the representative of the group, has the authority to
sign contracts (like site leases) and such.  (currently Dona Cecily)

Reeve/Exchequer:  equivalent of treasurer.  Handles the group's finances,
checkbook, budgets, and submits quarterly financial reports.  (currently
Mistress Signy)

Chronicler:  publishes the group's monthly newsletter.  (currently Lady
Veronica)

Webminister:  maintains the group's website.  (currently Baroness Morgan)

Knight Marshal:  supervises heavy fighting in the group.  Makes sure
fighters are properly authorized, equipped, etc.  Promotes heavy fighting. 
(currently Sir Leifr)

Rapier Marshal:  same thing, but for rapier fighting.  (currently Master
Ian)

Archery Marshal:  same thing, but for archery. (currently Lord Simon)

Herald:  helps members in the group submit names and devices to the College
of Heralds for approval.  Also makes sure awards are properly recorded and
reported to the Kingdom Herald.  In a barony, they may be in charge of
court heraldry as well.  Promotes all forms of heraldry.  (currently Lord
Reginald)

Hospitaller:  this is the "welcome wagon."  This is a contact person for
new members, helps organize demos to attract new members, and keeps a stock
of loaner garb and gear on hand for the group's use.  (currently Lord
Robert Warden)

Arts and Sciences Minister:  part of the SCA's mission statement is to
promote education and research.  The A&S Minister encourages these
activities within the group, and reports on these activities.  (currently
Lord Padraig)

Minister of Children:  organizes activities for children and helps make
sure the group is following SCA rules regarding children's activities. 
(currently Lady Rowenna and Lord Robert)

Minister of Lists:  this person is in charge of running tournaments and
recording/reporting the results.  (currently Mistress Brianna)

Waterbearer:  this person is in charge of making sure the fighters,
archers, etc. have plenty of water at tournaments and events.  (OPEN)

Quartermaster:  this person is in charge of keeping track of the group's
stuff, making it available to people who need it, and maintaining an
inventory list.  (Baron Carrick and Master Magnus)

Autocrats:  these are people who are in charge of running specific events. 
They work closely with the Seneschal and other officers.

As you can see, it takes a lot of people to help a group run smoothly.  But
here's the thing:  with lots of people helping, each one of them taking a
little bit of the responsibility, it makes it easier on everyone.  Which is
why we have so many officers in the first place.

Thanks for reading!

Cecily