Chatelaine
Overview
The Chatelaine is the Recruiting and Retention Officer for the Kingdom of the Outlands. The office focuses on welcoming newcomers, supporting their first steps in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), and helping them connect with their local communities.
The Chatelaine builds the present and future of the Society by creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with newcomers. The office works to help new participants understand the SCA, find activities that interest them, and feel included in the community.
The office of the Chatelaine was formerly known as the Office of the Hospitaller. It is unknown exactly when or why this change occurred.
Current Chatelaines
| Area | Officer |
|---|---|
| Kingdom Chatelaine | Shîrîn Al-Sasan |
| Northern Deputy | Kára Snæbjórn |
| Windkeep | Kára Snæbjörndáttir |
| Unser Hafen | Gilbertus de Messina |
| Caer Galen | Kokechin Q'oa |
| Caerthe | Elizabeth Winter |
| Dragonsspine | Robert Hunteman |
| Aarquelle | Feilan Ulfsdottir |
| Draca Mor | Sigriðr Flossadóttir |
| Rio de las Animas | Vacant |
| Fontaine dans Sable | Alamanda de la Roca |
| Drygestan | Vacant |
| al-Barran | Madeleine Lernould de Fleury and Lady Arwen |
| Nahrun Kabirun | Vacant |
| Citadel of the Southern Pass | Vacant |
This list is current as of 11-6-2025
Recruitment
Recruitment in the Outlands emphasizes non-aggressive, inclusive practices. The Chatelaine promotes:
Welcoming spaces: Online and in-person environments that clearly signal openness, inclusivity, and respect.
Education rather than pressure: Providing information about the SCA and its activities so newcomers can make decisions at their own pace.
Genuine connection: Taking time to learn about newcomers’ interests and goals to help them find their place in the Society.
Opportunities for involvement: Highlighting ways to participate, such as volunteering, attending meetings, or trying hands-on activities.
Collaboration: Focusing on collective growth rather than competition for numbers.
Transparency: Being clear about expectations and responsibilities of membership.
Celebrating diversity: Valuing a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
These practices support long-term engagement and help create a vibrant, inclusive community.
Demos
Local chapter demonstrations are a major recruitment and retention tool. They introduce the public to SCA activities, provide newcomers with a first point of contact, and distribute informational handouts.
The Chatelaine plays an essential role in demo planning and approval:
Understanding newcomer needs: The Chatelaine ensures demos address common questions and concerns of people new to the SCA.
Coordination: Working with event staff and local officers to align demos with recruitment and retention goals.
Resource support: Providing materials, guidance, and best practices for presenting the SCA clearly and effectively.
Involving the Chatelaine in demo decisions ensures that public presentations are welcoming, accurate, and supportive of newcomer growth.