Welcome to the group

[ppfuf]

Can you describe for me what makes you feel welcome in a new group? (SCA, school, work, girl scouts, church, AA, any group you had to walk into when you didn't know many people there is fine.)

I was wondering about this, because it's come up in a couple of conversations recently. I've been trying to remember why I felt welcomed and comfortable in some groups but not in others. I know there are lines between "off-putting", "welcoming" and "swarmed by mad-eye'd cultists", so I'd like to take a stab at defining them.

Comments

[ppfuf.livejournal.com]

Hmm, treating new comers as equals is probably easier at a baronial business meeting than dance practice. At dance, it's pretty obvious who's been dancing for a while and who's new even when we're doing a dance that's new to everyone. Although people who are "fluent" in another dance form can fool me sometimes. :)

[despair-bear.livejournal.com]

Of course there are some limitations, particularly when skills are involved. I would not turn a green recruit loose in my shop with out guidance (lest they loose a limb or burn my house down), but I would give them the same opportunity and level of excitement on my part as I would with any member of my house. 1st day or 30th year they will get the same level of respect and attention from me.