OvLrdLegion,
None of your questions are intrusive, I am always honest and open when asked questions about the SCA.
Looked it up on the web, very interesting. Is your community based on the probability of future disasters and ready to have an infra-structure in place to maintain stability if needed?
or is it more of a group like those that re-inact periods of history?
The SCA started as a writer's guild by Dana Paxton and Marion Zimmer-Bradley, it has since grown into worldwide organization that is dedicated to the study and recreation of the Middle Ages.
Now, assuming that a disaster does indeed occur, how would the SCA respond to those who refuse to become a 'member'?
If the worst was to happen there would be no response from us if one does not want to be a member and there is no formal survival plan on our part. I am organizing people within my Barony only because I believe in being prepared and there are many of us who possess excellent basic survival skills.
And are there any guidelines for membership that would automatically disqualify an applicant?
There are no official guidelines for membership beyond having a penchant for the Middle Ages. We do attempt to adhere to the highest levels of chivalry, courtesy, and honor. But we do miss bar occasionally, we mere mortals after all.
Is the SCA active politically, or merely a group of folks that share an interest in history?
We avoid talking politics like the plague, among other "mundane" topics in order to keep the medieval feel during events. So no, we do not have a singular political stance.
The only motivation we have is to escape the mundane B.S. and attempt to live a little better than what we have to contend with on a daily basis. For me it has been well worth it.
The reason why I ask is because I too have been a member in a group that had underlying motives behind veils of truth. It didnt take long to realize that there was something wrong with what they were leading up too, so I quit.
This is sad. I can tell you that there is nothing sinister about The SCA. We have survived for 40 years and we have 17 Kingdoms all over the world. I know many that can attribute some of the best things in their lives came from being in The SCA. I have also known children that were born into The SCA and have grown up with a set of standards much higher than what is currently acceptable.
SCA children can truly be amazing individuals. This is not to say we are perfect, but I do prefer the company of those in the Society over the average mundane individual.
I hope that answers your questions adequately.
Lord Ieuan Morgannwg