Helping New Members Get Equipment

[cblackthorne]

Hello,

I would be curious if any other units have tried a program similar to what we have been doing in the last year. Its a program to help new members with a low budget (i.e. college kids) get involved in WWII Re-enacting without having to cut corners on authenticity.

We call it the Indentured Servitude Program.

I originally used the idea in medieval re-enacting. Like WWII, medieval re-enacting can be very expensive if you decide to get involved in the armored fighting. The program seemed to work pretty well for the one that used it so I thought a similar version might work for WWII.

Basically, this is how it works. The unit (German Wehrmacht type) purchases a basic uniform for the new member. This includes pants, jacket, belt, hat, and service shirt. The new member signs an agreement with the unit that they will participate as a member of the unit for a period of two years. During that time they are considered a probationary member. If they attend the prescribed number of events during that two years, make progress on acquiring their own field gear, and perform unit duties as assigned, then they get to keep the uniform kit the unit purchased, free and clear. If at any time during the 2 years they quit going to events or do not support the unit in a satisfactory manner, the kit is forfeit.

So far we have had two new members participate in the program. One failed and the other is still in progress, but looks very promising.

No new member is required to participate in the ISP, its just an option for new guys with little to no budget. The agreement is not legally binding, but does document the expectations that the member must live up to in order to successfully complete probation.

Unit duties consist of putting forth effort to promote the unit and support its activities. Working a table at a public display, setting up unit tents, etc. Its not dirty work or any type of hazing. Its just a little more effort than your average member to show you really want to do this.

I would appreciate any lessons learned from other units that have tried similar programs.

Regards,
Chris

[dbloge]

I am not aware of any other German unit that has ever done this. Every German reenactor should be made aware that they are expected to spend $1000-$1500 within a short period of time by a unit, before being allowed to join that unit. They should realize that they will be expected to spend spend money on transportation, blanks, event fees and other expenses, just to participate in the hobby. This is not a cheap hobby, and should not be a priority for anyone struggling financially. Real life should come first. In most larger units, most basic uniform/equipment items can be acquired for prospective members for a few events from unit members themselves. If new members show no initiative in acquiring uniform/equipment items, then members stop loaning it to them.


DL

[colonelbulldog]

I would also suggest you keep said uniform with the Unit until the recruit has completed his probation, if you dont already. We dont have that program. But enough cloting to put together a descent impression for a newbie until they can get their own outfit.

[cblackthorne]

Bulldog,

Yes, that is a good point. Our quartermaster issues them their uniform and equipment before every event and then reclaims them at the end. Part of our lessons learned with the first failure was we let him keep the uniform to clean and he threw the uniform in the washing machine. Ruined a perfectly good wool uniform that we cant issue to anyone else.

Im still trying to figure out if I can save the uniform and somehow "flatten" the wool and make it look less like a fuzzy rabbit.

Regards,
Chris

[Sturmmann Gunter]

Hi Chris,

Our unit has what we call loaner gear that is owned by our unit. Our unit collects annual dues and part of it we use to purchase common gear that can be used by new recruits. What we do is have them fill out a sheet to borrow the gear for only the day/weekend. They use it and get to experience WWII reenacting at it best. If they come out for a few events and like it we encourage them to become a member. Then we start encouraging them to buy the basics for our impression from the less expensive vendors. Or guys, if they like the recruit, might donate or sell items to them for very cheap.

This has worked well for us as we retain the gear in case someone changes their mind about staying in the unit or reenacting in general.

Hope this helps!

- Gunter