The Courtesy Circle's Charter

Statement of Purpose

  1. The Courtesy Circle will serve Her Majesty Queen Vivienne by bringing what help we can to Her guests in the Outer Bailey through promotion of the respect for and consideration of others which is at the heart of all etiquette.

  2. The Courtesy Circle will endeavor to help prepare gentlefolk for appropriate behavior in the Inner Bailey, should they ever be so honored as to be invited therein, resulting in both greater comfort for the Outer Bailey folk and less disruption to Her Majesty and Her Court upon the issuance of such invitations.

  3. The Courtesy Circle will offer an open and democratic forum (for both Members and non-Members alike) for discussion of the philosophy and practical applications of courtesy, endeavoring to clear confusions, avoid misunderstandings, and heighten awareness of this important issue.

  4. The Courtesy Circle will present lectures on specific topics of courtesy and etiquette, coordinating and cooperating with other guilds on these lectures when appropriate. For example, a lecture on "Courtesy in Dueling" might be presented with the cooperation of the sword guilds, a lecture on "Courtesy in Disagreements" with the help of The Counsel, etc.

  5. The Courtesy Circle will offer what help it can to other guilds in the castle, as such needs do arise. One possible example might be offering special classes for new members of The Awakened on advising newly awakened castle guests in matters of courtesy.

  6. The Courtesy Circle will provide a friendly forum for all castle residents to discuss their attempts to show courtesy and respect to others, and to receive understanding support when it is difficult for them to do so.

Guild Structure

I, sera Punzel, will be the Mistress of this guild, potentially assisted by an Assistant Mistress. Members who show a commitment to the purposes of the Courtesy Circle and appropriate levels of knowledge may be appointed Instructors (at the discretion of the Guild Committee), with the ability to lead lectures and guild meetings if they so choose.

In cases of need for decision-making, the Mistress, Assistant Mistress, and Instructors will form a Guild Committee in which each has an equal vote toward a democratic decision.

Members will include the Mistress, Assistant Mistress, and Instructors, as well as those with no other rank in the guild.

All Members will be free to state their opinions in an open forum on matters of castle courtesy and etiquette. Exchange of ideas will be actively encouraged, both among Members and also between Members and respectful non-Members.

Membership Policies

All who show an honest desire to promote courtesy and good etiquette in the Outer Bailey are welcome to join the Courtesy Circle. Non-Members will be welcome at all regular meetings, provided that they behave with appropriate respect and courtesy.

To join the Courtesy Circle, one need simply express a desire to do so, either at a guild meeting or by scroll to the Guild Mistress. The prospective new Member will be suggested at the next meeting of the guild (or immediately, if interest has been expressed in a meeting), and will be admitted one week later if no objections are voiced by Members in that time period.

If an objection is stated, the Guild Committee will listen to the Member's objection and also speak with the proposed Member to make an informed decision.

Membership will be immediately revoked from any Member found to be in severe violation of the guild purposes, as judged by the Guild Committee.

Courtesy Circle Members will be identified by the wearing of a simple ring made of pale wood, around the band of which are carved the words 'Courtesy - Respect - Consideration'.

Brief Guild Definition of Courtesy

Courtesy is the showing of respect and consideration for those around us. It is not something imposed from outside, like a set of rules ... it springs from within the heart, as a desire to create a harmonious society. Courtesy means remembering that others around us are people who have feelings and needs and desires, just as we do. It means humbly considering and respecting those people's feelings and needs, and not only our own, when choosing our words and behaviors. Etiquette can be seen as an outward expression of courtesy ... or as a tool to help promote courtesy.

Some may notice that the word 'courtesy' resembles the word 'court', and this is not an accident. For courteous behavior is a requirement in any royal court, including that of Her Majesty Queen Vivienne. Those who hope to create a favorable impression with Her Majesty's Court would do well to cultivate in their own lives an honest attention to courtesy and etiquette, regardless of what path they follow.



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