For awhile we've considered the idea of a mentoring program. With the restructuring of the guild I felt it was an important step to including new members and encourage fellowship. New members will mentored by veteran guild members. Over the first two to four weeks of being a member of the guild the “mentor” will introduce their “apprentice” to the guild, make it a point to spend time with that player, and attempt to lead that player through the steps of becoming a full member (or Guardsman). Apprenticeship ends either after the new player reaches Guardsman or four weeks have passed. Whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I volunteer?
Although there are some incentives to instructing an apprentice, there is one beyond mere material rewards. Imagine or remember if you would, when you were a new member to the guild. You don't know anyone. You have no friends here. You may be totally new to the server, maybe even the game. You bravely join a guild that has members who have known each other closely for years. This is probably more than a little intimidating.
The apprenticeship program establishes a way for new members to feel welcome and comfortable in a sea of strangers. Not only are you helping encourage participation in the guild, you're getting to know a fellow Brother or Sister in Christ. During the 2 – 4 weeks you instruct your apprentice you open the opportunity to get to know them as an individual, and begin praying for each other; potentially securing a friend for life. This is far more rewarding than anything we can offer you in-game.
How do you volunteer for the mentoring program?
All new members are required to have a mentor assigned. Current members of full member (Guardsman) and above may volunteer for the position. In addition to counting toward certain rank progressions, mastering an apprentice may include other rewards. Please see the rank progression objectives for details.
When new players apply to the guild and it appears they will be accepted a general post will be made on the forums by an Officer announcing a new player may be potentially joining. Those who wish to volunteer may PM the officer. The officer(s) will then choose a member they feel would best fit the new member's current gaming level, personality, and schedule.
Do I have to hand walk my apprentice through the game?
No! As an instructor your job is to help the player become as self-sufficient in the game and guild as is reasonably possible (if they are not already). You are not a babysitter. You are a mentor who where necessary will answer questions about the game, the guild, and help introduce them to other guild members. Your responsibility is to help as best as you can lead a trial member (Squire) to achieving membership status (Esquire or Guardsman). It is strongly encouraged that once or twice a week you set aside time to play with your apprentice. We do not expect you to drastically alter your free time. Try and include them in your normal activities as best as possible, and be willing to set aside some time for this new member.
What if my apprentice isn't signing on or won't participate?
Things happen and schedules conflict. The mentoring system is designed as an aid, but is not make or break for anyone. Try contacting them in or out of game and touch base with them. See what may be going on in their life. Maybe they prefer playing alone or don't feel the need. In the end, every person is responsible for their own experience and progression in Christian Expeditionary Force.
What if my mentor isn't signing on or won't participate?
Similarly, schedules conflict. If you would really appreciate a mentor please first touch base with whoever you were assigned to apprentice. Let them know you could really use some help getting involved in the guild. In the end, remember, the Mentor is just that. A mentor. You are ultimately responsible for your participation, fellowship, and guild experience. In extreme cases, begin by contacting a junior officer (Knight) about the situation, and we may consider finding a mentor who may have a schedule more in sync with your own.
What other incentives are there?
For the apprentice, the incentive is a well guided introduction and inclusion into the guild. The mentor program is a great way to make a new friend and lead the way to making others.
For the mentor, beyond the satisfaction of helping out a new member, there may be gold or item incentives for successful apprenticeship. We may also introduce customer forum ranksRanks of Chief Guardsman and above may only be obtained with a certain number of successfully mentored apprentices.
