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==1995==
===August===
====17th====
=====On Being an Acolyte=====
 <pre>On Being an Acolyte		
August 17, 1995
		

What is an Acolyte?

Phantasus is filled with many wonderful people.  People who help others.  People 
who run events and sponsor activities with their own money.  We are truly 
blessed to have such a caring community.  Within that community, however, it is 
necessary to have several layers of support.

Acolytes are those avatars who take an active role in orienting new arrivals, 
helping other avatars, and supporting and motivating the community on an ongoing 
and consistent basis.

In truth, avatars become Acolytes by *being* an Acolyte.  In fact, those who are 
Acolytes would continue doing the same kinds of things even if they weren't made 
Acolytes--and they do so out of a desire to help others and to make Phantasus a 
more enjoyable place to live.

The title "Acolyte" brings with it a wealth of responsibility--and not much 
else.  Beyond being able to receive Pages from other avatars, Acolytes have no 
special powers.  On the other hand, they are expected to be "On Duty" at 
scheduled times, to work the Help Desk, and to sponsor (and help with) 
activities and events.  Sometimes Acolytes have access to special or unique 
items--but not for long.  Usually they are simply "showing off" the prize for an 
upcoming event.

Acolytes are not a special club or "clique."  They are, however, organized and 
do hold a title.  However, that title doesn't give them anything they didn't 
already have or earn.  The Acolytes do have a private place to go in order to 
organize themselves, find out who is on duty, etc.  All of the Acolytes’ 
"benefits" are geared toward helping others.  A common misconception is that 
Acolytes have advantages over other avatars.  This isn't true.

Acolytes must mediate disputes.  They handle conflict resolution and more.  As 
the code of conduct of the community evolves, it is up to the Acolytes to 
provide the first level of support (or enforcement).  An analogy might be 
Oracles are judges while Acolytes serve as agents of the court.

Do you want to be an Acolyte?  If so, asking to become an Acolyte isn't the way-
-acting like an one is.  Through a continuous display of the efforts described 
above,  the Oracles will come to recognize those who fulfill the role of 
Acolyte.  Although it may not happen immediately, given time and help from the 
Acolytes and the rest of the community, it will happen.

"In your training do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to 
master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an 
all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your 
friends and students and progress together in the Art of Peace."

       - Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
         Excerpted from The Art of Peace translated by John Stevens.


Sincerely,

The WorldsAway Oracles</pre>