North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[mangodance <bmn@iglou.com>]

Amanda Emily wrote:

> 2. Meetups and groups. I've attended, or rather have tried to attend 
> many meetups and groups with an age group much older than I am. It may 
> not be intentional, but the impression I've received is of "what is that 
> young punk doing here in our group" (in those cases, it was with 
> "friends of such-and-such park" groups). If someone younger shows up, 
> don't give them grief and refer them to as the "babies of the group". It 
> doesn't exactly feel very welcoming.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I don't believe being referred to as "new 
blood", "younger members", etc., has been derogatory...rather, it has 
been factual.  I don't feel any slant.  Even if we were referred to as 
"babies of the group" I wouldn't see it as grief given.   I have truly 
never experienced a sentiment like "what is that young punk doing here 
in our group".  Most, if not all, people I've met seem eager to share 
their knowledge and are happy to see new people take interest.