Hmm; interesting question.
<p>
Okay, I'm going to step back for a second here, and give the honest,
dispassionate answer. The duty of the B/B to the boroughs is basically
the same as to any other group within the Barony. *Personally*, I tend
to spend a fair amount of time and energy on the Boroughs, but that's
really a personal thing; the B/B really shouldn't be too unbalanced
towards or away from any one group. Frankly, it's one reason why I
insisted on running with Caitlin -- together, I think we represent the
Barony more thoroughly than either of us would separately.
<p>
Of course, this begs the question: what duty does the B/B owe to the
groups within it? I don't think there's a single pat answer, but some
aspects seem to include:
<p>
-- Being aware. One of the most basic-sounding duties, but one of the
most important: the B/B need to *know* the people and groups in the
Barony. That isn't easy; it's a huge Barony, bigger than most folks
realize.
<p>
-- Being involved. If the B/B are, as some have been saying, the "heart
and soul of the Barony", that has to mean that they have to strive to be
a *part* of the Barony, as broadly as they reasonably can. It's frankly
impossible for anyone to do everything in Carolingia. But I think it's
good for them to make an effort to do as much as they reasonably can.
<p>
-- Being fair. The Barony has a number of different interests, and
sometimes they conflict. One of the quieter jobs of the B/B is quiet
mediation and diplomacy when necessary. Carolingia is less prone to
internal politics than many SCA branches, so this duty blessedly isn't
needed too often. But when it's important, it's important. The B/B need
to be about to step back, understand everyone's positions, and do what
they can to help bring things to a peaceful resolution.
<p>
-- Leading, gently. Carolingia has a distinctively decentralized spirit.
We don't tend to deal well with being led too forcefully -- there are
too many people with too many different ideas for one vision to compel
people too strongly. That said, the B/B can't just be a follower,
either. I'd say that their job is to listen to the people around them,
pick out the ideas that make sense, and then encourage those ideas in
the people around them.
