New citizen first steps
One of the questions that constantly comes up comes from new Citizens. You've applied, waited the agonizing days to hear back from the Censors, and finally got the email stating you're a Citizen of Nova Roma. Swelling with pride, your Romanitas is fairly bursting, and then it hits you: Now what do I do? It's a fair question. That's what this article is for; to give you some ideas for starting your Nova Roma experience.
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Mailing Lists
First of all, you might want to subscribe to a couple of email lists.
- The "Main List" [1]
- A high-volume list, but right now it's the best way to get in touch with your fellow Nova Romans, unless you're lucky enough to live in a place where there's a local chapter.
- The "New Roman" list [2]
- Some experienced citizens are waiting to answer questions and help you get oriented in this moderated low-traffic list.
- The "Announcement" list [3]
- Contains official announcements; calls to vote, results of elections, magisterial edicts, etc. If you still want to have an ear to the ground to find out what's going on, but don't have the time to devote to a high-volume list, this list would be perfect for you.
The province you live in should also have a mailing list (most do); you might want to subscribe to that too. There are also dozens of specialized email lists for everything from the Religio Romana (Roman paganism) to Roman cooking. (Most of the Nova Roman email lists are hosted by www.yahoogroups.com; just go there and do a search for Nova Roma and you'll find a ton.) You can also find more opportunities for contact, such as live chats, message boards, the newsletter, etc. in the Forum Romanum.
Local Events and Chapters
Get in touch with people in your area. Have some face-to-face interaction with other citizens. Here are some ideas of how to find some other people and what to do once you've found them!
Clubs (Sodalitates)
Are you interested in a special aspect of Roman life? Something about ancient Rome tickle your fancy? Perhaps one of the sodalitates matches your interest.
Voting
The basic right-- some would say obligation-- of all Nova Roman cives. This is a basic primer on how voting works and your role in the voting process. You want to be involved? Vote.
The Ordo Equester
Are you able to make some sort of Roman-themed craft? Do you know how to sew? Been making garum in your basement for 20 years and want to sell some of it? You can set up shop as a member of the Ordo Equester and help Nova Roma's treasury while turning a profit for yourself at the same time!
Politics
Ahh, the glamor, the glitz, the fame. Running for public office is yet another way to contribute to Nova Roma. Here's an explanation of what the various offices actually do, to help you figure out what you might find interesting.
Essential Latin
You'll find that the conversation in Nova Roma's various fora is peppered with Latin phrases. Here are a few quick-and-dirty lessons in "essential Latin" that might make things easier to comprehend for those who never took Latin in school.
