The Champions of Swords, often referred to as “The CoS” and pronounced “The Cause,” is a non-profit, volunteer-based social and educational organization. Its primary goal is to foster enjoyment through personal interaction centered on historical recreation and education.
The CoS is dedicated to promoting engaging social interaction, research, education, and recreation inspired by the period spanning from the invention of the sword to the time when it ceased to be considered the primary weapon in combat — approximately 3300 BCE to the 1700s CE.
To fulfill its mission, the CoS sponsors events devoted to activities that encourage social connection and member participation while striving to recreate a pre-18th-century historical atmosphere.
Participants are encouraged to wear pre-18th-century clothing styles and to re-create the culture, pastimes, and traditions of the period they wish to represent. In remaining sensitive to issues of cultural appropriation, participants should educate themselves as thoroughly as possible about the culture they portray, ensuring their representation is viewed as an authentic homage rather than a misrepresentation that could demean the culture. With this in mind, participants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the society’s standards of respect and authenticity.
CoS Core Values:
Value and respect the worth and dignity of all individuals
Empathy – We strive to recognize and understand the perspectives, feeling and lived experiences of others.
Community – We strive to build healthy long lasting relationships for our common pursuit of fun.
Accountability – We understand that mistakes happen. Being accountable for mistakes and, more importantly, being accountable when the wrong things are done.
Education – We believe that education is the enemy of ignorance, and we strive to educate ourselves to be better continually.
Equality – We understand that the greatest ideas are heard when we all have an equal voice.
Diversity – We believe all cultures, identities, and backgrounds have value and we want all perspectives.
Selflessness – We believe in something more than just ourselves.
Transparency – Light is the enemy of darkness.
Authenticity – We do what we say we will do.
