Exploring Kingdoms: An Interview with The Kingdom of Unity

The Kingdom of Unity.

What inspired you to create the Kingdom of Unity, and how does it differentiate itself from other kingdoms?

One day the thought came to me - I'd like to see what I could accomplish to make a new kingdom. There had not been any announced since...well, for as long as I could remember. I was in a kingdom already and while I was not unhappy there, I just felt like I needed to move on. I sat on the idea for some time. I asked my closest friends and loved ones if they thought it was something I should do, and I was encouraged to. I would not have been able to do it without knowing others believed in my ideas.

 

I think what differentiates Unity from most other kingdoms is that we strive to avoid tribalism and hierarchy. We wear other kingdom flags if those kingdoms share our ideals of community and kindness. Unity is more like a family - and all families have extended family! I ask to not be called the "queen" of this kingdom. I do not wish to be considered a queen in this family. I may have founded Unity but I do not rule it. 

Can you share some of the Kingdom of Unity's major achievements and milestones?

One time we had all three spots in the Weekly Royal Tournament! It was quite an achievement. Milestones...hmm... Purchasing and creating our headquarters. I have tried to make it a nice home for all. We are almost to 50 members, and I honestly am a bit surprised and a lot happy about that. My short tenure as Queen of Society I have to also give credit to the kingdom for. If it were not for their encouragement and the fact that they believed in me, I would not have had that honor. 

 

What are the core values that guide your leadership and the culture of your kingdom?

Kindness, helpfulness, positivity and respect. Without respect we have nothing at all. That does not mean we all agree all of the time. I encourage discussion and debate, but we do not tolerate hateful behavior or words. While we may not always be happy about things, we can discuss that without it devolving into nothing but negative thought. 

How do you envision the future growth and development of your kingdom, while maintaining its atmosphere?

When I started Unity I expected rather slow growth; I have been surprised to see how fast we have grown in number and our movement in kingdom points has been much faster than I expected. However,it is important to keep our values steady and add on those who are similar in their attitudes. For this reason, while I encourage some recruitment by members, I ask that they get to know a person before encouraging them to join the kingdom. We welcome differences...but not when it will keep us from maintaining our peaceful atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, but I am okay with telling folks that it may not be the right home for them if they are hurtful to this.

 

How do you handle conflicts or challenges that may arise within your kingdom?

First, I encourage those who have conflict to try to work it out themselves. If they are not able to do this, I may mediate if all parties wish me to. My RL job requires that I do this also, so I am not a stranger to this sort of thing. I always encourage our people to do what is right for them. As we are all different, we will not always agree with each other. As long as we do this with love in our hearts I think we will be okay. 

Challenges - oh we have faced a few. I try to keep my eye on the big picture and to see things from all possible angles. I also try to maintain a positive attitude when things are challenging, and encourage, encourage, encourage. I'd rather celebrate what works well than focus on what doesn't. You get more of what you focus on. 

How do you attract and integrate new members into the Kingdom of Unity community?

I think the best way to attract new members to our community is to be visible, wear the flag (if you want to), help others, and show kindness to others. When new members arrive I think integration is pretty easy as we have a very welcoming group of people. Everyone gets a welcome folder with our Unity flag, gestures, landmarks, and I announce them. It brings me a lot of joy to see how excited folks are to see a new name. And of course, I know if a new member has a question or needs help with anything they are going to have plenty in our family who will volunteer to show them the ropes.

Can you discuss the benefits and amenities available for your kingdom's members, such as discounted farm rentals and private buoy access?

Oh yes... who doesn't wish to know what joining a kingdom will get for them? You  do pay taxes, after all. We have private buoys, discounted supplies at our headquarters, discounts at Mana Sidreal Rentals, and monthly prizes for active fishers and top fishers. Everyone gets a gift of potions each week. We have a nice headquarters that members may set to home with a bunch of games, a TV, and some cute little KittyCats everyone seems to love. A small bit of free land is offered for beginning farmers - more to come as we grow, of course. 

There are also events in the works. We want to have fun! As we grow, so do the benefits. There will be much more in the future. 

Can you discuss the decision-making process within your kingdom and how members' voices are incorporated?

Yes! First, before I take any money from our tax funds I ask in our chat or via a survey what the kingdom would like me to do with it. I may have ideas, but there is always a place for others to make suggestions. 

Some members were also very generous with donations. Before I use those donations I also ask for permission to use them. These donations helped me to purchase our kingdom headquarters land. The members had asked for our own home, and they approved the purchase. If I purchase decor, anything with kingdom donations or taxes it is first discussed with members.

The same goes for our chat rules and the like. I had a very open policy at first, but some members felt this was leading to very very negative discussions. And again, I want people to feel free to discuss concerns; however, we need to be mindful that this can lead to a collective "down" feeling and understand we don't need a spiral. This led to some rules in regards to positivity and not calling people names and such. You aren't going to get kicked out if you come in upset and need to vent. That's not the goal. The goal is to collectively find a way to help you turn around whatever is not going well and help you to find your smile again. 

What inspired you to create a kingdom where everyone has an equal voice, and how has this impacted its growth?

It's my belief that people who work together are much stronger than a group of people who just happen to have the same flag. I also think it is important that everyone feels empowered and knows it's *their* kingdom. Not mine. You know, the rules for kingdoms actually state that if the person who leads the kingdom is not doing it right and the group is not satisfied, they may have a vote to have that person removed. And it should be so. 

Now... there have been some losses in our kingdom because while this is a lovely idea, not everyone feels this is the way to do things. Or they realize it is not what they want. Everyone having an equal voice means that someone you may not be incredibly fond of has the same power as you do. It also means that if a majority decide to do something and you disagree you need to be okay with that. 

How do you envision the future growth and development of your kingdom, while maintaining its commitment to equality and respect?

 It's important to know people before encouraging them to join. We are not in a race to the top, and while I know our group wishes to grow, I also know that it's not a goal to be the biggest. It's much better to know that everyone believes it is important to keep this kingdom one that is fair and where we show each other respect. 

 

 Stay tuned for more interviews in our exploration of kingdoms!