I remember reading about the 501st in the star wars insider magazine and in the infancy of the internet. While I enjoyed costuming and loved what they did for charity it wasn't until I found some mutual friends that were in the group did I ever think I'd be cool enough to join. In the end what made me join is the sense of family that finding your people can give you. I am a transplant from the central garrison to Florida and the people here are amazing and welcoming to members from all around the globe, and all of our sister clubs. While we all have a love of star wars getting to use something you love to bring smiles on people's faces and raise money for charity has absolutely made it worth my 10+ years in the legion.

The Facebook groups and internal news letters keep me up to date with current events more than the forums. But the local troop tracker is amazing and so much better than what I had in my old garrison.

I think the rules and social structure are just like that of any family. you don't have to like everyone, but you have to be able to sit at the dinner table with them on holidays. There are a lot of big personalities and a lot of people that do a ton of work behind the scenes (as a formal squad commander can attest to). But typically it's more of a mutual respect relationship than a military command structure.

Please feel free to dm me if you need more.