Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

A successful brewer will use science, technology and math to run efficiently and continue their success. I would see this as a means to inspire students on the team. Is that not what FIRST is all about?
I would listen to and do appreciate the input here, but for those who oppose this sponsor, put up or.... Fundraising is difficult, to have a connection to a sponsor who is willing and values the program, why find ways to discourage them.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Many companies that produce adult beverages fund their charitable donations through foundations. The Adolph Coors Foundation comes to mind immediately as one of the better known examples. I would inquire if the brewery in question has a foundation set up for donations.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Local micro-breweries won't have this. Some possible alternatives though:

-Drop "Brewery" or "Distillery" after the name and just provide the name of the company on shirts or whatever.
-Ask to put the name of the CEO or founder as the sponsor instead of the brewery... for smaller shops this is often good enough given where the money is coming from.
-Ask them if they don't mind putting "21 means 21" or "don't drink and drive" or "drink responsibly" or something like that along with their sponsorship... gives you something for outreach and safety while also netting a sponsor.

Personally, I think this is a brilliant idea and I think we may have some new sponsors soon. :)

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Ignoring the affects of alcohol for a minute, there is so much that you can use with a brewer to "sell" it to your school, parents, and other stakeholders. Bulk manufacturing technology, some seriously cool chemistry and biology, the affects of different transportation and distribution systems. If it were me, I would start by describing the company in those terms - "There's a company that wants to sponsor the team. They're involved with bulk manufacturing, chemistry, distribution, transportation." Then at the end, once people are saying "wow, sounds like a great fit!", "oh yeah, it's such-and-such brewery".

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Kind of bugs me that in this society, parents and schools will object to sponsorship by a brewery but not by weapons manufacturers. Personally, I believe the more sponsorship, the merrier. Just like weapons manufacturers don't encourage FIRST students to commit violence, brewery sponsors shouldn't encourage FIRST students to drink, etc.

I would ask relevant authorities, parents, etc. and then if you do get the sponsorship, try and downplay the brewery side of things. Just list them as a beverage company, partial company name, their side charity name, etc.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

While I perfectly understand the moral objections to defense contractors in a vacuum, I think there's a pretty obvious difference in terms of practical differences between a defense contractor and a brewery. A high school student isn't going to go over to his friends' house and launch a tomahawk missile, but they may go to a party and drink a beer. Alcohol consumption is related to every-day, concrete parenting issues, and it's understandable that educational institutions would have pretty serious reservations about suggesting the appearance of promoting alcohol consumption around minors.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Can they sponsor you in non-monetary ways? I'm not suggesting they donate their products (although I'm sure the mentors would appreciate it), but rather have one of their employees teach a workshop on one of the more STEM-focused topics involved in the brewing process. If one of the brewers who is familiar with setting up their equipment is familiar with P&ID's, they could hold a one-night workshop on that, which translates to design of pneumatic systems nicely. Heck, even a talk on the challenges of reliably producing a product that maintains a high standard fits into the requirements of a FIRST team.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

no they only ban things that can kill people

wait

crap

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

One other item to note is that some states have laws / regulations governing companies such as alcohol-producing companies, tobacco companies, etc., in terms of restrictions as to advertising directed towards youth or support / sponsorship of youth organizations.

The brewery is probably actually more aware of these laws / regulations than you are, but it would be a good thing to remind them of. You don't want to be in a situation where you encourage / ask a prospective sponsor to break a low in order to support your team.

These laws vary from state to state, so take the guidance you receive here with a grain of salt, as most of the rest of us aren't in your state.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Regardless of what you decide, you should totally get the brewery to give the mentors a free pint every now and then :)

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Depending on your youth organization's tolerance for it, you may be able to organize a tasting night fundraiser or something like that for the 21+ crowd. I forget who did that (MOE?), but I know there was a team that did this with a local establishment.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

I'll add one more bit to this discussion. Will your current sponsors object to a brewery being listed beside them as a team sponsor? Hopefully not, but I can understand if you have a sponsor with a religious affiliation, why they might object.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Yes, MOE (FRC 365)--but check your state laws.

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

Your "average" gunshop?

I don't know any gunshops that have "caused" the number of deaths of any defense contractor that makes weapons.

this is a slippery slope discussion

Re: Sponsor can we morally seek sponsorship from a brewery
 

So what would be the difference of a grocery store like Publix or Kroger sponsoring teams? They sell beer and wine. I think there are some restaurants that may sponsor teams that sell drinks. Walmart, Costco and Sams all sell beer and wine.

I see no issue as long as the school or sponsor of the teams charter says it is ok.