Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I believe Art is referring to the event related to Dean's long-term homework assignment: create a FIRSTCommunity database for all FIRST members past and present.

Dean mentioned in Kickoff and Championship speeches the idea of having a million people impacted by FIRST march in the National Mall.

I haven't heard much about how the database is doing in terms of numbers, though. For me, the registration process seemed too lengthy (too much data requested, duplicate information input, etc.). Also, the registration request needs to be reviewed before access is granted.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I remember this but at the time, it sounded like an idea - I was wondering if it had developed into something more. A lot of advanced planning on the part of participants would have to happen to make this a go.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

Unless the FIRSTCommunity response is really BIG, the march on the Mall will probably just remain an idea. I think an organized letter-writing campaign to our representatives requesting FIRST receive a small slice of the proposed budget augmentation for education would be far easier and more effective.

Perhaps FIRST can give us a template that we can personalize with our own team stories (so it's not just a "form letter" barrage). The letter spell out how FIRST believes the money should be spent (teacher grants, team registration support, event support, etc.) and how FIRST can provide evidence for accountability and impact of the program's expenditures.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

This is what I suspect might be a problem; the lack of real motivation of our community to really stand behind what we believe in.

Writing letters is good and all, but it is a single piece of the puzzle. It's not the entire puzzle. Writing letters to politicians does nothing to convince our neighbors down the street that supporting programs like FIRST is good for the country. Rallies and public events that bring attention to our cause can expose a lot of new people to this idea. They reinforce the notion that there are motivated people behind it. Ans as long as we stay positive, motivated, and under control (there's a stark difference between a rally and an angry mob), it can serve as a major public relations event.

We as a community agree that our programs are great for the future of this country, and most politicians (from both parties, no less) that personally interact with members of our community also strongly agree with our goals. But as a democracy, it's majority rule. And right now, the FIRST community is in the minority. We need to convince the general public as much as the politicians themselves, if not more so, that our goals are good for the future of this country.

This is the reason why I believe the 20th anniversary march on the National Mall is an amazing idea. There are hundreds of teams within an eight to ten hour drive or train ride to Washington DC. But unless we as a community are able to convince a large number of the regular, non-FIRST community to show up as well in support of our goals, we'd we lucky to break a few thousand people in attendance.

But this march on Washington is something that I personally believe will wither from death by committee if the decision-making process is left pretty much entirely to FIRST HQ. For rallies to be a success, they need to be genuine grassroots efforts driven from the bottom up. Astroturf campaigns strictly managed from the top down often fail at being as effective. But at the same time, grassroots efforts need a clear goal, an end target to aim for. And right now that target is really fuzzy, other than "more teams! MORE TEAMS!!!". Clear goals, such as for example "we're aiming increase funding to math and science by $X, guarantee schools across the country can afford basic materials for hands-on science labs, include national science mandates onto the existing reading, writing, and math requirements of No Child Left Behind, etc." is what we need, because we can't hit a target if we don't know what we're aiming for.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I'm personally not a big fan of marches and rallies. I grew up during the hippie era and I think they are overrated and given too much credence. It seems one of the outcomes of that era is it promotes the concept that this is how things are done. You still see it a lot in the pop hipster culture commercials today that we get things done by 'demanding things'.

Today we live in a 'flat social networking space'. We can coordinate some really cool actions today that was not possible in the past because the cost to communicate and coordinate has fallen through the floor. (to learn more look at the Clay Shirky lectures on ted.com)

At this years kickoff and at the Olin lectures, Woodie Flowers likened 'demanding institutional change in education' to a trapeze artist act. We have been demanding educational change, but to "what!!! " . Like telling a trapeze artist to jump, but grab what ??

What I'm proposing is that we:
a) Use the social networking space (Chiefdelphi) to create a very specific set of proposals that Congress can use to craft legislation.
b) We will present it to the Congress, and it's members
c) We will coordinate the action, coordinate the letter writing campaign to support 'legislation x'

We need to come back to what 'legislation x' is going to be.

I have multiple issues with the statements on the issue of Dean or Woodie or FIRST should do x, or y, or z.

1st - this really runs against the grain of popular opinion, but it isn't necessarily the role of FIRST or Dean to hand down every decision and every everything like manna from heaven. Their job is to paint the vision, keep the flame, focus the troops.

2nd - because of the legal nature of their roles and the legal basis on which FIRST is founded they are likely not even able to suggest or lobby for legislation. Those of you that are familiar with setting up article of incorporation for a corporation, for profit or non-profit know what I'm talking about.

3rd - I am for one a 'free agent'. I work for no one (with respect to STEM or robotics or education). Most people on CD are free agents. We do not have any specific legal emcumbrances that might slow us down.

The specific proposal I'm outlining includes FIRST, but also VEX, Mate, Best, and a couple of other things.

If we can develop a specific proposal and advocate it we will do a lot better than simply demanding the the government spend X dollars on STEM. Otherwise they will spend the money anyway and it will be like pouring water through a screen door with respect to robotics.

Ed

PS - see Corky the Robot clean up the lake right here

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I agree with Ed...mostly. While I too am from the days of love and peace, we need to do things which will get media attention. The nightly newscasts always have a 'feelgood' story to end the day. Let's try to be that story! Again, as Ed says, everything doesn't have to come from FIRST HQ. Just turn all of us loose with GP and shameless self-promotion, and we can do the job!

IMHO

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

and the things you don't agree on, well...hit me....

I was thinking last night if we can get something put together, and get 100 mentors or maybe all the Chairman's and Championship Chairman's mentors to 'undersign it' then that would be a good statement to give to Congress.

kinda like one of those full page ads you see in the Wall Street Journal or USA Today, but without spending the money....

Ed

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

The only disagreement was with the utility of "demonstrations and rallies". Given the toxic environment of the summer's town hall meetings, whatever your views, I bet the media might be willing to give a "non-toxic" town hall a little air time.

In line with what you are proposing, I had drafted a message to FIRST Teams that is appropriate to post at this time. It may give us some direction for our efforts:

"Teams,

As we all ramp up to face a challenging new year, I am reminded of stories from teams across the country (and the world) who face obstacles in their own schools. Stories of being charged “janitorial fees” for having shops opened after school hours to difficulties obtaining permission to go to regional competitions, these all stem from having inadequate support from the school administrations and school boards. While the TechnoTicks are blessed in their support from the school board to the superintendant to the principal, I realize our good fortune is not shared by all of you.

I fear we suffer from being the “best kept secret” in efforts promoting STEM, despite all the efforts of Dean, Woodie and the Board of FIRST. While school policies are the responsibility of the the local Boards of Education, State Departments of Education provide leadership in encouraging, and in some cases, mandating educational policies.

In the current environment of financial restraints, we need to make the point that FIRST brings a huge investment to the school in the form of an inspirational platform for STEM education as well as the funds provided (and often equipment) by team sponsors. Teams usually require little from the schools other than provided a place to work and transportation. A big bang for the buck! The studies done by FIRST (http://usfirst.org/aboutus/content.aspx?id=46) amply demonstrate this point.

So, what I am proposing is that teams in each state (or province) approach their State Board of Education, asking for an endorsement of FIRST programs. This could take the form of a letter (or presentation) from team mentors, students, supportive school officials and of course, our sponsors.

Dean has asked us to do homework each year to spread word about FIRST. I think we need to up the ante and try to effect change at the state level to provide a more hospitable environment for team activities and team growth."

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I would march for our students' futures and for the value and quality of their education.

I would wave signs with the names and faces of our heroes on them. Heroes that have championed scientific discovery, space exploration, innovative challenges now and down through history.

I would celebrate 20 years of celebrating problem solving and effort and collaboration.

I would march. :)

But I like the message very much, Jon. Thank you for that quick turnaround time.

Jane

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

It wasn't the noise from the political world of late but there have been plenty of things in the past few years that annoy me. An example - I think a year or so ago some hipsters made a commercial about something - it might have been climate change or alternative energy or something like that. Lots of noise, lots of demands of political leaders.

The reality is real change comes from 'boots on the ground'. What we really need are more students like the ones in FIRST. Students pursuing STEM education like the ones in FIRST are the ones that will solve problems in energy, healthcare and all the rest.

That is why we built a robot to pick up trash - to demonstrate action, not talk.

I like the letter - collecting endorsements is very important.

When we give the presentation to policy makers on FIRST - the presentation is short but emphatic. 3,500 companies and institutions, 200,000 students, 85,000 volunteers, have voted with their time, money, and sweat that this is a worthy thing. Presenting those facts to is important in making a good impression.

On the issue of getting the local district / state to put their stamp of approval - look at this postcard handout

It is nothing more than marketing literature that quickly explains FIRST to teachers. Page 2 has the stuff teachers are looking for, page 1 is filler material about our team. We print the cards and pay the bills.

But the Georgia Department of Education logo is on the card. That is a powerful endorsement that didn't cost the state anything.

We get these cards and a similar email out to educators wherever/whenever appropriate.

Ed

PS - see Corky the Robot clean up the lake right here

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

Kudos to you and the Kellrobotic Team! That is exactly what I talking about in terms of getting State Endorsements. We should use Georgia as a model for the other states.

But let's take your letter idea a step further...signed by not only 100 mentors, but in essence 200,000 students (and how many alumni now whose lives FIRST has touched?), 3500 companies and 85,000 volunteers. Our team went to DC and visited every Congressman's office.....let's have a group of teams deliver that "letter" to every Congressman and Senator....and invite them to a demo outside the Smithsonian on the Mall.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

I'm all for it. The "100" number was more a figure a speech.

Ideally we can do is have the letter in support of a specific bill.

"Place golf ball on tee, tee up, swing, crack, hole in one".........

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

The strategic decision is whether to wait for a bill or to endorse the President's STEM initiative in a more generic way. Timing may be a factor here. In the meanwhile, we can use this forum to craft the letter.

Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

As in comedy, timing is everything.......

What is our smartest move ? Probably craft a very good generic endorsement to the STEM initiative, and have a specific spending proposal in 'our pocket'. Even without pulling the spending proposal out of the pocket we can build 'brand awareness'.

This is an election year coming up. Campaigns are starting everywhere. It is a good time to talk to campaigns about STEM, education, and FIRST

On the issue of brand awareness and reaching out and touching the political process a local candidate just released this today, about FIRST.


From the Poythress for Governor campaign.


THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND THE AGONY OF A DEAD BATTERY



Elizabeth and I were delighted to wake up early last Saturday morning to drive to the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base for a taste of G.R.I.T.S. We attended the opening session of GeorgiaFIRST Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase. You might recall that we went to the international robotics tournament in Atlanta this past spring. This was the 1st annual off-season event for the Georgia high school robotics teams. Twelve teams were competing, and the intensity of the contest made battery management a key element in the tournament.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) engages, celebrates and inspires students as they discover that they can be successful in science and technology. Teams work together to build a robot from the ground up. They design, construct and program the robot to fulfill a specific function – in this tournament the 5 ft tall machines had to pick up loose balls on the floor and deposit them in a basket.

As an extension to the classroom learning experience, this unique varsity sport of the mind gives young people the opportunity to work first hand with scientist, engineers, and technicians who serve as mentors to their teams. “Winning” is a function of the entire process, as points are awarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

In today’s technology-driven, global society, these students are getting a head start on their high-tech careers by putting theory into action and learning critical lessons about teamwork. And they have great fun doing it!

Thanks, once again, to the Kell High School Robotics team and Ed Barker their mentor/coach for inviting me to learn more about their efforts to spread this fascinating platform for education across the state. I look forward to continuing to work with them and learn from these inspiring young people.

the full text is here

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Re: FIRST and Obama's Innovation Strategy
 

Great work getting recognition from a major candidate!