[Banderoonies]

How to get players to join and STAY
How to get companies to sponsor us. Not high companies (ie boeing, raytheon. Our district has a controversy with that long story)
Ways to raise money as a team
Where and how to get frc experienced mentors. Problem with this is our school is unable to pay them. It would have to be volunteering.
How to properly train inexperienced mentors in everything frc.


1. we have FIRST Fridays. The first friday of every month is spent on team building games and hanging out. This really gets the new students to feel as if they are part of the group and creates a sense of "team". It is this sense of "family" that will help you keep your members.
2. Smaller sponsors. Try putting together a book explaining the program and have members go to small stores and companies. YOu would be surprised how motivating it can be when you promise a portion of each sponsor they bring in will be set aside to pay for their travel to competitions!
We also find it very helpful with sponsors when the community is aware of your team. Call and set up appointments to visit your town council, mayor, local organizations such as Elks, Lions club, UNICO, Etc. This REALLY helps.
If your town has a parade....GET IN IT! Visibility is the key to local sponsorships
3. 195 finds great success bringing our robot and sitting outside store fronts. YOu can raise from $500 to $1000 per day. Especially if you can hit a grocery store before a holiday. Remember to have a nice display, pictures, robots etc.
4. There aren't any experienced FRC members (well there are very few). The reality is you have to grow them from within. Get them to drink the FIRST kool aide. Enthusiasm of the students is key to the mentors staying and WANTING to be there. Try to ask parents of key students who have graduated to STAY with the team! Our team has mostly mentors that use to be parents many years ago...now empty nesters....we still support and mentor the team. Also on mentors...it is just as important for them to bond as it is your team members. See if one of your mentors is willing to host a mentor appreciation night where they can just hang out together, bond and grow as friends. This is key to having the group be tight nit and stay together year after year.
5. I think it is important to write everything down. Do you have a handbook? if not, get one from another team and modify it. Many teams have these open and available. Take the time to have "mentor training" classes where they can ask questions.
never underestimate the value of team building, bonding, etc. This is key to success of the team.