[treffk]

Super long post. The first section is not absolutely necessary to be read, it just explains my background that shaped my response on the topic.

Personally speaking, this upcoming season marks my 10th year with FIRST. My 4 years as a student I cannot recall working on the robot itself besides posing for a picture. In my 4 years as an onsite mentor (I moved and assisted the team remotely this past year) I occasionally assisted with the technical side. If I remember correctly I helped put together a wheel. Otherwise I stuck to the business side of things. Not to say I do not know how to use tools, I grew up using most power tools, power saws being the exception, and know how to use most hand powered tools. The reason for my disconnect between being technical and non-technical goes back to my freshman year on the team. It was comprised of 12 students, 10 of those were male. The grade breakdown for the team was 2 freshman, 1 sophomore, 2 juniors and 7 seniors. Being a freshman female, no one actively allowed me to work with the robot and it stuck. This year as a FIRST VISTA I'm hoping to become more technical to compliment my business skills with FIRST. That being said:

Sometimes those who are on the non-technical side felt pressured to be there and like they couldn't work on the technical side because they currently lack the skills and knowledge. I feel the relationship between technical and non-technical could be better by allowing opportunities on both sides for them to work uncriticized. I've recently been reading the FTC Mentor's Manual (because this program is my weakest point with FIRST) I cannot find the exact section now to reference It reads "Most FTC Team members take on multiple roles. It is suggested that each student be on at least two subgroups: one in which he or she shows strength, and one in which he or she can learn from others.". It mentioned when assigning sub-teams. Possibly have the students be on two (with FRC this could be difficult during build season, so maybe have a 1st and 2nd priority sub-team) one where they are strong and one where they are weaker and would like to cultivate the skill. This could be a way to get some non-technical members into the technical side of things. This could even be just a summer project where technical students coach and assist non-technical students to build a robot. Another things is have all students participate on the business side during the summer. Everyone actively recruit students and sponsors, participate with fundraisers and promoting FIRST in general. Allowing opportunities for those who normally do not work with it are essential, even if someone is planning on being an engineer after they graduate they will still need some of those business skills. Even if someone is wanting to go into a business field, technical knowledge can help when working with technical minded people as they can sort of relate and maybe shape their answers in a way that might be easier to understand.